THE MOST Pleasant History of Blanchardine, Son to the King of Friz; & the fair Lady Eglantine Queen of Tormaday, (surnamed) The proud Lady in LOVE.  
LONDON Printed for William Blackewall, and are to be sold at his Shop, over against Guild▪ Hall Gate. 1595.   

The Epistle  
of my duty to your worshipful house. But having imagined many ways to present you with the testimony of my humble love, & finding none either more agreeing to mine estate, or fitting for your worship then this new translation of this pleasant history out of Latin, which I have at idle times under taken: whose style, although it may seem rude and barbarous and unfitting your Worship, yet I do not mistrust but the matter being both pithy and pleasant will incite you to read it at your leisures & censure it (not according to the worth) but according to the dutiful desire of the giver.  
And though I the unskilfullest of many do seem as it were to pluck Hercules' club out of his hands in undertaking this translation, which might beseem a far deeper scholar than myself: yet having not in my poor opinion impaired the credit nor wronged my Author in my translation forcing him to speak rude English (which floweth with eloquence in latin) yet because my leisure served and my duty bade me be thankful, I rather chose this more than any other, which with all dutiful affection I commend to your learned view. Thus craving your acceptance of this poor widows mite, undertaking the patronage of the same I wish you all health and happiness.  
Your worships at command. P. T. G.   


Chap. 1.  
The first Chapter entreateth of the birth of Blanchardine, his nurssing and his bringing up.  
AMongst many ancient Chronicles importing the haughty exploits of sundry nations, Lords and Princes: this story of the valorous Blanchardine deserveth greatest commendation of true and perfect magnanimity.  
At the time when a general peace concluded throughout the most part of Christendom, when gentlemen and Noble Peers made their return from arms and applied themselves to domestical and country pastimes:  
There reigned a King in the Realm of Freeze redoubted for manhood and prows, abounding in goods and possessions, reverenced and beloved both of his subiect●… and equals, and most happy in all his attempts [saving in the want of issue] to succeed him in his king done, whereof, both he and the Queen his wife were most pensive and discontented: and by mutual complaints greatly bewailed this misfortune. But the Queen desirous to frustrate the scandal that might arise by reason of her ba●…ēnes: day by day, (in most devout and humble manner) solicited the Gods to send her a son, whose daily and devout prayers penetrating the heavens, by the permision and favour of the Gods she conceived and bore a son, whom at the christening they named Blanchardine. This unexpected joy bred such a contentment to the King and Queen, and a comfort to all the Realm●…, that after humble thanks given to the Gods: feasts, banquets and all triumphs were proclaimed throughout the Realm of Friz And least the Child (should by absence from the Parents through negligence of the Nurse) miscarry: the Queen herself undertook his nurssing and bringing up.  
The Child grew in beauty, proportion, wit and manners, beyond the expectation of all men. And when he was arrived to the age of discretion, he was committed to the tuition of a grave and learned Tutor to be instructed in Philosophy, by whose industry and painful labour he soon attained to perfection: his exercises and disports at idle times were hawking, hunting, and playing at Chess, and in such pastimes he spent some part of his youth till his maturity and riper age, made him desirous to follow arms and feats of chivalry, as hereafter you shall here.   

Chap. 2.  
How Blanchardine walking in his Father's Palace accompanied with his Tutor, he perused in the hangings of Tapestry and Arras, the sack and destruction of the famous City of Troy.  
IT happened on a day that Blanchardine and his Tutor walking within the Palace of the King his father, and steadfastly perusing the abstracts & devices in the hangings, demanded of him what warlike siege and slaughter of men, that might be which he saw figured in the same: and hearing his Master so to blazon the wars of the Greeks' in this ten years siege 'gainst Troy gave more d●…ilgent attendance especially when he b●…held the valiancy of Hector, Troilus, Paris, Diophoebus, A●…ax, and withal, the ingenious capacity of grave Ulysses: the large circuit of the City, and princely buildings of the same: so that from that time forth he conceived small delight in any thing, but only in recording the magnanimity, haughty courages and the great commendations atcheiued by that victory. Then questioned he with his Master of the blazonry of arms, and the quartering of these coats, which were portrayed in the said tapestry: wherein being by him most perfectly resolved, his mind was more & more instigated and pricked forward to achieve the honour which others in that map had (as he learned) acquired: so that (all other pleasures and delights laid apart) continually practised both in action and in reading, the imitation of those valorous wars, neither thought he any time so well bestowed as either in reciting, reading or conferring of those wars.   

Chap. 3.  
The devices of Blanchardine after he had left his conference with his Master & of his departure from his Father's Court without the privity of any.  
BLanchardine being come into his Chamber, pensive and sad that he had not achieved any enterprise neither as yet had learned to bear arms by reason of the tender care his Parents had over him, concluded with himself the means of his departure, and covertly practised with himself some secret way for his escape, lest that the privity thereof being once discovered he should be prevented of his purpose.  
In these perplexities and solitary devices he spent great part of his time, sur-cha●…nged with exceeding anguish of mind for his adventurous flight: and fearing least poverty might breed danger, he purveyed himself of a most rich & trustry sword belonging to the King his father, which when he had fastened to his side, he took more courage than before: then pricked forward with the spur of honour and arms, he forthwith left his Parents and people surprised with sound sleep, and about the hour of one of the clock in the morning came to the stable where stood many gallant & serviceable horses: but amongst all other, he chose the courser his father took greatest pleasure in, whom incontinently he saddled and furnished with a most sumptious caparizon: whom when he had made ready, (as he imagined) he led softly out of the stable, the Grooms by reason of their heavy sleep hearing no 'noys at all.  
Thus finding himself free and unseen of any, he incontinently mounted his horse, and being mounted on his back, he posted away with all celerity: But leaving Blanchardine on his journey that way which fortune led him, I will make mention what pitiful complaints were made in the Court, after his departure for his absence.   

Chap. 4.  
The pitiful complantes made in the Court for the absence of Blanchardine.  
AFter the silent night had taken her pitchy Car to run to our Antipodes, Phoebus being mounted on his glorious coach entered the Horizon: the Grooms (according to custom) coming into the stable and missing the King's Courser, ran here and there making most pitiful acclamations: which being suddenly brought to the ears of the King, the whole Court grew in an v●…rore what might betide of him, till being farther informed that his son Blanchardine was no where to be found, present scouts & posts were sundry ways dispatched, to make inquiry after him but all in vain: for Blanchardine being well mounted, road so fast, that before day he had gone above twenty miles from his Father's Court: The Messengers desperate of his inquest, in all places of their return gave strait charge to the inhabitants that diligent search should forthwith be made throughout the Realm of Freeze for Blanchardine, and he that could bring first tidings of him to the Court should be most amply rewarded for his pains: But when a month was past and no tidings brought to the King of his son: Oh the pity full outcries and continual laments that both the King, the Queen and all the Court made, was far e●…ceeding my capacity to conceive & much more my pen to write: But the Queen (whose tender care of her only son was greater than the rest, upon the pr●…sent return of the posts) sounded with grief, and remaining in this exta●…e the ●…ace of an hour, at length coming to herself began her exclaims in ●…his 〈◊〉.  
Oh ungentle heavens by whose mighty 〈◊〉 all terrestial things are governed, what disasters do you continually ●…ap upon our heads? oh accursed nature that thus unnaturally thou shouldest b●…reaue me of the joy of my soul, when my only s●…lace rested in the happy sight of my 〈◊〉: and thou accursed earth, why hast thou given him leave to walk on thee from the sight of his Parents, whose solace is turned to sadness, whose mirth to mourning, whose bliss to bale, whose happiness to heaviness, whose life to dismal death? But ah fond Woman, what boot these bootless tears, these uncouth passions, and tragical complaints, when there rests no hope of 〈◊〉?  
In these and such like extremes, the King, the Queen and all the Court did spend great part of their time: and in these agon●…es I will leave them to recount wh●…t the adventure of 〈◊〉 was.   

Chap. 5.  
How Blanchardine having road all night, ●…ound an armed Knight sore wounded lying on the ground etc.  
BLanchardine having road all the night, and finding both himself and his horse begin to be weary, and not any adventure worthy recounting: 〈◊〉 though rough a large forest by many buy paths (for fear of espials) chanced at last to find a man armed, lying groveling on the g●…ound all 〈◊〉 in his own gore, being by a knight most 〈◊〉 encountered: who not only had be mangled his limbs, but also bereft him of his love and Mistress which he had carried away perforce: when Blanchardine beheld this most heavy spectacle, alighting from his horse comforting the dismayed knight, holp to bind up his bleeding wounds & withal enquiring of him the cause of his mishap & the man that so inhuman like had left him in this distress: he answered, brave young Lord, I traveling along these plains tending my 〈◊〉 ●…o my house, distant from hence not past two leagues, was on the sudden encountered by a villain who not only hath left me mangled and wounded as you see, but also hath carried by force from me my wife, whose absence will be the present cause of my death, and whose danger brings greater sorrow to my heart then all these wounds, which I endure.  
Why quoth Blanchardine how long since departed he hence and left you thus distressed? the wounded Knight replied, scarce half an hour ago, he took his way towards yonder wood and carried my love with him: then replied Blanchardine I never yet until this day have undertaken arms, but let me request you to honour me with the order of knighthood and I will pawn my life to die or to recover again your love. Then said the wounded man I will not only make you knight, but withal (if you please) arm you with this my armour and lance, that shall add more strength to your courage: and beside, I will ●…rorate the Gods, to send you all happiness, not only in this, but in all other your honourable attempts.  
Sir quoth Blanchardine, I think me sufficiently honoured, by this your offer, therefore disarm yourself speedily, that he may not be past recovery, before I overtake him. So the wounded Knight armed him, and invested him with the order of Knighthood: when Blanchardine saw himself thus arrayed, his youthly courage pricked him on, who taking his horse, mounted the Saddle, where bravely managing him upon the plain, to prove how well he could rule his Lance, found himself (as he thought) fit for this enterprise. And so with valiant c●…rage, and cheerful countenance, he took his leave of the 〈◊〉 Knight, and posted after the other, that had carried away his wife.  
He had not ridden long, but he perceived the tracktes, & footsteps of a horse, that had lately gone that way▪ and following those steps, with a speedy pace, he heard the pitiful complaint, that a Lady made to appease the raging lust of a villain who sought perforce to ravish her, whom presently he found hid under the shadow of a leafye tree, beating the poor distressed Lady, the wife of the wounded knight: to whom making speedy approach, vassal (quoth he) desist from this cruel and damnable enterprise, for I swear by heaven, I will make thee repent this absurd villainy.  
The Knight seeing Blanchardine to be young, & greatly grieved for his sudden approach, made semblance of much wrath, but Blanchardine with austere countenance, & Princely voice, commanded him presently to free the Lady, whom most wrongfully he had carried away from her husband, whom he left almost ready to yield up the ghost.  
The knight disdaining to be so upbraid by so young a knight, bestirred himself presently, and made him ready to the fight. But (withal) commanded Blanchardine to desist from his enterprise, and leave him to his pleasure (or if not) it should cost him his life.  
Blanchardine not able to endure these cruel menaces, willed him to address him to the combat quickly, or he would send him body and soul to hell: whereupon he furnished himself to the fight.  

The combat between Blanchardine and the Knight.  
THese brave cavaliers being mounted, encountered each other, with such agility that their spears shivered in the air, & each of them admiring the valour of his foe: and finding their lances broken, they betook themselves to their swords: long remained the fight doubtful, till Blanchardine remembering the equity of his quarrel, and the honour he should achieve by this conquest, with all the agility and strength he could, (mounting himself on his stirrups) so fiercely assailed his foe, that unnayling his armour and unlacing his helmet, he sent him to carry news of Blanchardines' valour, to the infernal ghosts. which when the Lady saw so bravely accomplished, she forthwith gave thanks to God and him for this delivery. Then Blanchardine, severing the head of the slain traitorous Knight from his body, hung it at the pombell of his Saddle, and set the Lady on the Knight's horse, and posted towards the wounded knight: ●…ut on the way, she demanded of Blanchardine in what state he had left her knight? to whom he replied, that though he were greatly wounded, yet was he living: alas (quoth she) let us post to comfort him with as great speed as we may: But approaching the place where they found him dead, which sight so amazed and discomforted the sorrowful Lady, that calling to heaven for vengeance on the soul of her adversary, she presently yielded up the Ghost: which strange event, so amazed Blanchardine to s●…e such perfect ami●…ie to rest in two conjoined hearts, that leaving them and disarming himself of his armour (being to heavy for his carriage) he took again his mantle which before he had left with the knights and posted away: but remembering this integrity of affection between them, he felt the sting of love to penetrate the entrails of his tender heart.    

Chap 6.  
How Blanchardine came to a river which he could not pas●…e, and the knight of the Ferry sent him aboate to pas●…e him over.  
LOng rid Blanchardine through the forest, till at length he came to a high hill, at the foot whereof there ran a river most deep and perilous, whether when Blanchardine was come, he traversing up and down to find a passage, was espied by the knight of the ferry and by him advised not to venture over (in any case) because there was no landing on the other side. Blanchardine alighting, thanked the knight much, & requested the boat to ship him over, which the knight of the Ferry presently dispatched away. Blanchardine entering the boat was by the industry of two Mariners conducted to the further short: at whose arrival the knight of the Ferry attended to receive him, with such kind and courteous salutations, that much increased Blanchardines' love towards him, and the knight precisely viewing the singular beauty of Blanchardine mixed with a kind of majesty and courage, requested to know the place of his abode, and the cause of his coming thither: to whom Blanchardine with princely grace and eloquent speech related at large the Country where he was born, & the adventure that moved him to travel, which was by reason that all parts about the Realm of Freeze, were settled in tranquillity & quiet: and hereupon he undertook this inquest to acquire honour and fame by his Chivalry.  
The knight of the Ferry much delighted with this brave resolution, and highly commending the valour of Blanchardine (being so young and yet of so haughty courage) requested him h●…me to his house, where both himself and his horse did rest and refreshed themselves for a day or two: Then Blanchardine (loath to linger or make longer stay) craved leave of his gentle host, the knight of the Ferry to departed: who accompanying him a little way, discoursed at large the state of that Country unto him and many other novels which hereafter shallbe shown.   

Chap. 7.  
How the Knight of the Ferry discoursed at large to Blanchardine the state of the Country, and the beauty of the Princess thereof.  
AFter this fréendl●… repast which Blanchardine had received with the Knight of the Ferry, Blanchardine riding s●…ftly on the river side with the knight in his comp●…nie, requested him to ens●…rine him of this Country, & the state thereof, under whose government it then was: The Knight most desirous to satisfy Blanchardines' request, began in this sort to unsolde the circumstance▪  
This Country (quoth he) is called Dalm●…cia whereof Tormayd●… is the principal and chief City governed by the most beautiful, chaste & princely Lady Eglantine, who is now regent and Queen thereof: and by reason that divers Kings, Lords & Princes have solicited her in marriage (alured through her magnificency and surpassing beauty which all the world admyreth) yet her chaste life beautified with virginity controls and countermands love and all his laws: And héeruppon she is surnamed Eglantin●… the fair, Queen of 〈◊〉: yet the proud Lady in love. But not far hence there is a proud Panim King called Alimodes of 〈◊〉, that would have enforced our Princess to marry him, after the refusal of many christian kings: and by reason of her denial, he is now preparing to invade her dominions, and that which he cannot win by love and promises, he will attempt by fire and sword: for her beauty hath carried such praise and commendation throughout the world, that all the neighbouring Princes have prosecuted her love, and every one hath given over his suit saving Alimodes, he (I say) whom no answers will satisfy, endeavoureth to compel her to wed him by force. Now (if it shall please God) that you by your haughty prows and manly courage, shall defend her from Alimodes, I doubt not but that in time, (considering your excellency of person and princely behaviour) she may consent to be your wife: alas Sir, (quoth Blanchardine) can you imagine any possibility in me to obtain her whom so many Princes of high estates have undertaken, and have their intents and purp●…ses annihilated? no, no, Sir I neither can or will presume so high: but all the service that my ability is able to perform, shall rest at her employment and command.  
Well sir answered the knight of the ferry, nothing is impossible in love, and although she have been hitherto most obstinate and perverse in liking: yet love may chance to make seizure upon her tender heart, when she lest suspecteth.  
And by reason of the entire affection I bear you, (seeing you so resolute, to perform any thing for our Country's good) If it shall please you to be ruled by my advice, I will undertake that our Queen shallbe your wife, and thus it is.  
The King Alimodes (as I told you) intends war to ●…ur Princess, where upon seeing the infinite companies of hi●… soldiers, and the audacious boldness of himself, making provision to besiege the City of Tormaday (Whether my Lady is going) both for the strength of the place, and the fidelity of the subjects, from a castle of hers not far hence: and the rather to augment the courages of her knights and inhabitants there, against the aforesaid king Alimodes. It were convenient that you should present yourself unto her, to aid her in these wars: which I know she will accept so thankfully, that nothing can bring her (at this time) more content: you shall (I say) therefore go, and in your journey I know you shall over take her, accompanied with a most gallant and redoubted troup of Dukes, Earls, Lords, Barons, and Knights: But her age, & custom is, to ride very softly & behind all the troup, only accompanied, with an aged Lady, whom she calleth her nurse: and for her gravity, hath the greatest credit and pre-eminence with the Queen: now sir if you can by all the possible means devise to fasten a kiss upon her lips, I'll pawn my life, you shallbe the happiest man alive, and the only possessor of her love: fail not therefore to do as I have counseled you, but as secret as you can: & so I commit you to the mercy of God, and the favour of the Queen.  
Blanchardine comforted with these good news, after a gentle conjoy taken of the knight, he bethought himself how he might obtain a kiss of the Queen. And meditating upon this only thing, at last he espied the gallant troup of Lords, according to the tale and report, of his host the knight of the ferry. But approaching something nearer, he espied the Queen accordingly, hindmost in the same train: only accompanied with an old Lady: then Blanchardine (pricked forward by the instinct of love, and the knight's warrantise) determined with himself to effect his purpose, although he should lose his life therefore: and in this thoughthe called upon God to aid him in his enterprise.   

Chap 8.  
How Blanchardine overtook the proud Lady in love, and kissed her.  
AS soon as Blanchardine came in sight of the Queen thrust forth by hope, yet recalled by fear, but most desirous to accomplish and effect his determination, seeing the Lady rid a great way behind her company: and finding the place convenient, spurred his horse and ran so hastily that the Queen wundering who that might be that posted so fast after, turning her head to look back, their lips met with sweet conjunction.  
Then Blanchardine (having performed as much as he desired) galloped swiftly away, saluting the nobles of the train with such a debonair and amiable countenance, that they were all astonished, what princely cavalier he might be that posted so far afore the company: and withal, carrying a singular and great c●…mmendation with all the beholders, and specially with the Ladies and Gentlewomen, every one imagining him to be descended from some high parentage: yet wondering the cause, why he posted so fast without company.  
Thus Let him ride on till he come to the City, and leave to speak of him now, and turn to the Lady Eglantine Queen of Tormaday most discontented for the kiss Blanchardine had given her.   

Chap. 9  
The most pitiful complaint of the Queen for the kiss of Blanchardine.  
AFter that the Queen had bethought her of the kiss she received fr●…m Blanchardine, she incontinently (as a woman dis-straught of her senses) fell into a sound: which her Nurse perceiving, and fearing lest she should take hurt by falling f●…om her nag, alighted to rescue her. But the Queen (some what recalling her senses, and coming again to herself) began in this sort to complain, with abundance of tears that trickled down her cheeks. Ah heavenly Dia●… sacred Queen of holy nymphs: O thou Celestial Goddess, whom from my Infancy I have adored, revenge chaste Hecoetae this outrage which is offered to me, by that accursed stranger: I that have hitherto preserved my body, from the raging heat of lawless lust, am now unwittingly surprised, when least I suspected: O had I called unto my train at that very instant, to have murdered the villain in his flight, rather than so dasterdly a lad should triumph in my spoil: But hear I vow, that no day, time or hour, shall pass, wherein I will not seek revenge of that cruel and accursed traitor, who thus arogantly hath distained both my vow and honour. Ah nurse, what shall I do, shall I send these Lords post after him, to slay him before he entered the City? or if he be entered before they come, shall I by my express commandment, charge my servants and loving subjects, that he never see more days than this? The nurse seeing her in these extremes, sought by all means to assuage, and pacify her tears, and began to persuade her in these terms.  
What madame, make you such an Idol of yourself, that for a kiss you will seek to shed the blood of so noble and brave a gentleman as he is, whose kindness to you meriteth no such hate? If you punish such slender faults with like rigour as you mean to inflict on this gentleman, what will you do to him that entreateth you in more dishonourably sort? Be pacified (for shame madam) and let not the world wonder at that, which none but I & you are acquainted withal: leap madame upon your palfrey, and dry up these womanish tears, least being by your own folly bewrayed, it breed a scandal to your name, and no benefit to yourself.  
By these, or the like persuasions, the nurse appeased the queens passions, who mounted on her palfrey, road to the City of Tormada, intending yet nevertheless, (if she could hear any news of Blanchardine) to punish him by one mean or other: in which opinion let her rest, and return we again to Blanchardine.   

Chap. 10.  
How Blanchardine entered the City of Tormaday and was lodged at the Provosts house.  
PResently as Blanchardine was entered the City of Tormaday, perusing with diligent circumspection, the situation of the town, the stately Buildings of Abbeys, Churches, Monasteries, and sumptuous houses, besides the great, and manifold commodities, which the sea by his neighbourhood, did enrich the City withal, he grew into great admiration with himself what and how happy a man he might be, if he could so effect his desired purpose as to wed the Queen & be sole King & commander of so royal an Empire: and in these meditations, approaching to the chief market place of the city, he made inquisition for lodging for himself and his horse: unto whom reply was made, that by reason of the multitude of the train which came with her majesty, the town had scarce place to furnish those that were coming in their aid, against King Aimodes. But if it pleased him to go to the house of the Provost, there no doubt but he might find entertainment and be lodged: Blanchardine requested him to direct him the way to the Provosts house, which he willingly consented to do. So he approaching near the Provosts gate, espied him sitting there: of whom Blanchardine in most kind and civil manner, demanded lodging, but the Provost replied, know sir, that he that determineth to lodge here, must perform the contents written in this marble stone over the gate. Then Blanchardine fixing his eyes on the stone and this inscription, which did no whit at all discontent him.  

He that will enter here,  
must try it by shield and spear:  
Against all those that be herein,  
or else his cheer shallbe but thin.   
WHen Blanchardine had read this Inscription, he smiled to himself, thinking by this mean, not only to be lodged in the Provosts house, the principal of the City: but also (if he could conquer and subdue him) to purchase great commendation of the inhabitants, so that at the length, his valour might be certified and made known to the Queen, in whose excellent beauty his thoughts were harboured. The Provost perceiving that he had read the inscription, and withal to smile at the news, made inquiry if he meant to lodge in his house that night or no? Blanchardine replied, that if he might be furnished with armour, shield and lance accordingly, he would perform as much as the writing did import.  
The Provost wondering at the audacity of Blanchardine commanded forthwith his men to arm him: whom when the Provost and all the people beheld armed, they with one consent adjudged him a man of most excellent prows and person: Blanchardine mounting presently his horse, called to the Provost to hasten to the fight: it was not long, before the Provost was seated in his sadd●…e, when the Trumpets giving the charge, they encountered the one the other with such dexterity, that all the people stood astonished to behold their surpassing prows and strength: the Provost shivered his spear upon Blanchardine, but Blanchardine pierced the Provosts shield through, & by the violence of his career forced the Provost out of his saddle to the ground: Then Blanchardine alighting to unlace his helmet, thinking either to constrain him to yield, or to dis-furnish him of his head, was prevented of his intended purpose: For the Provost having two Daughters of passing beauty (who beheld the issue of the fight) seeing their Father in peril of his life, prostrated themselves at the feet of Blanchardine, humbly requiring life for their father: Blanchardine noting their excellent features, presently condescended to their petitions. And by this time, the Provost [dazzled by the fury of Blanchardines' stroke] came to his senses: and perceiving that he was vanquished, besought him to remit his forepast fault, and withal taking his sword from his side delivered it to Blanchardine in acknowledging himself subdued: which Blanchardine no sooner received, but redelivered it again with all kindness, [saying] that the exceeding perfections of his daughter's beauties had freed him from danger, so that he should not be farther endamaged: Then the Provost humbly requested him to enter his house, and both he and all his would rest the vassals of his command.  
Now Blanchardine being brought within the Provosts house, was by his two daughters led into a most sumptuous Chamber, furnished with all things to his estate appertaining, and by those two Virgins disarmed, and presented with a most fair gown furred with Martin's to put on.  
Now in the mean, the Queen being entered within the City, presently repaired to her lodging, and in haste sent for her Nurse to confer about Blanchardine whom she deadly hated: But (saving her Nurse & the Captain of Tormayday) durst none be so bold as to approach to her presence that night: The Captain after he had done his reverence unto her Majesty, informed her Highness of the arrival of a strange Knight, who lately entering the City had combated the Provost & overcome him: which (when he had delivered) Then the proud Pusell in A●…, knew by the captains relation of Blanchardines' horse and apparel, the it was he that had kissed her the same day, but as then she made no show or semblance thereof: yet she commanded him to see diligent watch and ward throughout the City for fear of Allimades, and with this answer bade him good night.  
So soon as the Captain was gone, she called her Nurse unto her saying: this traitor is entered the town and hath vanquished the Provost and lodgeth in his house, and for this night I am content to suffer him, but so soon as day appeareth, I will give strict command that he die an evil death, [as I am Queen of Tormaydar] and if the Provost shall deny or refuse to deliver him, I will utterly confound him and all his: In this sort the Queens spent all the night without comfort, still exclaiming against Blanchardine.   

Chap. 11.  
The unceassant complaints that the Queen made to her Nurse of the outrage offered her by Blanchardine, for the kiss he gave her, and the gentle reply and persuasions of the Nurse.  
THe Queen in this manner [as you have heard] much displeasant for the kiss of Blanchardine, now being in the company of her Nurse, when the calm silence of the night procured sleep to all creatures: she could not rest, but devising what revenge she might take on Blanchardine, begun in this manner: Oh sweet Nurse, advise me I heartily pray thee what death I may cause him die, that thus against all humane nature and the estate of a Prince hath violently offened me with this dishonour? I mean in the morning either to cause him presently to be hanged, drowned, burnt, his head to be smitten off or his body to be quartered, and piecemeal dragged through the City: and still she seemed so obstinate in this her resolute determination, that neither any persuasions that her Nurse could imagine nor any remorse in herself could once calm this her inc●…ssant rage: till at last the Nurse seeing the folly of the Queen, and fearing the damage that might hereby arise unto her, broke out in these terms.  
Madame, this Impatience beseemeth not a Princess, neither can it any way redound to your honour thus to revenge this simple wrong offered by the knight, whose love to you above all other of your train, made him adventure the purchasing of your displeasure. And if in regard of this secret stolen kiss, which nothing at all doth diminish the commendation of your beauty, neither the dignity of your estate, you will so tyrannize over the poor (yet valiant) Gentleman: I think that either you are led by some enchanted fury, or else have given over the true type of honour, to embrace pusillanimity and folly: May not the most credible report of the Captain of the invincible valour of the Knight dissolve your combust melancholy, & revengeful humour, in which [I say] there is neither wit, magnanimity nor honour: Leave Madam leave, [and the rather at my request] these cruel minaces which now you doom upon this brave knight whose merit deserves no such meed.  
When the Nurse had ended this persuasive speech, and that the Lady was somewhat reclaimed & recalmed from her intended rage: she began to meditate with herself, of the brave perfections which both she had seen & also had heard by the report of the Captain to be in Blanchardine: & even then [I say] began the winged Boy Cupid to make seizure of her tender heart, which before that time never could take the impression of love, being so adamanted by nature and folly: and began thus secretly to confer with herself.  
What, am I led by fury or frenzy, or do I wake or sleep, that have thus far overshot myself, to condemn so brave a knight for a kiss? doubtless I cannot but imagine that mere love pricked him forward to attempt to kiss me, or else seeing the brave & warlike troup which did at that instant attend me, and withal, the majesty of my carriage: he would not have (as then) adventured to have done it, for he might well have assured himself that if I should have made but the least complaint to my Lords at that time, he could never have escaped with life: well, I will mitigate this my angry mood and pardon this fault, for the val●…ancy I perceive to be in him, besides his beauty & stately proportion of body, which makes me to conjecture, that he cannot be discendded of base and mean parentage, but issued from most princely race of Kings: And therefore I mean to choose him to my general in these my wars against this most pertured infidel King Alimodes: and I doubt not but that all my subjects will give an applauditie to this my resolution: but my displeasure which was so sorely bend against him, I will grace him with honour and kindness. Yet by the way, I vow, not to love him, nor any man living, (in regard of carnal lust or marriage) whose issue is mere repentance and folly.   

Chap. 12.  
The Arrival of Alimodes the Panim King at the City of Tormaday with his huge host of fourscore thousand Sarizens and the siege laid thereunto.  
AFter the Queen had passed the night in these passions (as you have heard) early in the morning news was brought, that the Panim King Alimodes, was on the Sea, bending his course towards Tormaday, and that it would not be long before his arrival: The Queen sent presently to all her nobles and subjects to arm themselves, for the defence of the city, & withal, caused great & abundant provision of victual to be brought within the walls. But not long after, she with her nurse mounting up into a high turret and looking towards the main, they might descry a far off, the huge and mighty Navy, which by the appendents, Streamers, Flages and other signs, she well perceived to be the King. Alimodes fleet: whereupon incontinently she caused her Nobles and Vassals to be advertised that speedy preparation might be made, to hinder and forbidden their landing: But before they could make provision, the King and his company were come a shore, to the great admiration of the beholders, for the innumerable troup of soldiers and retinue: and being landed, they forthwith spread themselves upon the plains before the City, er●…cting their Pavilions and Tents in all haste.  
In company of the King came to this siege, Darivi his son and one of his daughters of passing beauty and two other kings: the one of which was by computation fifteen foot high, more terrible to behold then Goliath to David. The king associated with his son and these two kings, came before the gates, summoning the Citizens to come to a parley, who mounting on the walls, inquired the cause of his approach in such warlike manner? unto whom the king replied, That unless they would deliver the Lady Queen Eglantine, that proud Lady in love, to be his wife, he would never give over his assault and siege, till he had not only wasted the whole country with fire and sword, but also razed the walls of that famous City flat to the ground, and then perforce would he have her, which he now by entreaty desireth to wed. The townsemen replied, that neither they had any dread of his bravadoes, neither yet would deliver their Queen into the hands of so mahematicall a miscreant (as himself) but therein presence of the two kings, gave defiance to his face. And upon this answer, Alimodes commanded the Cannon to be planted against the walls, and the soldiers to give their assault: There might you hear the Cannos roaring, the Barbed horses neighing, the glistering armour shining, the drums striking up, the Trumpets and clarions sounding the dismal and cruel March of the Pagans: he caused his chief standard, to be erected in the midst of his host, against which the ordinance of the City played such music, that many of the Turks were sent to hell, to do homage to their God Mahomet: the rest did so closely (by their continual industry) entrench themselves, that the Cannon could have no power over them:  
But the Citizens omitting no time that might serve for their purpose, made a secret issue out of the Town, and so on the sudden set upon them, that at the least two thousand of them were slain without any hurt to the townsemen (almost at all.)  
The Captain and the Provost being expert warriors, seeing the great discomfiture of their enemies, sent presently new supply out of the town and so pursued the enemy, that at the least they slew fourteen hundred more, at which sudden alarm, the King himself (not hearing before of the slaughter of his men) gave a fresh charge upon the Citizens, so as they were (by reason of the multitude of their adversaries) compelled to recoil back, and entered the town at a postern gate, which they had given most especial charge to the Citizens, to be kept for that purpose.  
Now Alimodes hearing the retreat of his enemies sounded, he retired himself again into his pavilion, greatly displeased for this his extreme loss & slaughter of his soldiers at the beginning of his siege: but Blanchardine all this while standing upon the walls, and seeing the valour of the Citizens, and the discomfiture of the infidels, mourned to himself: whom when the Provost being returned had saluted, inquiring the cause of his heaviness: (Ah sir quoth he) I have forsaken father, and mother, country and friends to seek adventures in strange lands, and wishing all happiness to the most redoubted Empress of Tormaday: yet finding myself altogether unarmed, and unfit to enter the sight unfurnished, makes me to have this dolance and grief. The provost greatly commending the generosity and manly courage of Blanchardine, presently gave him the choice of all his armours, and himself fitted it on his back, and commanded his horse presently to be brought forth, intending both to issue together out upon the enemy.  
One of the daughters of the Provost, perceiving Blanchardine to be armed, ready to be gone with her father, brought him a white damask caparizon for his horse. And withal a black scarf for himself to wear, which she requested him to carry in his helmet for her sake: Blanchardine most thankfully received these friendly presents, and employed them as you have heard. So the damosel recommending them both to the protection of God, humbly took her leave.   

Chap 13.  
How Blanchardine behaved himself in the fight against Alimodes, and of the great affection, that the Pucell in amours conceived of Blanchardine.  
BLanchardine and the Provost thus bravely mounted, made haste to the gate of the City, to issue out on the enemy: whether being arrived, buckling on their helmets, their shields at their backs and their lances in their hands, thus having the conduct of three thousand men, they marched in equipage, out of the town towards the enemy, who not unprovided, awaited their coming. Blanchardine burning in desire of glory, put himself into the foremost rank, and being without the Barriers of the town, they began to encounter each other, so that the noise of their horses made the earth to sound, the clamour was so great, as though the four eliments had met together: the sun was darkened by reason of the dust that rose in the air: Blanchar. being foremost, gave th'assault to Corbadas nephew to king Alimode▪ a man mighty in body & prows: but upon the encounter Blanchardines' lance entered through his armour, and so he fell from his horse dead. And following on his fortunate beginning, before he broke his lance, he slew at the least six or seven. Then betaking himself to his sword, he made such havoc of his foes, that no man durst approach within the compass of his reach: the Citizens wondering at his chivalry, the paynim amazed at his prows: imagining him rather to be an infernal spirit, than a living man. So that both through the camp of the enemy, and within the walls of the City: there was no speech but of the puizaunce of Blanchadine.  
Then began the lamentable complaint, and hydious outcries in the enemy's camp, which caused the Queen of Tormada●… to come with her Nurse to the window. And espied Blanchardine he have himself so manfully and with such derterity suppress her enemies, she demanded of her Nurse who the same might be, for in all my life (quoth she) I have not seen a knight of more value: Replied the Nurse, truly madame I know not who that might be, but in my opinion he is the bravest man at arms living in the world: the Queen & her Nurse communing thus together of the heroic fates of Blanchardine, A squire chancing to approach near them, spoke in this manner (most sacred princess) see you yonder knight, whose horse is covered with white, & the black scar●…e in his helmet▪ he (I say) is the flower of chivalry, the subduer and vanquisher of your foes: he it is, that not satisfied with their slaughters, pursues them even to their pavilions, and where (even now) his arms and armour were white, they are distained with the blood of your enemies, whom he hath most manfully slain. Know madame for a truth it is that knight that lodgeth in the Provosts house, who lately subdued and vanquished the provost.  
When the proud Lady in love, understood that it was Blanchardin●…, the crim●…on colour flushed in her face for joy, which the wiely Nurse quickly perceived, but the Queen made no outward semblance of any such love at all, as she inwardly bore to Blanchardine, fearing the jealousy of her Nurse. But the fearful Nurse seeing the great hosts of the enemy, and the continual danger of the citizens, persuaded the Queen so much as she could, to pacify those brawls, by the marriage of King Alimodes. But the Queen answered, desist for shame these foolish persuasions, for while I live I vow to God above never to marry Panim or infidel.  
In this their secret parley, looking out of the window, they perceived the knight still encountering one an other manfully: but above all, Blanchardine bore away the prize, both for magnanimity and courage, wherefore the enemy was most d●…spleased seeking by all means, to entrap and surprise him unawares, but not one of them so hardy, as to approach near him: for whom soever he encountered he slew. Now the paynim per●…iuing the day to be almost spent, & many of their men slain, others wounded, but almost all discomforted, by reason of one especial knight (which was Blanchardine) they commanded the retreat to be sounded, and so returned to their pavilions and ●…ntes for that time.  
Blanchardine entering the City, was in all triumph conu●…ied to the Provosts house, with the assotiation of all the nobles of Tormaday, reverencing him, ●…or his exceeding valour that day. And in truth they all had great reason so to do, because he rescued many from the foe, which otherwise had gone prisoners away with Alimodes.  
When he was come to the Provosts house, the two beautiful daughters of the Provost welcomed him with all duty: when Supper was ready, divers nobles accompanied him, with Ladies and Gentle women from all parts of the City, to salute and view Blanchardine: neither wanted there any pleasure that might procure his delight, for the Provost had caused all the finest musicians, to attend there the supper time.  
Now the proud Lady in love fair Eglantine leaning in her chamber window, heard the great 'noys and the delicate music, which at that time was in the Provosts house, for the entertainment of Blanchardine, which she herself did so much affectionate. But (jealousy the Nurse of debate, and underminer of all happiness) crept into the heart of the Queen, ●…earing lest he should be enamoured of one of the Provosts daughters, whom she had heard commended for surpassing beautiful. Now care, with fear, the handmaids of love créept into the heart of the Princess, soliciting her to dissolve this affection (if any were) between Blanchardine and the Provosts daughter. But not long after, Cupid intending a speedy revenge for her obstinacy against his laws, suddenly struck her with his golden shaft, that she became so impatient of her griefs, that day nor night she could take any rest. Then came she to her Nurse with this complaint.  
Ah sweet Nurse, now am I (unfortunate Lady,) become the most miserablest woman living: thou seest, that neither day nor night I feel content or quiet, and my disease is almost incurable being sprung of passions congealed in my heart.  
Her Nurse perceiving that her Lady was now entered the Chapter house of love, thinking the Idol whom she honoured had been 〈◊〉, made her this answer. Madame, you are much bound to almighty God, that hath procured such speedy stay of wars and slaughter of your men: now you begin to affectionate the King Alimodes, whose continual desire hath ever been to accomplish your love.  
The Queen made her no answer, but to herself she said ah love, thou in very deed art the only Tyrant, whom though I have long withstood, yet now at the time when I least suspected thou hast taken me prisoner, and unless I possess the thing I love, I die.   

Chap. 14.  
The Queen surprised with love and jellosie, sendeth for the Provost to speak with him concerning Blanchardine and the provosts daughter.  
AS soon as the Nurse perceived that love began to encamp himself in her tender breast, she very jocund for this happy event, thinking it had been with Alimodes (as I said before) began with the Queen in this sort: Madam this is the most sacred and happiest day, that ever ●…hone over the Realm of Dalmasia and the famous City of Tormaday: for although the many and dangerous assaults, that King Alimodes hath made against this country and (only for the love of you) yet since it hath pleased God to convert your froward fancy, to a comfortable course of love with the King Alimodes, it will become a most plentiful and fruitful commonwealth, when your subjects shall live at con●…nt and quiet, and have a King to reign over them, whose majesty will daunt your daring foes.  
The Queen giving an attentive care to understand the effect of her tale, and at last perceiving it to tend to the marriage of the Pagan, she forgetting her wont patience broke into these agonies: why how now Nurse, what's the cause that you continually persever in these undiscreate and unadvised terms? have I not ever told thee (and withal, hast thou not heard me vow) that while breath remaineth in my body, I will never consent to hislove, whose devilish religion, full of idolatry, & cursed apostata forbids me once to name much less to like, yea and altogether to loath? Leave off I say these bootless enticements sith they are not available: for I tell thee, the man whom I have sworn to love, is the true pattern, and Prince of Magnanimity, whose brave attempts, deserve a thousand times a better woman than myself, [and but he] none shall enjoy my love. The Nurse Nipped with this reply of the Queen, witted not what to conjecture of her love, unless it should be with Blanchardine, whose commendations she heard most aptly related not a little before: where fore she thought best to be silent until she knew the certainty thereof.  
Then forthwith the Queen commanded that the Provost should be sent for to talk with her about some serious business.  
The Nurse undertaking the charge, presently dispatched a messenger, to command the Provost to attend the queens pleasure, which he with all diligence obeyed. And no sooner came, but the Queen conveyed him up into her gallery where entering parley with him, she began in this sort.  
Know Gentle Provost, that these wars have bred in me such heaviness, that I cannot joy: And yet I hear there is a knight that lodgeth in your house, whose valiancy hath won him such renown throughout all the City, that both old and young commend his chivalry: and myself a beholder of his valour, think that his service hath done me such honour, as while I live I will acknowledge myself thankful to him.  
The Provost much contented with this friendly favour of her Majesty, and more to hear her so blazon the perfections of his guest Blanchardine, was ravished with exceeding joy. And not slack to augment the praises of his friend, (and one whom duty had tied him unto) pursued his commendation in this sort.  
Most Magificent Princess, since it hath pleased you to extol the rare perfections of my princely guest, know madam, that the man liveth not in the world, whose haughty courage can equalize his, whose affable and gentle nature, deserveth commendation through out the world, and by myself most gracious Lady, well approved. The Lady, whose Itching ears, were never satisfied with his commendation answered the Provost.  
Having ever found you a most trusty and loving servant unto us in all affairs, wherein we have had any cause to employ you, hath given me occasion to discover a thing unto you which much tormenteth me to conceal, know then, that report hath told me that one of your daughters, (more forward than maidenly or modesty would) is fallen into an extreme desire and longing to be wedded to the Knight your guest, whose valours do show him to be extracted, and descended of Princely lineage. A match of disparagement, in my opinion much disagreeing both his and her estate, and of all who are acquainted therewith much discommended, therefore I charge you as you tender our favour: presently break off these suspicions, if you mean to continue our Princely grace towards you.  
Madam answered the Provost, this thing is most strange unto me, for never (as yet) could I so much as imagine any such accident, neither hath any report bruited it in my ears: But if my daughter should happen on such a knight as is Blanchardine, she might boldly vaunt, that no Lady in the world could wish a more happy content. For madam (quoth he) he hath this day, by his own proper valour, subdued and taken ten knights prisoners, besides their brave coursers, which he hath bestowed upon your Lords and Nobles. And to be short, I rather take him to be Oberon, king of the Fairies, than a mortal or human creature: well then (quoth the Queen) being right glad to hear his praises so extolled by the Provost, percha●…ce I know the man better than you imagine, and am most well acquainted with the daughter of a king, who for ornaments of nature, and admirable beauty, hath not her paragon, and whose ardent affection, and continual thoughts, do daily and hourly wander upon his rare perfections, and it may be that for love of her▪ he hath undertaken these adventures: therefore it were a monstrous folly and deep absurdity in your daughter, to carry such an overweening of herself, as to imagine that she were a match worthy of such a paramour: therefore (as you regard my displeasure) have secret, yet special care, of the wanton glances and familiar unbracements of your daughter with that young knight: and yet because you shall not think that I compact this, to prejudice or hinder the preferments of your daughters, send them speedily to my Court, to attend on my person, where for your service, and their own sakes, I will provide them husbands, to your & their contents, neither shall they need any cost or dowry from you.  
The provost most humbly thanking her Majesty for this her princely offer, for the preferment of his daughters, promised for ever all observance and duty to her highness: but when he was ready to depart, the Queen commanded him that he should bring the said Knight the next morning to her presence, where she might first by her speech and countenance, and after by liberal rewards, requite the honourable attempts he had undertaken in her quarrel, because (quoth she) by his only aid and valour, our wars do sort to happy end. In consideration whereof, if he please he shall be affianced and wedded to that King's daughter, which so much delighteth in his person: which if he shall deny, report from me unto him, that it were most uncivil and inhuman, to refuse that proffer, which divers Lords and Princes would hazard lives and livings to attain: but (on my honour) the cause why thus I will importune him in the behalf of this Lady, is for that she is near allied unto myself, and with whose affection I am thoroughly acquainted, because that day and night she doth languish for his love, whose presence and yea, will be a heaven: and whose absence and denial, a hell unto her: and her cars is as grievous unto me, as (if it were mine own) and would confound my heart with sorrow, to see this Lady forsaken, cast of by him, and frustrated of her hope.   

Chap. 15.  
How Blanchardine was informed by the Provost, of the Queen's pleasure to have him attend on her majesty the next morning, and of the speech she had with him.  
AFter that the Provost was returned home to his house, he calling Blanchardine▪ recounted the queens message unto him, that on the next morning he should attend her majesties pleasure at the Court, to confer with the Queen and receive a recompense for his vallourous attempts in her highness service: and withal forgot not to explain unto him the love of the King's daughter, which did so entirely affectionate him, that for his love she would hazard life and all, so she might obtain the effect of her hope, and (quoth the Provost) if my opinion deceive me not, she herself is the King's Daughter, which longeth to be shrined for a saint within the altar of your heart, and yet because she hath ever been at defiance with love, I cannot conjecture, but greatly wonder, whether it should be she or no: but, if the prayers which I do pour forth unto the Gods, might be available for the consummating of your marriage with the Queen, I would day and night entreat the heavenly powers to sort my wish to happy effect.  
When the Provost had discoursed at large, of the queens command unto Blanchardine, he smiling at his happy fortune, made this reply▪ Provost (quoth he) it rather seemeth that you devise this forged tale, then deliver the Queen's message: for her majesty never in her life had any conference with me: how then can I imagine that her affection should be such towards me, as you speak of? but I rather conjecture her majesty doth delude me, and smally respect my service (which if I thought) I would not stay to offend her highness. Ah good sir (quoth the Provost) take not in ill part what I have said, for upon the faith I do owe to yourself, it is most true: therefore let us in the morning go to the Court, that her majesty may perceive that I have done her command, which if you find contrary, never have affiance nor truth in me again.  
With these and such like speech, Blanchardine and the Provost went to the Court, where the Queen (than in counsel with her Lords about the wars) seeing Rlanchardine and the Provost enter the presence, arofe to welcome them: and with attention casting her eyes on Blanchardine, commended within herself, the rare perfection both of beauty and courage she perceived in him, yet loath to make manifest what she intended to keep most secret, did bridle affection for the time.  
The Ladies and Gentlewomen there present, wondered at the admirable proportion of his body, & singularity of his beauty, having heard of the dexterity of arms, which he manfully performed in the wars before the City of Tormaday.  
But Blanchardine was so entangled in the lime bush of the queens beauty, that he thought (if Paris had then lived) and that 〈◊〉 should again cast down the golden ball amid the three Goddesses upon the the top of Jda, that if so be this Queen had but once made she we of herself, he would have clean dismissed them all, and bestowed the ball on her.  
But at length the Queen breaking silence, took Blanchardine by the hand, requesting him to sit down by her, which he rather for manners (than unwillingness) refused, till at the last by mere constraint, after most humble reverence he obeyed.  
Then the Queen after long deliberation, said unto him: Sir Knight, your coming into this City, hath been much to our comfort and advancement, for which we humbly thank the Gods: but for the most valiant prows you have showed, in confounding our adversaries, we gratify you with all kindness, and will reward you most honourably.  
Madame, replied Blanchardine, I find myself more honoured, then either my deserts have given cause▪ or my heart can desire, in that you vouchsafe to grace me in this honourable assembly: and what I have achieved, hath been through the omnipotency of God, who sent me hither to do you service. Know most excellent Queen, since I forsook my parents, country and friends, I never took greater contentment, then in such services as it shall please your Majesty to command, and for the rewards which your Majesty offereth unto me, I most humbly beseech your highness to bestow them on my Host, whose kindness hath been more towards me since my arrival here, than my ability (as yet) can require: and if it may please your majesty to entertain a wandering Knight into your princely service, I shall do my devoir to perform the trust you shall repose in me.  
Herewith the Queen marking the debonair countenance of Blanchardine, she was so ravished in contemplation of his beauty, that almost distraught of her senses, he might well perceive that love had made her his votary.  
Blanchardine taking hold of occasion: emboldened himself to demand of her Majesty, what Lady that might be of whom she had told the Provost the day before.  
Then answered the Queen, she of whom I made mention to your Host, is nearly allied unto myself, whose welfare I tender as my own.  
As Madam, quoth Blanchardine, if I might presume so far, as be inquisitive to know her name, your majesty should greatly pleasure me: for on my life in all my days I never conceived liking of any Lady but one, whose princely beauty [pardon me oh gracious Princess] made me presume to steal a kiss of her majesty, which kiss hath added both such will and force to my mind & body, that whilst I breath this air, I'll live to serve, and die to honour her, and only in her remaineth my life or death.  
Then replied the Queen, well gentle knight, because I cannot longer conceal affection, and that I feel my heart so esprized with this sweet conference which now I have with you (all circumstance laid apart) I am constrained to manifest my love: Know therefore, that whatsoever I spoke unto the Provost concerning any Lady, myself am the same, whom neither time nor age can make to forget your noble and courteous demea●…our, and whilst I live none shallbe sovereign of my thoughts but Blanchardine, yet have I appealed to the high heavens, & put in my plea agai hast the God of love, but my action is nought worth.  
Imagine gent. that this her confession to her ghostly father Blanchar was not without change of colour, and withal, that his reply was without fervent zeal and devotion, in hearkening to the gladsome doom of his continual weal, proceeding from the Oracle of his desire, and withal that besides themselves, none was privy to this conference at that time.   

Chap 16.  
The battle between Blanchardine, and the Giant Rubion.  
AFter that the Queen and Blanchardine had thus plighted their promises each to other, and that the Queen was about to depart, the Provost entreated him to return home, because it was about supper time: which the Queen espying, commanded the Provost presently to send his daughters to the Court, and upon her crown she would richly marry them: I will not say that jealousy was the occasion hereof, but I leave that to the censure of graver heads than mine.  
But friendly pacing Home ward, the Provost desirous to know the sequel of Blanchardines' cause, and the confereuce in secret he had with the Queen, conjured him of all loves to unfold the circumstance, promising upon his life both secrecy and coustancie, for my mind (quoth he) cannot be satisfied, until I know whether you shall be King of Tormayday or no, being more than half persuaded thereunto already.  
Blanchardine reposing an assured trust in the Provost, by reason of many favours which he had received from him, from point to point, related the whole proceedings, betwixt the Queen and himself, requiring his secrecy as in such a case is needful.  
No sooner were they entered the Provost house, but the Queen im●…diatly sent unto Banchardine a rich white courser, sumptuously trapped with crimson velvet and gold, and withal a sleeve of her gown richly embroidered with pearl, which she mjoined him by her messenger to wear upon his 〈◊〉, when he should encounter with her enemies, that thereby she might the better perceive him from the other Lords.  
Blanchardine in all humility received this princely present▪ and royally thanking her majesty for so high a favour, gave in reward unto the bringer an ouch of gold, upon which was set a rich ruby encompassed with diamonds, who thanking Blanchardine most humbly, departed: and being returned to the Queen, recounted the thankful acceptance of the present by Blanchardine, and the bountiful reward he received from him for his pains, which the Lady rejoicing to hear, commending the honourable mind of Blanchardine, imagining that such liberality could not issue from a base courage.  
But presently a great clamour was in the streets, which put the Provost into a sudden admiration of the cause: anon it was related unto them, that the king of the giants called Rubion, was before the walls of the town, demanding jousts▪ for his ladies sake, daughter to king Alimodes, who had h●… sleeve in his helmet, of violet satin, which he wore as her favour, in despite of any ladies beauty within the City, and by reason of the hugeness of his body, which was recounted to be xv. foot in length, no man durst presume to enter combat against him.  
This unexpected news much delighted Blanchardine, who requested nothing more than to undertake this combat, in honour of his Lady, whose fleeve he bore: and lest the Giant should be gone, before he could be ready for the fight, he sent present word that the Giant should not lose his labour, and that his request should be fulfilled. These news seemed to revive the heart and courage of Rubior, because he longed to show his valour, for the love of Alimodes daughter his Lady and mistress.  
Long stayed not Blanchardine, till he mounted his horse armed, and on his Helmet he wa●…e the sleeve which the queens had sent him, thinking it a sufficient covering or burgonet against all chances whatsoever, and pacing towards the gates, the Ladies, Lords, and Citizens wondered at the haughty courage of Blanchardine, much commending his generosity & brave carriage on horseback: And all prayers were made, for his safe return.  
Thus marched he out of the gates, and came to the place where the Giant stayed his coming: whom when the Giant beheld, he sternly demanded of whence he was, and what unadvised chance had brought him thither? Blanchardine answered, I will not for any dread of thee (accursed miscriant) conceal my name nor parentage: know, I am son to the King of Freeze my name is Blanchardine, sent to combat with thee, by my gracious and most fair Princess Eglantine, Queen of Tormaday surnamed the proud Lady in love.  
And (quoth the Giant) I even now was commanded from my peerless Lady and mistress, the daughter to the king Alimodes, who gave me this her right sleeve for my favour, that this enfigne of her favour covering my head, I may accomplish some exploit beséenring the beauty of my love.  
Then quoth Blanchardine, Panim do thy worst, I am hear to answer thee, so much as thou shalt demand.  
So fetching their carreirs, they encountered the one the other with such haughty courage, that both their lances shivered to their hands: Then betaking themselves to their sword, their strokes were so terrible, that the fire slew out of their helmets, and for a while the fierce fight remained doubtful.  
Now was the Queen of Tormayday ascended her gallery window whence the might behold the combatants, and fearing much (by reason of the hugeness of the Giant) the Blanchardine would not return again safe, she becamepensive, and very sorrowful.  
On the other side sat king Alimodes daughter, to behold her champion, but casting her eyes upon Blanchardine, wishing in her heart that he might be conqueror, she might have him for her paramour.  
But this doubtful fight was at length finished by Blanchadine, who casting his eyes to the window where his lovely Queen lay, his courage augmenting by the virtue he drew from her: upon the sudden, he lent the Giant such a cuff, that he tumbled down from his horse in a sound: which when Blanchardine perceived, he thought to alight to finish the r●…mbate, by cutting off his head, when out of an ambosh issued three score Pagans for his rescue.  
The Queen of Tormaday, seeing this treachery, charged her men presently to post out of the town to aid Blanchardine. But before they could come▪ Blanchardine was encompassed with twenty men, of the which none came within his reach but wished he had not attempted so near him.  
The queens soldiers coming to the rescue, were encountered by fresh supplies of the Pagans, so that that day was much bloodshed▪ and had been the last day of Alimodes siege had not Darias his son su●…cored his fainting Knights, with new supplies.  
Darias being come, sounded a retreat to his men for a while, then joining together his companies again, invaded the thickest of the Citizens, and no doubt had done great slaughter that day, had not Blanchardine singled himforth, who in the counterbuff, gave him such a bastinado, that made him sink to the ground out of his saddle, and had not present succour come, he had severed his head from his shoulders.  
Darias being thus rescued, was conveyed home to his pavilion, where by reason of the stroke, he was constrained to keep his bed three days.  
In this time Rubion the Giant, having recovered both his senses and his horse again, did great exploits, and had almost slain the Provost, had not Blanchardine made speedy haste, calling upon the Giant: Ah thou false Panim (quoth he) this shallbe thy last day, thou which most traitorously wouldst have slain me, & by that means hast once escaped my hands: Now will I take such vengeance on thee, thou shall never see thy Lady again: And here withal, advancing himself, gave him such a sound buffet on the helmet, that he fell down stark dead to the earth.  
The death of the Giant Rubion King of the Sarizens, once bruited, all his soldiers being discomforted, made hast to recover their pavilions and tents. But being pursued with all celerity that might be, were cut off by the way before they could reach thy▪ ther. Blanchardine followed so hard, that he came even to the entry of Alimodes pavilion, before the which he found the king's daughter sitting to behold the battle, whom when Blanchardine espied, he bowing himself down, took up the damosel, and set her before him on his courser, and posted as fast as he could to Tormaday.  
Alimodes hearing of this hard adventure, as a man desperate and half frantic, posted after with four thousand soldiers, to recover his daughter again: and one making more speed then availed him, coming some what nearer Blanchardine, was presently slain by him: but in this stay the enemy rushed so fast upon him, that Blanchardines' horse was slain under him: but he trusting in God, so behaved himself with his shield and sword, that not the proudest Saracen durst approach him.  
When the King Alimodes perceived the great prows that remained in Blanchardine, that among so many, none durst encounter him, he cried out amain unto his Knights. Fie on you all, untrue and fainthearted Pagans, that one Knight is able to affright so many: with these upbraid, the unruly rabble of rascal Sarizens ran all at once desperately upon Blanchardine, and so surprised him by main force: but in his taking, he slew among many others, a Knight that was Nephew to Alimodes▪ a man of great account and prows.  
In good time Beautrix the daughter of King Alimodes, having wisely perused the excellent beauty of Blanchardine, seeing the likelihood of his present death, prostrated herself upon her knees unto the king her father, humbly requesting him to pardon the life of the young Knight.  
The King beholding the pitiful demand of his daughter, whom above all creatures in the world he loved, answered her in this wise.  
My dear and well-beloved daughter, I wish it had not been your chance at this time to have been present, or I would you had not entreated for him who hath done us all this damage, but since it is your demand, and that I cannot deny what you request, he shall not die here, but I will presently send him away unto the Realm of Salmandry, unto the King of Giants, brother to Rubion whom he hath ssaine, and whom I tendered as my own person, who (if he had lived) had been your espouse and husband.  
But the Queen of Tormadar, understanding of the great distress wherein Blanchardine was, commanded the Provost presently to post, and ransom him, how soever. But the King made the more expedition and haste to send him away to Salmandry, that there with all cruelty, he might be massacred, swearing by his Mahomet, that no ransom should set him free, but death.  
The Provost hearing this absolute, and resolute answer of Alimodes, reported to Blanchardine the desperate estate he now was in, whereof Blanchardine was not a little sorry, but finding no remedy willed him most humbly to commend him to the good grace of the Queen.  
When the Provost was returned home, and now was entered the court, he found the Queen out of measure sorrowful, for the loss and absence of Blanchardine, unto whom he made a true report according to the answer of Alimodes, which uncomfortable message, did so daunt the heart of the Queen, that every one expected her present death. But leaving her in her pasions, return we to Alimodes.   

Chap. 17.  
Darius carrieth away with him Blanchardine to be conveyed into Salmandry, and how the ship wherein Blanchardine was, perished by a tempest, and all were drowned except Blanchardine, who approaching to the Court of the King of Spruce, gained the place of general in his wars.  
AFter the departure of the Provost, Alimodes commanded his son Darius to return to Cassidony where he was king and to carry with him his sister Beautrix. And in his absence, govern the land and people in quiet, whilst his siege lay against Tormaday: And like wise deliverred unto his custody Blanchardine, whom be charged to send into Salmandry to the king of Giants, whose brother Blanchardine had lately slain, there to be tortured to death at the discretion of the king. Darius' presently at the command of his father, rigged two ships for his passage, in the one he and his fair sister Beautrix, in the other Blanchardine guarded by three score men was put.  
When all things were in a readiness for their departure, the mariners weighing anchor and hoisting sail, floated away. So Blanchardine, finding no remorse, like a lamb to the slaughter, was carried towards Cassidony and as he imagined to his death.  
The Queen of Tormaday looking out of her window might discern the ship wherein Blanchardine went, whom with millions of tears she bewailed. But the continual skirmishes with her people had with the Pa●…ms, bred her sometime joy, sometime sadness, as the fortune of war gave cause: then remembering the sweet kiss which Blanchardine gave her, she was ready to sound. But recomforted by her Ladeiss she began to complain in this manner.  
In fortune, thou blind guidress of this unconstant world, will thy tottering wheel never stand still, but being at the highest turn topsey turvey? Ah most unjust gods (if thou be a Gods) that contrary to all godliness, dost pervert all things to the wors●…, couldst thou not have suffered me a while to enjoy my love Blanchardine, but in the first show of happiness, to turn me to despair? hast thou none other to vomit up thy venom but upon me, ah most unhappy of all unhappiness. Well in thy despite i'll live, and in thy despite i'll die. The Ladies fearing lest this perplexity might breed a far greater disease and danger to her person, recomforted her with mild and sweet speeches, still willing her not to distrust, but that her Blanchardine would safely return.  
Blanchardine now on the sea sailing towards Cassidony with Darius and Beautrix his sister, ancored even at the haven of the City, where Darius and his sister went a shore, & gave straight charge and commandment to the sailors, to conduct the ship which Blanchardine was in to Salmandry, there to present him unto the king of Giants. And with all to certify him, that he was the man who flew his brother Ru●…ri before the walls of Tormaday, where his father Alimodes continued yet his siege. They incontinently departed from Cassidony, to sail to Salmandry, whereof fair Beaut●…ix was most displeasant: and if she could by any possible means have stayed his course, he should not have gone to his slaughter into Salmandry, but although her beauty were great yet her power was little.  
Thus being upon the Seas, a day or two after their departure: the winds roared, the lightnings flashed, and thunder cracked so terribly, that the mariners despairing of all safety, suffered the ship to hell with the waves and winds, whether fortune and their fates should lead them, the tempest still more and more increasing, at the length the main mast rend in twain, the rudder was smitten off, and the boarded keel splyt, so that of the threescore men which were aboard, none escaped but Blancha din who bestriding a piece of the mast, was within one hour or little more, by reason of the northwest gale that blew from Sea, driven to shore within the land of Sp●…ce.  
When Blanchardine, looking back into the extreme danger he had escaped, humbly kneeling gave thanks to God, and so traveling along the unknown country until he came within the kenning of the City of Marrienburgh: in which City, as a Country swain that he met, told him, there lay a mighty King who on the next day, had appointed a great tilting and triumph, commanding all his nobles (able to bear arms) not to fail to be there, as that day, to try their valours and chivalries.  
Blanchardine (whose education be seemed a prince's son) providing himself of other apparel: & having good skill in their language, demanded the readiest way to the court, of such passengers as he met. And hasting his pace, because he would come in some good time, at length he approached the court. And entering within the Hall he found the king conferring with the Barons about the next days sports. Blanchardine beholding his majesty and magnificent estate prostrated himself on his knee before him. The king viewing the manlike grace of blanchardine, demanded what he was, to whom blanchardine most reverently made answer, that he was a far country man borne, and undertaking this inquest, to come and serve his majesty, whose princely fame spreading through the world, chanced to fly into Créece to my father's court, a king in that Country. And seeing that no news of wars near at hand, was as then stirring: I with threescore gentlemen and soldiers embarked ourselves for your service. But being at Sea, a huge tempest rising from nore, after our travel in long danger, our Ship struck upon a rock so that it sylyt in twain, and all the rest of my company were drowned saving myself, whom by the help of a piece of our mast, fortune preserved, and was brought to shore, not far from the castle Mocaster, within your highness Dominions, from whence I have by many days journey traveled hither.  
Fair Knight (quoth the King) your case is strange. But your arrival here most welcome, and since you have for our service undertaken so dangerous a vioage and escaped so perilous adventures, and withal being the Son of a king, I may not (unless I should blot that fame with shameful reproach (which you say) is spread abroad of our magnanimity) but recompense your pains accordingly.  
Know therefore sir knight, that at this instant, I have wars newly begun, with one of my neighbour kings, yet that I may invest you with the honour you deserve, I will make you general of all my sources there, wherein if god shall prosper your attempts and chivalry, doubt not but I will so amplyreward your service, that you shall not after, have cause to complain you of our liberality. And in the mean I will take such order, that all things convenient for your estate shallbe forthwith provided.  
Blanchardine much recomforted with this happy resolution o●… the king, forgot not in all humility to thank his majesty, protesting, that (sith far above his deserts (as yet) it had pleased his highness to advance his estate) that both in these, and all other his wars, he would be as forward as any: And with all dexterity, labour to make some requital of his exceeding favour.   

Chap. 18.  
How a wounded knight arrived at the court at Marenbourgh one certified the King that the King of Poland with a huge host was wasling his country and people, whereupon the King gave charge of three thousand men to Blanchardine, and his son Sadony for the rescuing of his foes.  
AS the King and Blanchardine were thus in parley together, there approached his presence an armed knight, who by reason of his many wounds lately received, bled exceedingly: upon his first entry he began thus to speak unto his majesty. O Noble King where is that ancient valour and true chivalry, which was accustomed to remain in this court. Know mighty prince, that the King of ●…oland thy neighbour and enemy hath entered thy Dominions on the sudden, who with fire and sword, burns, pulls down, and destroyeth, Churches, Houses, Buildings, and consenting to the cruel rapine of his soldiers, doth ●…der men, women and children. And no doubt my liege ere long (yea and ear three days be determined) he meaneth to besiege this City of M●…rienbourgh. Hasten therefore noble King to the rescue of thy poor subjects, lest delay bring too great a danger.  
These unexpected news so amazed the King, that for a while he made a pause: but calling a Council, advised himself what were best to be done on the sudden: whose directions were these, that the new Knight B●…anchardine should in all hast address himself, with threescore thousand fight men, to drive back the enemy. And by reason the soldiers s●…ould ●…ke the better courage, he commanded his son Sadony, to accompany ●…nchar din●… in these wars.  
This princely charge of the king did so glad Blanchardine, that more happy news he could not receive (except it were from his Lady Eglantine Queen of Tormaday) wherefore he thanked the King most humbly, promising all forwardness of a knight.  
Then forthwith the king's letters were directed for the mustering of men, which by the next morning were ready appointed at the city Marienbourgh, to go under the conduct of Blanchardine, against the Polanders.  
Blanchardine most royally accepted his charge, and forthwith accompanied with Sadony the King's son, emarched forward against the enemy, whom ere long they escryed upon the side of a hill. Blanchardine ranged his men into sundry squadrons, and in the foremost put himself, and in the middle the kings son Sadony. Thus in order of battle they assailed the enemy, upon whose encounter, the clamour grew exceeding great, the ordinances played, the muskets discharged pelmell upon their adversaries, so that with in short time, the ground was covered with dead carcases. Now Blanchardine espying the huge courage of the king of Polandes' Brother, whose valour, seemed to quail the hearts of his men: with his lance encountered him, and upon the shock, ran him clean through the body, so that he fell from his horse dead: upon this heavy spectacle, the Polanders (being dis●…aid) retired towards the king's standard, and informed him of the success of his brother: the King wroth beyond measure, swore that he would never give over the fight, till he had revenged his brother's death, and in this outrageous fury he thrust himself in the middle of his foes. Then began the battle to be most fierce: for now Sadony seeing the enemy somewhat disordered, gave a fresh charge upon them, at whose approach, the thundering noise of the horsemen, made the ground to echo. But Sadony and his company, seeing the great prows of Blanchardine, whose lance before it broke, had slain at the least twenty of his foes, they imagined him rather a spirit, than a human creature.  
But the king of the Pollanders, loath to incur the scandal of cowardice, ●… with all seeing his brother slain & all his soldiers reco●…le back▪ by the valour of one only man (which was Blanchardine came in his proper person and singled him out from the rest of the company, so with their lances they charging each other with a most manful encounter, the king shivered his lance. But Blanchardine, by his mighty puizance and valour, dis●…ounted the king from his horse, whom so soon as he saw unhorsed, he presently alighted, minding to take his head in gadge for his whole body, but the king seeing himself frustate of all hope of rescue, delivered his sword to Blanchardine yielding himself his prisoner: blanchardine forthwith committed him to the custody of ten Knights, to be conveyed presently out of the camp, and safely to be guarded till he might make a present of him to the king.  
When the Polanders perceived their king taken prisoner, they began to be discomforted, and forthwith betook themselves to fight: but being pursued by their enemies, few or none of them escaped: blanhardine divided all the spoil among his soldiers, whereby he won the hearts of all his soldiers.  
After Blanchardine had put to flight his foes, and had established a quiet peace in those parts, he & the prince Sadony, repaired to the King at Marienbourgh, where with all honour, he delivered the king of Poland into the hands of his majesty, to use according to his pleasure.  
The King most gratefully accepted this present of him, and hearing the general report of all, in the great commendation of Blanchardine, and that by his only means his enemies were subdued: embracing him with an extraordinary salutation spoke in this manner.  
Most brave and heroic knight, your noble attempts give manifest proof of your high extraction, and princely parentage: and for my own part, not having wherewith worthily to recompense your great deserts, I do submit both myself, my Son, and may realm to be at your command and vasselage.  
Answered Blanchardine, this undeserved honour, which you of your favour assign unto me, neither befitteth my calling, nor my nature. But (if it may please your Majesty) to accept of me, as one among the number of these gallant knights, to attend your highness, I shall think myself most amply honoured. Nay quoth the king, your demand is too reasonable. But I have a maiden niece of mine, whose beauty far surpasseth all the Ladies in this Land, whom (if you please to wed) I will bestow upon you, with such a royal dowry that you shall think, though my power be not so great as I wish to satis●…ie you, yet my willing mind shall be seen in this my friendly proffer. Therefore fair knight, refuse not to accept, what I so willingly would have you receive: for I swear by the heavens, the man liveth not, whom I more am bound to honour and esteem.  
Blanchardine humbly thanking his majesty, answered him in this sort, most mighty king, pardon me, although I shall make refusal of this your princely offer, for know, that in my own country of Gre●…ce I am already betrothed to a Lady, whom long since I have determined to wed, and therefore hold myself most honourably recompensed at your royal hands, in that it would please you to bestow your beautiful niece upon so mean a stranger.  
Now Sadony the kings Son, whose only contentment was in the company of Blanchardine, day by day invented new sports, and quaint devices, to exhilarate and make him merry. But Blanchardine, calling to mind the extremity of his most sweet Lady Eglantine, the Queen of Tormaday, by reason of the long and dangerous siege of King Alimodes, could not be d●…lighted with any novelties. And in this ecstasy let us leave him (but in the high favour of the king and his Son Sadon●…) and return we to tell of the King of Freeze Father to Blanchardine.   

Chapt. 19  
How D●…rius King Al●…modes son, intending his return to his father to the siege of Tormaday, was by extremity of weather driven upon the coast of Frizeland, where he took the King prisoner.  
AFter that Darius king Alimodes son had long expected the return of those which had the conduct of Blanchardine from Salmandria, and hearing no news at all, he presently intended his voyage to his father, lying encamped before the city Tormaday: and imagining (that by reason of their long siege) his father's companies were diminished, he mustered men to carry thither with him. And having fitted all things for his t●…urney, commending the state of the Country of Ca●…ledony, to the government of his fair sister Beautrix▪ he departed to sea: where having a most pleasant gale, within short time he might descry the coast of Tormaday. But wher●…he imagined to come to anchor, he was by a contrary gust of weather which came from the land, driven back into the main: where, not able to bear sail, they were feign to h●…ll up and down the space of 3. days▪ expecting continually present death, rather than once hoping of an●…e safety. But at the length, the windy storms beginning to slake, they might 〈◊〉 land wh●…ther presently they bended their wandering course: and being thus brought near a little Island within the kingdom of Frieze, to ease their s●…a beaten bodies they went ashore, and perceiving the 〈◊〉 of the Island, and the fertility both of corn and cattle, and divers other things, gave them in●…ouragement to seek farther within the land, marching still ●…o strong and warlike mann●…r.  
Now it ●…ortuned at that very instant, the King of 〈◊〉 land Father to Blanchardine, according to his accustomed usage, twice or thrice in the year, made his progress to the said Island both for the pleasure he found there, in sundry pastimes fit for a Prince's disport, and also at that time to take truce with sorrow, which he had so long time warred with, for the absence of his son Blanchardine, of whom since his departure, he never had any certain tidings, during whose infortunate abode in this aforesaid Island, these miscreants Darius and his company cam●… a shore there: and having in their march, apprehended three of the inhabitants, demanded of them to whom the said Island might belong, and withal, what Gods they worshipped? these poor men seeing the exceeding number of these Pagans, (compelled through fear of their lives) discovered the whole estate of the Island, their faith in jesus Christ, and withal, the presence of the King of Freeze at that instant, the which report once bruited to Darias and the rest of his devilish company, they forthwith posted forward, in most secret manner to the castle, where the king then lay. And upon their approach beseidged the same, and took the king and all his company prisoners, whom they incontinently caused to be carried aboard their ships.  
After this, searching farther into the Island, they with fire and sword, wasted and destroyed all the inhabitants, and houses there, and driving all the cattle they could find towards their ships, furnished themselves with fresh victuals to present to his father Alimodes, and his company lying in the siege before Tor maday, with all fearing their scarcity: Which being accomplished according to the command of Darius, he and all his company with the king of Freeze and divers of his Lords and Gentlemen, whom they had there unawares surprised, bend their course to Tormaday.  
But when the uncomfortable tidings of this sudden mischance came to the hearing of the Queen of Freeze what acclamations and pitiful complaints she made, are impossible for me to write and more difficult to recount. But in these agonies, what with her never dying care and thought for Blanchardine her son, and for the loss of her husband, she yielded herself to God and died. Darius' being come a shore within the country of Tormaday 〈◊〉 having unshipt all his provision, which he had brought fro●… 〈◊〉 foresaid Island, presently dispatched messengers to his father, 〈◊〉 inform him of his happy arrival, which he no sooner heard, but in all post, he went to meet and welcome his son.  
And then began Darius to recount unto his fa●…her, his whole adventure on the seas, since his departure from To●…maday, not forgetting to certify him of his sending of Blanchardin●…, to Salmandria, but as yet he neither received answer f●…om the King nor news of the threescore men that went with him.  
Then Darius presented to his father, the king of Freeze, as his prisoner, and the rich booty which he had taken in the Island, and brought thither for their supply of victuals, which unexpected happy present, to cheered up the hearts of the Soldiers, and so pleased the king his father, that his welcome to all was more like a God than a man.  
Now Darius being come to his father's tent, he demanded of him how the Queen of Tormaday, and all her Lords had (since his departure) behaved themselves, and also what store of provision he thought to remain within the City, and how often they had made Issue out to skirmish with his people?  
Alimodes made answer, that he made no doubt but that shortly they would deliver, both the Queen, the town, and themselves into his hands, by reason of their great want of victuals.  
And beside (quoth he) they have not made any issue out, but once since the departure of the young knight, which I sent with you prisoner to Salmandri●…, to be presented from me to the King, and that issue is at the feast a month since. So that now I have little doubt of their forces, by reason of their long silence and extreme want.  
Having finished this discourse of their adventures, the King Alimodes prepared an exceeding great banquet for his Son, to w●…lcome him, and all his retinue, and in this incr●…ment and contented disport, they passed certain days, till 〈◊〉, thinking it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his son should 〈◊〉 to Ca●…dony, 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉 there, and also to comfort his sister Beautrix, whom he had left Vicegerent till his return.  
So the time for his departure being come, the King with all his Nobles, Captains, and chief of account, leaving their tents, accompanied Darius to the sea side, to take their leaves on ship boo●…d. In the mean time, the Provost of Tormaday now being upon the walls of the town, and both by his own view, and by the report of his espials, perceiving the exceeding number of cattle lately brought thither by Darius▪ and pastured not far from the City. And hearing of the departure of All modes and all his Captains, for the conduct of Darius to the sea. Calling the Nobles and principal Commanders of Tormaday, discoursed at large thus much unto them: That considering the rich booty they should obtain, and the penury which they endured by the want of victual in the Town, he would have a general issue in the absence of the enemy at several posterns, both to recover the cattle before the Town, and also to surprise at unawares and unprovided the enemy, remaining within the tents of Allimodes.  
The Queen and her Lords weighing the sage advice of the manly Provost, gave consent to effect what he had determined with all celerity, both time and opportunity being so agreeable to their enterprise.  
Forthwith the Provost, taking with him a sufficient company of courageous Soldiers and trusty men at Arms, marched out at the principal gate of the city, where the Enemy might soonest esp●…e and discover them: the rather to entice the so to forsake their tents, and come against them. At certain other Posterns privily issued out at the least six thousand horse and foot to make seazure on the cattle, which at that instant were most 〈◊〉 guarded, by reason of the absence of the captains & keepers, which were gone with Darius to the sea side. So that without any force at all, they within small time had driven the cattle within the walls of Tormaday: and the rest of the citizens (having surprised the Enemy in the tents) put most to the sword and taking such pillage as they found, set fire on the rest, and forthwith returned safe to the city, leading with them such prisoners of account, as fortune had reserved from the slaughter.  
Being now come within the city walls, after giving most humble thanks to God for this happy conquest, making survey of the booty they had gotten, they found it exceeding rich, and besides the proye of cattle was sufficient to maintain them the space of a year: which bred a sweet content to the Queen and her Nobles, and a general comfort to all the Inhabitants of Tormaday.  
But when Allimodes and his company were returned from sea, and found the sudden slaughter of his men, the burning and spoiling of his tents, rape of his goods, and beside (which he accounted worst of all) the loss of the cattle, he grew as a man desperate, and half beside his senses, cursing and exclaiming upon his Gods, that so unjustly (as he thought) had deprived him of all his happiness at once. And in these outrages let him remain a little.  
But when the Pu●…lin Amoures the Queen of Tormaday had some what recomforted her passions, which she endured for the imprisonment of Blanchardine▪ and minding nothing so much, as the rare perfections of his parsonage: she on the sudden, commanded the Provost should be called unto her, who coming before her Majesty, she began to enter parley in this sort.  
Thy trustiness (most assured loving friend and subject) having always satisfied my expectation, doth at this instant give me greater hope of thy fidelity. Then know, sense by thy good mean, acquaint device, and exceeding valour, we are now safe from the cruelty of our adversaries, and furnished with sufficient provision of victual for the space of one year or more, & that I never had comfort in my soul, since the departure of thy friendly guest Blanchardine: I determine presently to send thee as my Ambassador to my Uncle the King of Norway, to certify him of the lo●…, extreme and ungentle siege of Allimodes against this city and withal to crave his aid for the dislodging of our 〈◊〉 from hence, for if that in time we seek not succour, no dou●…t but at the length we shallbe forced to yield, which will not only be our disho●…r▪ but also such a torturing of my soul, whose ardent affections is wholly devoted to Blarchardine, that hell itself cannot send a greater plague. Therefore make all possible speed you can, to rig and furnish a ship, with men, munition, and victuals, for yourself and your company, that withal secrety, and without the privity of our foes, you may both pass and return again: herein you shall not only discharge the duty of a trusty subject, but also perform the part of a true friend, and for ever bind me to your valiancy and forwardness.  
Madam replied the Provost, I most humbly thank your majesty, for this honour wherewith you seem at this time to grace me, and here I vow upon my faith, duty to God and allegiance to your highness, to perform (or else to die) the full of your command, with all the possible speed I may.  
The Provost having made all requisite and necessary provision, departed early out at a little postern, with his companny: and long before day, embarked himself for Norweigh. But so soon as Appillo had forsaken Thetis bed, mounted his fiery chariot: the spials of Alimodes, had escryed the ship wherein the Provost went twenty Leagues off the shore, whereof he being advertised, grew exceeding wrath: but seeing no remedy, he besought his Gods that his son Darius might encounter him on the seas, and so stay his journey, in which hope he somewhat recomforted himself. But Darius taking a contrary course, landed shortly within the territories of Cassadony, where being come a shore, he commanded that the king of Freeze, and those prisoners that they had brought, should be shut up in most loathsome obscure stinking dungions, where the aged king spent a great part of his time, in sorrowing his distress and hard adventure where in he did remain, till by his son Blanchardine, he was enlarged and set srée, as hereafter you shall here.   

Cap. 20.  
How Blanchardine compleining the distressed chance of the Queen of Tormaday, walking in the garden was comforted by Sadony.  
REturning to Blanchardine, whom we left in the great grace and favour of the king of Spruce, at the city Marienburgh, and Sadony the king's son, whose only contentment rested in the company of Blanchardine, for the magnanimous valour, & wonderful prows, he had seen in him. Blanchardine on a time, finding Sodony absent, about some serious business of the king his fathers, privily repaired to a close and delicate garden near adjoining to the court, whither being come, he began to meditate and call to mind) the rare perfection of Eglantine (his dear and most sweet beloved lady, Queen of Tormaday. And in this his deep and melancholic dumps, he glanced his wandering eyes, on a beautiful rose, which grew in the walk, which he so fitly applied to the beauty of his love, as all poets pens could not more artificially decipher it. But when he missed the substance of his Lady, whose shadow he had so long time imprinted in his thought, his griefs did so abound, remembering her extremes, that he was like to overcome. But calling to mind, the honourable bounty of the king of Spruce, who offered his niece to him in marriage, he broke forth in these terms.  
And should I live, so to violate the sacred oath made to my Gods fair Eglantine, whose only thought, have given so many victories, or should I once attempt any other than herself, who is the only sovereign of my soul? No no, first let the earth gape wide & swallow me, or let the stars fall from heaven & consume me, remaining in this ecstasy all alone: Sadony missing his c●…mpanion in the court, rested not till he had found him in the Garden: and listening to his profound lamentations, fearing least grief should diminish and impair his health, boldly thrust into his solitary walk, and both by his importunity, and sweet persuasive speeches, he enforced Blanchardine to unfold the circumstances of his heavy plaints, promising upon his life to help to effect his purposes whatsoever (if it remained in his power) and pardon me sweet friend (quoth he) that I conjecture upon the cause of your melancholy, for in my opinion, it is only love, that th●…s makes you pensive and sad.  
Ah gentle Sadony answered Blanchardine, your divination is most true, which if I should I cannot possibly deny. But yet altogether remediless, being so far from her I love, that no news can be brought to either of us of our welfares. Yet day by day I ●…ast my wat●…e eyes, to the hills and dales, to the seas & waves, but my sight returneth empty, and my expectation void of that I most desire to see.  
Why quoth Sadony, is she imprisoned, either in the Tower of Babr●…on, Room, Spain, Almain, Tartars, Turks or Moor? and if she be, doubt not, but I will find means for her delivery.  
O no said Blanchardine, the place of her abode, is not so far, for know (dear Sadony) it is fair Eglant●…e the Queen of Tormaday▪ called for her chastity the proud Lady in love: it is she (my dear Sadony) whom I shrine in my heart for my only Saint, and for whose absence I endure this conflict in my soul. O it is she, the perfectest creature that ever Nature framed of earthly mould, whose very eyes excel the twinkling stars in brightness, whose hairs surmount the golden wires, whose beauty crcelleth the lily and the rose: and therefore pardon me Sadony ah pardon me sweet friend, if I live thus distressed, being barred from her heavenly presence, and almost in doubt and despair of ever seeing her again. Which speeches uttered with passion he had no sooner finished, but the tears distilled down 〈◊〉 from his eyen, and for that time his sobs forbade his tongue to speak. But recalling his senses, and perceiving the true friendship of 〈◊〉. whose promise he engrafted in his heart, made this farther discourse.  
Know Sadony, that at my arrival at Tormaday, the Panim King Allimodes, seeking perforce to win the said Queen to grant him love, which she with a most discontented mind from time to time utterly denied. This King (I say) full of rage and frenzy, intending to conquer that by fire and sword, which he could not get by flattery, hath laid continual siege to the city Tormaday where she is now resident, and voweth never to give over his assault until he may obtain the Queen for his Empress and wife: myself in her service at that instant by adverse Fortune, was suddenly surprised, and taken prisoner by Alimodes servants: and not vouchsafing to accept of any ransom, sent me by a strong guard of three score men to Salmandria to the King, there to be murdered, by reason that I in those wars before Tormaday, chanced to slay his brother Rubion. But in our journey by sea a gust of wind and tempest, drove our ship wherein I was upon a rock, so that it split in twain, and (but myself) none escaped, chancing to bestride a piece of the main mast, which brought me ashore in this Country.  
Comfort yourself (quoth Sadony) and although your hard adventures, were sufficient to discourage you of all good hope, yet shall you see, that for the singular good will I bear you, I will employ all the industry and pains I have, both to release the Lady of her imprisonment, and also to yield you contentment in your love: and because I will not let slip occasion, I will presently go to my father, and request his aid in this your enterprise: who (I know) will not spare any cost to effect the full of your desire.  
Blanchardine perceiving that his complaint was like to find remedy by his friend Sadony answered thus: Most brave and valorous Gentleman, know for certainty, that Alimodes hath a daughter named Beautrix, whose beauty is most excellent, and (in my conceit) worthy the noblest man that lives: whom I doubt not in time (if you please) to make your Lady and wife, if in these wars we have success.  
This speech of Blanchardine, did so instigate and prick forward Sadony, that presently he went to his father the King of Marienbourgh, and led with him Blanchardine: who prostrating themselves on their knees before the King, Sadony began to expostulate him in this manner.  
Most mighty King, since that by the valour and princely courag●… of this Knight, your Realm is in security, and that by him you have the King of Poland your prisoner and in safety: may it please your Majesty, to show the magnificency of a King, in doing a deserved favour to this young Gentleman, whose extreme injuries, proffered to the nearest of his kin at this instant, wanting speedy help, are like to breed an overthrow to himself, and all his friends for ever. Therefore most royal King and father, that strangers abroad may blazon the princely bounty of your Majesty, let us have presently men and munition for this our enterprise, that our adventures may not only be fortunate abroad, but our return home most honourable and victorious.  
When the King had given attention to this tale of his son Sadony, considering the great bands wherein he thought himself bound to Blanchardine, and also loath to incur the ignominious slander of his home born subjects in denying this petition, which tended for the good of Blanchardine▪ he presently not only gave command that men should be levied, money in readiness, & ships prepared for them: but also seemed more desirous than they, for the speedy dispatch in those affairs. And on the third day after, fourteen thousand men were in readiness, for to be shipped away under the conduct of Blanchardine and Sadony, with all things appertaining to such an host.  
When men and victuals were aboard, the King in person accompanied Blanchardine and his son to the sea side, and withal brought four of his idolatrous golden gods, gorgeously adorned with pearl and precious stones, commending their safety to them in their journey.  
After the departure of the King to his Court, they weighed anchor, and hoist up their sails, and by the industry of skifull Pilots, in short time came within two days sail of the City of Tormaday. But hovering a little on the seas to escry land, they espied a ship a kenning off, which seemed to bend her course towards Tormaday, whom anon they hailed: and coming aboard, they found within the vessel the good Provost of Tormaday, who was returned from the kingdom of Norway, whether he was sent from the Queen of Tormaday, for supply of soldiers to raise the siege of Alimodes: whom when Blanchardine espied, glad beyond measure of such happy meeting, made him almost forget that ever he had sorrowed before. And demanding of the Provost first of his Country, secondly of the government, and thirdly the cause of his voyage? He answered, that being sent by the Queen of Tormaday▪ to procure aid from the King of Norway, to repulse Alimodes & his host, and that before his coming thither, the King was dead, so that her comfort there was utterly quailed. Now Blanchardine perceiving that the Provost knew him not by reason of the colour he had depainted himself withal, to resemble the Country men of Spruce, questioned farther with the Provost, of the Queen and her Dominions? unto whom the Provost replied. The Realm is called Dalmatia, and Tormaday is the principal place and City within the Realm, both for concourse of people, strength and traffic. Our Queen is named Eglantine the fair, and by reason of her chastity, she is surnamed, the proud Lady in love. And know good sir, that many and sundry Princes, Kings and Emperors have continually solicited our Queen in marriage: but she never regarded their requests, by reason of a young Knight, whom above all the world she loveth so tenderly, as I think unless she he are some speedy news of him, being lately taken prisoner by the King Alimodes, and sent to Cassidony from thence, to be conveyed to Salmandry to the King there: whose brother Rubion he slew before Tormaday, she (I say) will never enjoy any felicity or happiness. Why quoth Blanchardine, think you not that since that young Knight is gone, and that no tidings can be brought to her of him, that she will accept one of us for her husband, upon condition we deliver her, from the hands of king Alimodes.  
Ah good sir, (quoth the Provost) I am so assured of her constancy, and inviolable oath, which she hath plighted to that Knight, that she will never yield to any other though she should presently suffer death, and that her crown, kingdom and people, should be for ever captivated and overthrown.  
Blanchardine tickled with this sugared discourse of the Provost, finding by his tale, that none but himself had won the fort of her fancy, rounded Sadony in the ear: and told him that this was the Lady, whose service he was bound to prosecute.  
The Provost seeing by Blanchardines' courteous salutations, that he had no need to doubt of any villainy, demanded secretly if these were or would conjoin to the rescue of his Lady and Mistress, the proud Lady in love, against her so and cruel enemy King Alimodes?  
What (quoth Blanchardine) think you us so foolish, as for to venture our bodies, lives and goods, to succour her, who is so devoted to one, whom she is uncertain ever to see again? Yet this I know, that women's fancies altar with every wind, their substance is only mutability, and full of inconstancy: and therefore I marvel how you dare undertake, that she being a woman, will remain constant to one that is either dead, or never like to return to her again alive.  
Ha ha sir said the Provost, if you were as privy to her contentment in her love to her devoted friend as I am, you would utterly condemn in yourself, this vain iucredulitie which now you seem to hold, and imagine in women's loves.  
I pray thee (quoth blanchardine) what is the name of that young Knight, which she doth dote upon so much?  
His name (quoth the Provost) is Blanchardine▪ son to the King of Frizeland, a man of such generosity and valour, that through the world I think he hath no compear: and my Lady's thoughts do so wander upon his perfections, that in the day, she remembreth nothing so much as him, and in the night scant dreameth on any thing but him, imagining still to see him return to her rescue: so that in my opinion, it were better to perform all the labours of Hercules again, than to undertake the obtaining of her love, which is so strongly and surely grounded upon the rock of his affection, that no wind which any mouth can blow, will make her once to stagger, in her determinations, and on my life what I have said is true.   

Chap. 21.  
How Blanchardine dispatched away the Provost with his letter to the Queen of Tormaday, the contents altogether unknown to the Provost, until the Queen had read it.  
AFter this sad conference had with the Provost, Blanchardine withdrawing himself closely into his cabin, calling for ink and paper, presently began to indite a letter to the queen of Tormaday, which when he had finished, he delivered to the Provost, charging him safely to deliver the same to her own hands. After which, he calling the Provost aside, told him that all those ships were fraught with paynim and Saracens, and that he himself was a Saracen: but (quoth he) I know the man that you name, Blanchardine, who at this hour lieth imprisoned among the paynim in a most obscure dungeon: and the greatest comfort he hath, is, that your Lady and Queen yet liveth, whom he hopeth one day to visit again, because he imagineth, that his absence is her only discontentment.  
Ah very God quoth the Provost, that his return might be speedily, for in this time of his absence, no comfort can once make seazure on her heart, so that she being disquieted, all the Court and City lamenteth.  
After the Provost had received the letter, and in humble wise taken leave of blanchardine, he hoist up his sails and posted towards Tormaday, with such celerity, that within two days he safely arrived there. Then he entering the City by a little postern, repaired to the Church of our Lady, where most humbly he thanked God for his prosperous return: which being finished, he presently went to the Court, where being entered the Presence, he found the Queen sitting very melancholy: but making his dutiful obeisance to her Majesty, he recounted unto her these news, That at his arrival at Norway he found the King her uncle dead two days before, and all the Lords most pensive and sorrowful for his loss: but delivering his embassage to the Peers, they made this reply, that so soon as the obsequies and funerals of the King were performed, they would (according to their duties) make preparation for her service, being by descent their natural Queen and Princess, whom above all other they were bounden to obey. When the Queen heard of her uncles death, she grew most sorrowful: but the Provost desirous to put her out of such dumps, certified her of the huge Fleet of paynim that he met upon the seas, and that a great Commander of the rest, requested him to deliver this letter into her majesties own hands, which he promised faithfully to do, considering my duty to your Majesty, and the gentle usage of the paynim towards me, at that time when I expected nothing but death. The Lady receiving the letter, so soon as she had opened it, found the contents to this effect.  
Most magnificent Princess, the thread of my wearied life hath ever been lengthened, by the hope I have had to succour your distresses, whom above all the world I honour and esteem: and after my manifold and hard adventures, being captivated and made prisoner to king Alimodes, by the heavenly providence of God, I am delivered and set free. For being sent from you by the said king, under the safekeeping of his son Darius and three score soldiers, to be presented to the king of Salmandry, whose brother Rubion I slew before the walls of Tormaday: being on the sea, the ship wherein I was (carried by rage of tempest) split upon a huge rock so that of the three score men that were in her, none escaped but myself, who (by the great providence of God) bestrid a piece of the main mast, and in little tune was carried a shore in the land of Spruce, not far from the city of Marienbourgh, where by reason of war I have been constrained to serve in the wars of a Saracen King, with whom for my good deserts I have obtained high rewards And upon my humble petition to his Majesty, he hath delivered me fourteen thousand fight men, with sufficient money, jewels and provision, and withal hath sent his only son Sadony in my company, to rescue you against that false perjured miscreant Alimodes. And what time denies me now to write, I will so soon as I shall arrive at Tormaday, deliver by word of mouth, which shall not be long, being within two days sail of you: and because ye shall gather the true circumstance of my letter more perfectly, I send you it by this token, that I once received a kiss from your sweet lips, before I was received into your service. And thus in all humility, recommending myself and my true affection to your sacred person, the only organ of my bliss and welfare, I take my leave, praying God, to grant you accomplishment of all your happy desires. Written upon the sea by the most unfortunate Knight Blanchardine.   
Thus Gentlemen, have I abruptly finished this first part of Blanchardines' Adventures, with the true constant love of fair Eglantine the proud Lady in love: which if it shall pass with your good favours, I will very shortly make the second part ready for the press. In the mean while I wish ye well.  
FINIS.   

The second part, OF THE MOST Excellent and Famous History of Blanchardine, Son to the King of Freeze, and fair Eglantine Queen of Tormaday, surnamed The Proud Lady in love.  
By P. T. G. Gent.  
Imprinted at London for William Blackwall, and are to be sold at his Shop, over-against Guildehall Gate. 1595.   

To the most forward Patron of learning and brave accomplished Gentleman, M. William Peetre son and heir to the right worshipful sir John Peetre knight.  
HIpercyan the unskilful Piper, when he had sounded upon his Oaten reed his rustic Roundelays in presence of God Mercury, before whom, Orpheus (doubting of his cunning) was ashamed to tune his Harp: being at the first uncontrolled, in the end began to blow louder. So I right worshipful, not unlike this rude Piper, having presumed to tune my rusty strings to alarm forth my simple music in the translation of the first part of Blanchardines' adventures, in presence of you, whose learned censure as far passeth my capacity, as Mercury's cunning did poor Hipercyan skill: yet having found your favourable acceptance of the former, I am encouraged to persever in the dedication of the second part also, to you, his first and most worthy Patron: ●…o whose vasselage, not only many undeserved favours, but bountiful rewards have bound me during life, in all observancy. And having no fit mean to make manifest the integrity of my zeal, wherewith I honour your worshipful house: I thought it my best to take hold of occasion, whilst (in my conceit) she proffered herself to be taken, which I greatly feared, if now I should negligently overslip, I should scantly hereafter overtake.  
This consideration (right worshipful) was the spur that pricked me forth to offer the simple kernel which this fruitless shell encloseth, to your favourable view, which I trust you will vouchsafe to accept, though not according to the value, which is nothing, yet for the dutiful desire of the giver, which is my most: For in this I protest, you may well deccrne, that my willing mind doth bewray my good meaning. And as the brightest Sun wanteth not fuel to yield increase to his glorious light: so there is not wanting in me a sufficient will, to do you all possible duty and service (by which two, the Scutcheon of my zeal is and shall for ever be supported) Thus more then half assured, that this my poor Book shall find shelture to fly under the shadow of your wing, in whose good grace (if once it be armed) I force not what backbiting Momus or his currish mates can imagine against it. And as these (my Premities, patronized by you) shall seem pleasing: so will I always be most ready (if any matter of more worth chance into my hands) to offer it up in all duty at your shrine: until when I take my leave, praying God in this life to grace you with all happiness, and in the other life withal blessedness.  
Your Worships ever devoted  
P. T. G.   


Chap. 1.  
How Blanchardine, with Sadony, his friendly companion, being on the Sea, bending their course to Tormaday, for the rescue of the fair Eglantine the proud Lady in love, were by a sudden gale compelled again to Sea.  
IN the former treatise, of this most famous History, of the valiant Blanchardine whom we left upon the Seas, with a most huge Navy of Ships in company with Sadony, Son to the King of Spruce: bending their course towards the famous city of Tormaday, to the rescue of the beautiful Queen Eglantine from the tyranny of the proud Panim King Allimodes, whose long & dangerous siege there, had bred a great dearth within the said City, to the distressed Queen, & her despairing company. Now the noble Provost, making his return from her uncle the King of Noweigh, to whom he was ●…ent Ambassador to crave his aid for her delivery from this perilous siege, he happened to encounter upon the Seas with Blanchardine, who (although in show an Infidel,) yet in substance a true Christian, and vow●…d friend to the Queen of Tormaday: and hearing the large report and true recount of the Provost, concerning the welfare of the fair●… Queen Eglant●…, it bred to Blanchardine most sweet content wh●… he understood that she was as yet at liberty, and free from the bondage of Alimodes: and therefore to redouble her comfort and solace, he wrote the letter before recited, which he delivered to the Provost, to be secretly with speed conveyed to her own hands.  
Now I say, the Provost being returned to Tormaday, and having delivered his answer from the States of Norweigh to her Majesty, he forgot not withal to give her the letter of Blanchardine, which when she had perused, and withal precisely noted both the contents and the writing: she presently perceived it to be the true inscription of her love Blanchardine: but bridling affection with modesty (although this sudden and unexpected happy news might have caused her to forget the rules of government in breaking silence, which commonly is incident to th●… female sex) yet after some pause, she calling the Provost in more secret manner aside, began to question with him in these terms.  
Provost quoth she, although this h●…auie and disaster chance augmenteth my passions for the untimely decease of my noble Uncle the king of Norweigh, and that I am almost in despair of any succour, from the nobles and states there, who excusing themselves at this present, by the solemnizing of the funerals of their deceased King: Yet I pray thee, tell me, knowest thou the man from whom these letters were delivered to be presented to me?  
Madam (quoth the Provost) if I should inform your majesty that I knew the man, of whom I received, not only the letter, but also the greatest kindness that I could desire, I should utterly deceive you and speak untruly of myself. For (may it please your highness,) in my return from Norweigh: upon the sodden, I had within ken a huge and mighty Navy of Sarrizins and infidels, of whom standing in great doubt, yet seeing no means to escape the danger I then thought myself in: I resolutely approached nearer them, and their Admiral sending aboard our ship, I was brought before him, whom when I beheld, although the fear I then was in and the majesty of his countenance might have daunted me on the sudden, yet perceiving some generosity and clemency to rest in his visage, I was some what recomforted: and after long parley betwixt him and me touching my condition and your majesty (whose servant I informed him I was) he demanded the cause of my embassage, and to whom I was sent: which when I had recounted at large, he seemed to pity your distress, which made me then more bold and presumptuous, to demand of him (if in your aid) he with all this noble and valiant company, would come to Tormaday, because I imagined that a man of such magnanimous courage (as he seemed to be) would hazard his person, in defence of a maiden Princess, so sore and unjustly distressed.  
Why quoth the general, thinkest thou that if I should enforce both myself, and all this honourable company to come to secure her in this dangerous enterprise, that she would b●…nd her affection to like & love me, so far forth as to become my wife and paramour, & to enuest me with the diadem of Tormaday, and with all the Signories dew to the crown and dignity?  
Alas sir (quoth I) our Queen and Mistress, whom all the world doth admire for singularity of beauty, hath ever since her birth disdained and rejected the love of many and mighty kings having vowed a perpetual virginity. And for the same only cause are these wars, which King Alimodes wageth against her, whom (in regard of marriage) although he be a mighty and most victorious Prince, yet she accounteth of him, as of the meanest slave in this your fleet. And for her obstinacy against these Noble Kings, in love she is surnamed fair Eglantine the proud Lady in love.  
But not long since (may it please you) she is entangled in the most rare and divine beauty, of the bravest man at arms that ever nature framed of earthly mould, whose courage and valia●… in the subduing of our foes, before the walls of Tormaday, hath so conquered the heart, and true affection of our Queen, that all per●…wasions in the world, may not cause her once to forget the sincerity of love, which she unfeignedly hath vowed to him. But in the harvest of these her summer's joys, cruel winter hath nypt the blossom of her bliss. For not long since, this valiant and victorious Gentleman, named Blanchardine, making issue out upon the enemy, before the Town of Tormaday, by some accidental chance of cruel war, was by the foe suddenly surprised and taken, who not accepting of any Ransom, have sent him to the king of Salamandry, whose brother Rub●… he lately flew before the walls of Tormaday, there to be torti●…d to death, against all humanity right and conscience, whose absence and hard adventure, our Queen doth so grievously deplore, that all pleasure seems to her pain, & all gladness, 〈◊〉: and shortly I doubt me, will bring her to her grave, unless she hear some happy tidings of his speedy return.  
Well (said he) I know Blanchardine whom your Queen doth so highly adore, and whom you so amply commend, and not long since I saw the man, fettered in the paynim prisons, with huge and mighty manacles and gives of Iron, and doth never expect delivery or freedom, but some terrible and cruel death.  
Therefore, since he is not likely to return, by reason of his hard and strait imprisonment, and also the cruelty of the foe, under whose custody he now remains: thinkest thou not that she can and will forget him and his affection, and consent to the love of me, who in her defence, will make Alimodes and all his forces to recoil, and leave this siege, which (as you say) he hath and doth lay against her City of Tormaday for her love?  
Sir (quoth I) it were casisr for a man to undertake the labours of mighty Hercules, then attempt the conquering of her love, which is irrevocable from that most valiant Gentleman Blanchardine.  
After which speeches between us in secret ended, he withdrew himself into his cabin, where calling for pen, ink and paper, he wrote this letter, which I have presented to your Majesty, but what it importeth, or whereof be the contents, I am utterly ignorant.  
Then quoth the proud Queen in love, know trusty Provost that the man whom thou thus commendest, and who delivered th●… this letter, is the very same gentleman Blanchardine, whom I love, and for whose sake, I have endured all this woe. And here he writeth, that having obtained the Princely favour of the King of Spruce, whose enemy being the king of Polond: he vanquished, and delivered prisoner into his hands, for whose trustiness and in requital of whose valour, he hath delivered unto him those ships well furnished, with men, munition and victual, and withal sent his Son and Heir apparent to the Crown of Spruce in his assotiation and company, for our delivery and rescue, from the tyranny of this Pagan King Alimodes. And that within these two days he will not fail to come a land at Tormaday, with all his garrisons and companies.  
When the Provost had diligently attended this pleasant discourse of the Queen, in delivering the sweet contents of the letter of Blanchardine, being greatly astonished at this sudden accident, calling to his remembrance the comely proportion of him that delivered the letter, and comparing it with Blanchardine: made her this answer.  
Truly Madam, well might he seem to carry the proportion of Blanchardine in body, but his countenance and visage, seemed more like a Tawny Moor then his sweet semblance: and neither could I imagine by his behaviour, neither gather by his words, any notice of Blanchardins person, saving only that he told me he knew the man, and that his imprisonment was such and so strait among the infidels, that his return was never to be expected. And this is all (may it please your Majesty) that I could either imagine or conjecture of him.  
After these speeches ended between the Queen and the Provost, she sent for her nurse, who ascending up into a gallery, from whence she might decern the sea, and sails afar off, she began to enter parley with her in this manner.  
Thou art altogether unacquainted, (sweet Nurse) both of the cause of my hasty sending for thee, & of the pleasant news, which the Provost hath brought me, yet because thy fidelity hath ever been a consolation to my sorrows, I will acquaint thee therewith.  
Know that the only jewel of my thought, and the man of greatest regard with me in the world, having escaped many perils, and most manifest dangers, is now at hand, not only to bring me most happy content, but with a mighty troup of brave warriors, coming to rescue me, against this perjured king Allimodes, and by the contents of this my letter, he will not fail to arrive here within few hours.  
Therefore let us continually watch, and cast our eyes to the main, to see (if it be possible) the brave troops of Sailors, and Soldiers, which do warrant our delivery from this extreme thraldom, wherein long heretofore, and at this present we live without any hope of succour and enlargement.  
The nurse tickled with this blessed news, failed not to perform what the queen pleased to command. And not long remaining, in this contented hope, they might escry from far a huge Navy of Armadas, Carreckes, Galliass, Galliouns, great Galleys, and tall ships; beside: Pinnaces, Friggets, Carvels, Shallopps and such small vessels: all which, sailing before the wind, bended their full course to the city of Tormaday, (as they imagined) But not long after, the wind coming to the Nort and by East; upon the sudden, they were compelled to strike sail, let fall Anchor, hale in their main sheets, cut down their masts, & thus (in utter despair of all safety,) to commit both their ships & themselves to the mercy of the waves, which brought such an unexpected change and fear unto the queen, that void of all hope, either for her own safety, or of Blanchardines (whom she so much desired) presently she fell into a sound, but her nurse well acquainted with these sudden passions of her Lady, presently conveyed her to her lodging, where after many persuasive speeches and sweet allurements, she began somewhat to comfort herself, hoping that as God had delivered Blanchardine from greater dangers than this (as she thought) so nothing was impossible for his return; where let us leave her, to tell of the adventurs of Blanchardine and his company.   

Chap. 2.  
How Blanchardine and Sadony with all their company, arrived before the city of Cassedony, where Darius and fair Beautrix, the son & daughter of king Alimodes, held their royal court.  
THAN Blanchardine perceiving the tempest, rather to increase then any whit to calm, unmagining with himself, that Infidels and Pagans, were utterly exempt from the favour and mercy of God, and that this contagion of weather grew▪ by his unjust concealing of his christianity, and dissembling Paganizmiei (As Christ saith) he that denieth me before men, I will deny him before God. Blanchardine pricked forward with this spur, came to Sadony in these terms.  
I know (right trusty and honourable companion) that the mighty and immortal God of heaven, being displeased with the idolatrous worshipping of stocks & stones (than the which nothing can be more hateful in his sight) thundereth down these huge & mighty storms & tempests now upon us, and therefore if ever love, victory or true magnanimity, prevailed in the mind of thee (my sweet friend Sadony) let us forthwith appease the anger wherewith God is justly incensed against us, by becoming true and faithful believers in his blessed son jesus Christ: which if my persuasion may effect and bring to pass, I dare assure you shall not only mitigate the angry wrath of God, but for ever, sort all our enterprises to happy end.  
Sadony, who through the integrity of affection to Blanchardine, and with all for fear of his and his companies utter overthrow, not only gave Blanchardine his frank consent, to become Christian, with all his followers, but also to send both his Idols, and their jewels (which were most rich and of inestimable valour) into the bottom so the Sea, the which without all delay was by his prerogative and especial commandment performed.  
After which, the storms began by little & little to decrease, the clouds to vanish, and the Sea to wax calm, which bred a most pleasant content to Blanchardine, and procured a steadfastness in faith of these new become Christians, who greatly rejoiced to find themselves free, not only from the rage of the Sea, but also from the illusion of their false faith, wherein long time they had erred.  
But not long after, sailing with a most pleasant gale, [but in a strange and unknown Coast] they escried a far off, a most rich and populus country, whether with all speed they bended their wandering course: and being come within perfect view of this Island, they found a most quiet and safe haven, both for their ships to lie, and for themselves to land: so without delay▪ every man addressed himself to go ashore, to refresh their weary Seabeaten bodies.  
When Blanchardine and Sadony perceived that their whole company (saving the Mariners) were on land, they began to muster their men, and presently to march in order of battle to the City, which was scarce a league distant from the haven: and their horsemen scouring the plains, having made seizure on a country swain, brought him before the generals, who presently examined him of the estate & government of the country, unto whom the poor captive related at large, the some of their demand.  
This Country (quoth he) is a Region scittuate near the Sea, called Cassedony, where at this day reigneth a most puissant and mighty Sarizen king, named Alimodes, who is now with a huge host, besieging the princely City of Tormaday, where the most beautiful queen Eglantine, renewned through the world for chastity, holdeth her royal court: for whose love, our king Alimodes, hath forsaken this our Country, and meaneth to obtain her affection by force, because he may not win her by kindness: and in his steed here, he hath left his valorous son Darius, and fair Beautrix his daughter, to govern till his return, and at this instant they both are in this princely City here at hand.  
Blanchardine most glad of his happy arrival, within the territories of king Alimodes his detested foe, discoursed briefly to Sydony, that now by the providence of God, and their happy fortune, they were landed in that place where the beautiful Beautrix (Alimodes daughter) lay, whom Blanchardine had long before promised to give to him in marriage. And therefore (trusty companion quoth he) now show the valour and high magnanunitie, which I have ever expected in you, for the subduing of these miscreants and accursed Infidels, and for the obtaining of the most beautiful Lady that your eye hath soene: so shall we [by the help of God] invest you not only with the diadem of Cassidony, but also spouse you to that fair Queen, for whose sweet sake you have adventured this long and weary journey, and herein I assure you we shall honour our God (whom we now serve) seat you in this Regal throne with your fair Queen, and deliver the most chaste and beautiful Queen of Tormaday my mistress and love, from the tyranny of the cursed monster Alimodes: Courage therefore Noble Sadonye, and in the name of our God let us set upon them, in whose name I doubt not but we shall presently subdue them.  
When Sadonye understood by the report of Blanchardine, that the fair Beautrix whom he so much commended, and upon whose commendations he so entirely loved, rested within that City, he needed not to add more fuel to the fire: for his eager desire was such: as he rather seemed too forward, than any whit too slack, to accomplish or attempt any thing, that he would persuade him unto.  
Now these two haughty courageous cavaliers, bravely mounted, with all their followers, some on horseback, some on foot, marched near unto the walls of the City, whose approach being by certain espyals descried, was forthwith related to Daryus, who at that instant, was in his Palace, sporting with his beautiful sister Beautrix, which sudden alarm and unexpected news, at the first so daunted his courage, that as a man half distracted of his senses, he knew not what to determine: But calling his wits together, he presently commanded that thirty thousand men should be in readiness at the sound of a Trumpet, to issue out upon the enemy, and that he in person would go to understand the cause of their approach thither without his special conduct and licence.  
Provision was forthwith with all possible speed made. And every man being armed (under the conduct of Darius) issued out of Cassidony upon Blanchardine and his company, who not unprovided for their coming, were ready to give them their welcome: Darius presently dispatched a herald at arms, to inquire the cause of this outrage upon his dominions and people? unto whom Blanchardine replied, that first the honour & service of his God, secondly the revengement of the manifest wrongs offered to the beautiful Queen of Tormaday by his father, and lastly the great desire that Sadony (Son and Heir to the King of Spruce) had to wed the beautiful Beautrix (Alimodes daughter) were the only and sufficient causes of this their warlike arrival. And therefore without delay they commanded Darius to submit himself, his Crown, and Realm, with the fair Beautrix, into their hands. Otherwise, they would with fire and sword consume, and confound, all that cursed brood of Miscreant Saracens, and leave the Country depopulated and waste. And with these or the like speeches enjoined the herald presently to return to Darius, to give him to understand their resolution.  
The Herald being returned to Darius, certified him both their answers & some of their demands, the which seemed so displeasant unto him, that without further delay, he courageously gave the onset on the Enemy. At whose encounter the earth trembled, and the air echoed with 'noys of their weapons: the clamour of the people was exceeding great, the Sarizins still with blasphemous outcries calling upon their blockish idolatrous gods whose deaf ears could hear no sound of their foolish petitions: but at the length, after a long and dangerous conflict, the tounsmen fearing, through their great loss and bloodshed, that they were like to be overcome, recoiled and retired back, every one so fast as his speed would give leave.  
But Blanchardine now thinking high time to finish what before he determined, set spurs to his horse, and by great chance singled out Darius from the company, whom Blanchardine so saluted with his Lance, that he sent him to carry news to Radamant, of the valour which he found in Blanchardines' arm.   

Chap. 3.  
How the beautiful Beautrix perceiving her people vanquished and brother slain: submitted her to the mercy of Sadony, and rendered both herself and City into his hands.  
IT happened at that instant, that the fair Beautrix was mounted up into a high window within her Palace, from whence she might well decern, the valour of the Knights and soldiers on both sides. But when she saw her brother Darius slain, the standard overthrown, and her people to fly: she began a most lamentable complaint. But seeing that care was bootless in a cureless cause, she determined to yield both herself, country and people, to the victor's hands, hoping by her humble submission, to obtain a general pardon.  
Now by this time Blanchardine and Sadony were met, and wintly marched without resistance within the City, where for a while they surueighed, the sumptuous buildings of the Sarizins: but pacing along the streets, towards the King's Palace, they were encountered by the Lady Beautrix, who humbling herself on her knees, made this petition.  
Brave gentlemen and mighty conquerors, although fortune by her mut●… 〈◊〉 hath resigned this kingdom, people and my self into your hands, yet as in your countenance there is seated both majesty and mercy, let the rigour of your murdering swords cease, and we all are ready to yield unto the full of your princely demands.  
Blanchardine pitying the ladies plaints, gently lifted her up from the ground, & withal, gave her these comfortable speeches: fair Lady, the heavens by their divine providence, have for many causes allotted us this happy fortune, to be conquerors of this mighty kingdom: and blame you not fortune, but thank the fates for our success, for where as all your days, you have honoured and adored Idols and false gods, we will so open your understandings, that you shall not only perceive your monstruous errors, but also become the worshippers of the true and immortal God. But above all the sundry and deadly imuries, which of long (and yet) your father Alimodes offereth unto my Lady and mistress, the chaste Queen of Tormaday, have the rather augmented my fury in prosecuting this conquest, with fire and sword, thereby to perform a most sacred vow and promise, which I made to this noble Gentleman Sadony Son to the King of Spruce long since. These causes (I say) makes me most humbly thank God for this happy arrival and victory.  
Then taking the Lady by the hand, he presented her to Sadony in this sort. Honourable friend and dear companion, now that the heavenly powers, have enriched us with this most happy victory, and that I may cancel the obligation (in part) of the great det, which I acknowledge myself bound unto you: take here this most beautiful Lady, whom long since I promised you at Marienbrough, to be your spouse and wife, and upon our loves I conjure you, that you fail me not in th'accomplishment of two things, which I shall request at your hands, after I have invested you with the figniory and kingdom of Cassidony, and this fair Queen: The one, that forthwith you cause both her and all her subjects, to be baptised in the christian faith: and secondly after you are quietly seated here, you fail not to join with me in the succour of the fair Queen of Tormaday, whose disaster breeds discontentment to my soul, and danger to my life.  
This present was so thankfully accepted of Sadony, that nothing could bring him more content, for when he cast his eye upon the damsel, he thought himself elevated into the third heaven, imagining it, a thing impossible for any mortal creature, to carry so divine a seature. Then seeing himself also possessed with such a mighty and populous kingdom, he seemed ravished in conceit. But breaking of these admirations, after a million of thanks given to God, and all kindness to Blanchardine, he began with the damsel in this sort.  
Faue Lady, whose radiant eyes shine like Vesta's candles, or the twinkling stars in the firmament, sufficient to dazzle human eyes, & to revive all dying senses, whose amber locks, desheviled on these shoulders, make you seem like Cynthia in her pride, if ever happiness were incident to mortal man, now may I boast to have reached the type of all soelicitie, in that jimbrace you, whose very looks, have so attached me on the sudden, that whereas, even now I was a conqueror, I am by you (fair Lady) conquered, and must of force, make your sweet person, the true prison of my heart: deny me not then (fair Queen) whose parrentage is answerable with yours, to yield me your love, which while I live, I vow to keep firm, and mine to you inviolable.  
The beautiful Queen Beautrix, giving diligent attention to the sugared speeches of Sadony, first weighing the miserable state of her country, secondly the absence of her father, with the death of her brother Darius, & lastly (which was most) the comely proportion of Sadony, as willingly gave her consent to marriage, as he was forward in demanding thereof.  
Then Sadony, right glad of this sweet consent of the fair Beautrix, embracing her withal kindness, after many kisses, and sweet speeches passed between them, demanded of her if she would forsake her Paganizme and diabollitall profession, and become a christian, who by his good persuasions, was brought quickly to condescend.  
Now at the same time, there were certain Christian prisoners, which long had endured the tortures of the Pagan Alimodes, remaining within the city in several prisons, to the number of one hundredth, which Sadony caused presently to be enlarged and set at liberty: and among this distressed company of Christians, there were certain Preestes, whom he commanded presently to be brought before him, & caused them to singsollemne processions, and give praise to God for his happy victory: after this, he commanded them to sanctity and hallow, certain waters, wherein all the paynim should be baptized, with himself, his Queen, and followers, upon pain of death, and presently sent out his Edict and proclamation, that all the inhabitants within those dominions, should with all possible speed, come to Cassidony, there to receive the holy Baptism & faith in jesus Christ. After all which solemnities, with great reverence performed, he took to wife the fair Queen Beautrix, to the exceeding contentment of all the beholders. I need not here make mention of the sumptiousnes of the feasts, the applause of the late imprisoned Christians, the concourse of the common people, to behold this magnificent wedding, but leave it to the reader, to imagine. But of one thing especially, I must give you to understand, that the Bride was so adorned with gems, ouches, and precious stones that day, that if all the world should have employed their pains to obtain the like, I think they are not to be gotten: all which, that most cruel homicide and perjured miscreant Alimodes, had by exaction, extorted from all his neighbours Christians, by force and villainy. But when all these triumphs (which endured the space of three days) were finished, Sadony reforming the diabolical customs, which had many years continuance within that region, in steed thereof established justtice, religion and godliness, to the great comfort of the inhabitants of Cassidony, in which long after they continued, in most prosperous, and happy estate and tranquillity.   

Chap. 4.  
How Blanchardine found his father the King of Freeze imprisoned within the City of Cassidony: and delivered him from thence.  
IT fortuned not long after this solemnity was finished, that Sadony, Beautrix and Blanchardine, walking abroad for their disport, heard the most pitiful outcry and lamentation of certain other prisoners, near the City, which were almost famished for want of bread, which doleful noise, so penetrated the gentle hearts of these three Princes, that Sadony demanding what voice the same might be, a knight attendant, made this reply. Know noble King that not long since, our quondam Lord and Prince Darius, bending his course to the renowned City of Tormaday, to manage arms in the aid of his father, against the fair Eglantine (surnamed the proud Lady in love) was by a sudden tempest at sea, driven from his course, and without their compass, into a land, which as the inhabitants called the land of Freeze, where (by great hap) within that little Island at that time, a great Lord of that Country, came with divers Gentlemen of great account to disport themselves, both for the wholesomeness of the air, the fertiity of the soil and the sweet recreations that place did afford, upon our arrival we ranging the thickets and plains of the Country, took prisoner one, who for fear, discovered the whole state of the country, and the resedency of this Lord and gentlemen, at that time there by whose direction we secretly marching to the Palace, on the sudden surprised the said Lord, with all his brave troop, who at our entrance seemed to resist, but finding their forces unable to encounter a multitude, yielded themselves to mercy: Darius (whom pity could not pierce) utterly refusing ransom commanded them presently, to be conveyed to this City, there to remain during their lives, captives. And these (most mighty Princes) are the prisoners, whose lamentation, you hear.  
When Blanchardine heard him speak of Freeze, ablushing red beautifying his cheeks, he began strait to conjecture, that out of all doubt this Lord was descended of his lineage and house, commanding presently to fetch them before him & the other princes, which the posting messenger, speedily performed: and having presented them to the three Princes, Blanchardine fixing a stéedfast view upon them, knew his father, (although the hard imprisonment and hungry diet, had masserated and made him leaner than he was wont to be) whereat Blanchardine began secretly to lament the hard distress of his aged Sire. But incurraging himself to speak, he demanded of him, what country man he was, and the chance that brought him into these calamities? The aged king, faint by reason of famine: and feeble by his age, after a little pause made this reply.  
Know sir, that I am a most distressed and captive King, my Country (which of long time I governed, with happiness and quiet) is called Freeze, situated near the sea, but through the mutability and chance of fortune my land hath been depopulated and laid waste, my subjects slain, and myself with divers of my nobles taken prisoners, by Darius the Son of Alimodes, who not pitying my age and grey hairs, hath too too long enclosed us, within a most obscure and dark prison, full of venom and filth: in which I and my poor company▪ are ready to famish, for want of sustenance, against the law of God, manand nature: utterly refusing all ransoms, that have been proffered for our deliveries.  
But a Son I had [whose years and countenance presaging valour] made both myself and his mother, to have too tender a care over him, fearing some worse event than we had cause to dread: and for this only cause we rather took care, to instruct him in learned sciences, then to prick him forward to bear arms, who like a Lion unwilling to be tamed, and spend his years in subjection and home bred toys, because I refused to invest him with the order of knighthood, one day very secretly, (without all our privities) went away: and since his departure we have not so much as received any news or tidings of him, which hath bred in me such sorrow & grief, that I wish rather a thousand times to die then thus to live deprived, not only of my liberty and kingdom, but of my Son, whose towardliness (being a child) was of all admired, and whose loss (through my fault) of all pitied. Therefore my humble petition is (if it rest in your powers), to rid me by some kind of death, out of this loathsome and grievous thraldoms, wherein I now live, who rather account it a happiness to die, than thus distressed with misery to live. After which his pitiful complaint, the tears distilled down his watery eyes, upon his aged face so thick, that made all the company to be wail his hard adventure & mishap, but especially Blanchardine his son, within whom love and pity made their combat.  
Sir quoth Blanchardine) may it be, that if your son were here at this time, considering his long departure from you, do you imagine that you should know him, by his favour and countenance?  
Ah (answered the king to well I know, that these my drooping eyes, which poor still upon my grave, shall never receive such content, as once to infix themselves on his amiable face.  
Blanchardine not able any longer to conceal himself from his aged father, said unto him, know noble King, that not long since, this noble Gentleman Sadony and myself, not only saw your Son, but accompanied him long time. And between us, were all things common, so that the mutual kindness and love, which we conceived of echother, was by no mean to be disjoined, and we accounted of one an other, as of ourselves: in so much, that at his departure from our company, he gave me this ring of gold, which here I wear, and for his sake, will reserve during my life.  
The good old King, remembering the perfect form of the ring, which his son Blanchardine had shown him, knew presently that it was the ring, which his granfather used to wear, and at his death vequethed the same to Blanchardine. And being by this sight the more encouraged, he in most humble manner requested to understand the cause of his sons departure from their honourable companies, and the place, whether they did imagine he had bend his course, hoping at length (if ever he obtained freedom) to visit his son Blanchardine. But when he heard him not reply to his humble demannd, the old King suspecting, that his departure, was rather a separation by death then a voluntary absence from their society, after sundry and grievous sighs, was ready to sound. But Blanchardine, who now perceived by his pitiful complaints, that unless he should make himself known, it might he greatly prejudicial to his health, and that delay in such a case, bred great danger: he revoking his former obstinacy, humbling himself, began to make himself known to the old man in this sort.  
Most redoubted Lord and dear father, behold Blanchardine your son, whose offence to your majesty deserveth no favour, in that his departure from your Court was most secretly concealed from all (but especially from yourself) humbly submitting himself, to your doom, craveth your honourable pardon, both for his fault in departing, and also for the gallant courser, and sword which he privily conveyed away with him with the which among many other, he hath revenged your wrongs upon your enemy Darius, and his accursed company of miscreants.  
When his aged father the King of Freeze, heard the dutiful and debonair submission of his son (whom till that very instant he knew not) by reason of the obscurity, and darkness of his prison, & also his declining age: neither can my pen recount nor my tongue relate, the happy content he received, and the general applause to all (But especially to Sadony, and the fair Beautrix, who all this while, were attentive beholders of this rare accident, and when they perceived the full issue of all which had happened between them, they congratulated this happy chance with Blanchardine and his father. And presently caused a sumptuous bath, and most honourable and rich apparel, to be prepared for the aged king, with all the duties belonging to his royal estate: and in like sort, for all the Knights, and Gentlemen his attendants.  
Now when Blanchardine (somewhat recalled from his imaginations) after the conference in public ended, between the king and the rest of the company, having brought his father into a most sumptuous chamber, enbossed with gold, and hanged with most rich tapestry, convenient for his estate, he demanded of him the estate and welfare of the Queen his mother, and his country? Alas fair son quoth the king, I have been here enclosed, in a most obscure prison, this year and more, in which time, I never had any private conference with any, saving a base villain, under whose cruel and hard custody, I have long remained comfortless, so that I greatly fear me, that my captivity once bruited to her loving ears, whose pensive thoughts for thee, had almost before my departure consumed her, have now altogether deprived her, both of health and life: but the case is only known to God, and not to me, that have not so much as sent neither received any letter or token from her since my coming into this most accursed country, which hath been hitherto governed by the cruelest miscreant that ever hell or nature hatched.   

Chap. 5.  
How Sadony, Blanchardine and the King of Freeze enbarqued themselves to Tormaday for the succour of fair Eglantine the proud Lady in love.  
AFter that all tears were clean wiped from their eyes, and that the aged King of Freeze and his faint company, had somewhat recovered their perfect strength & courrages, Blanchardine, (whose wandering thoughts were still occupiedin the contemplation of the rare and divine beauty of his Mistress, the Queen of Tormaday and on her succours against the perjured infidel, and Sarizine Alimodes, seeing convenient time and leisure to serve, before Sadony, Beaut●…ix and his aged father▪ began thus to complain.  
Most honourable friend and trusty companion Sadony, since by the high divine, and most sacred providence of God, you have obtained your hearts content, and the only jewel which long you have desired, I mean this fair and beautiful Princess Beautrix your wife, and that the true sincere, and christian religion is surely planted within this your Kingdom, whereby God may be truly served your people preserved, and your country at quiet, that now you will remember, your sacred vow and promise, which faithfully you plighted to me, in the sight of God and heaven, for the speedy succour of my fair Lady & mistress, the Queen of Tormaday, against our foe Alimodes: and although these wars may be some cause to separate you from your beautiful Queen and bride (for a while) in whom resteth the full of your content and delight, yet considering the Christian Religion which you now profess, and by which you are conjured, and most strictly bound, to prosecute these wars upon an infidel, in the defence of a most virtuous Christian Queen. And also remembering, your trusty promise made vn●…o me before our arrival here in Cassidony. These causes (I say) duly considered, will (I trust) be sufficient spurs to prick you on to this inquest, wherein your service shall not only be acceptable to God, but most kindly taken and requited by me, whose fidelity shall rest for ever, engrau●…n within the entrails of my soul inviolable.  
And you fair Queen (speaking to Beautrix) although I know that you can hardly permit this sudden departure of your Princely husband (considering your late marriage) the sincere love you bear him, and sweet content you receive in his presence, yet since your kingdom doth remain safe and void of danger, being guarded with so many and valiant knights, as we mean to leave here for your defence: and for that the time will not belong before he make his safe & sweet return, grant free leave (most fair Queen) to Sadony, to perform this honourable enterprise, although against your father, yet being the service of God, and therefore of greatest force, aught by all possible means to be undertaken.  
When the fair Princess, had heard Blanchardine to the full of his demand, although two extreme evils, were at once to be determined by her consent, first the departure of her new and most loving husband Sadony, secondly the wars they intended, were againsther own father Alimodes: yet being alured both by the pitiful tears that distiled down from his eyes, and the sweet speeches that proceeded from his mouth, she srankly gave her consent.  
Now Sadony although loath to forsake his new married Queen, and unwilling to incur the scandal of perjury to his approved friend, with all willingness commanded his ships to be made ready, both with munition and victual, and thirty thousand soldiers, knights and gentlemen, for the speedy performance of this service, which withal diligence, was prepared and in readiness.  
When Blanchardine saw the willingnes●… the kingly consent of Sadony his approved friend, he rendered him many and hearty thanks, vowing the perpetuity of their freindships', for ever to remain v●…cancelled.  
All things according to command being in readiness, Sadony (by the good advice of his trusty companion Blanchardine) appointed sundry garrisons of approved knights and soldiers, to remain within the City of Cassidony, for the defence thereof against foreign invasions, and to repulse King Allimodes if he should in the mean, chance to return thither before them)  
Then after a solemn leave taken of the Queen, and all her hono●…able company, all things being left in good and quiet order, they betook themselves to the Sea where having a pleasant gale, they in short space were passed the ken of land running their wished course to Tormaday, for the delivery (as I said before) of the fair Queen Eglantine the proud Lady in lou●…, where lets a while leave them, to recount something of the miscreant Alimodes & his accursed company, whom we left before the walls of Tormaday in great hope to be owner, both of the Queen and Country.  
We recounted at large before, how the proud Alimodes laid his daily and continual siege to the City of Tormaday, after the departure of his son Darius, and the great loss of the victuals which he brought out of Prize. But as yet neither his assaults, Canuizadoes, nor alarums, bred any danger, though son●…e fear to the Citizens within the town, yet many hardy knights and soldiers on both sides lost their lives, in making outrodes, to terrify the enemy. But Alimodes perceiving his victuals to waste, his men to die, some by war, some by sickness, and no hope of any victory, he on a sudden early in the morning, caused his Cannons to be planted against the Walls, his rams and engines of war, to be reared up, hoping to effect the full of his desire, the sound and noise of which, being heard within the Town, caused a trembling fear to surprise the Citizens, but especially the Queen, who now almost without hope of any succour●… from her uncle, the King of Norweigh (lately dead) the loss of her knights and soldiers at home, and especially the want of her true and trusty servant Blanchardine, (she I say) hearing this sudden alarum, mounted up into her high Turret, from whence she might as well decern the Sea as the enemy before the walls: And standing there in this doubtful trance, almost comfortless and desperate of succour, casting her eye to the main, she might esc●…y a far off, a huge and 〈◊〉 Navy, whose spreading sails, filled with a pleasant gale, ●…ended (as she thought) their running course to Tormaday.  
This sudden and unexpected sight, drew her into a doubt, what she might conjecture of this accident: sometime comforted▪ with hope, but strait plunged in despair: one time intagining it to be Blanchardine, an other time to be Darius, that came to relieve and aid his father against her: Thus in perplexities, she continued the space of one hour and more, in which time, she might more perfectly perceive the number of vessels that with speedy course came thither. And in these ag●…nies, she ●…eased not to invocate the mercy of God, whose mighty power she ever acknowledged, to exceed all human riches, to send her comfort in her calamities.  
Now Blanchardine through the brightness of the Sun, whose beams made a refliction upon the rigorous walls of the City, standing on the hatches, with the aged king of Freeze his father, fixing a more perfect view thereon, he began to relate unto him, the sumptuous buildings of the City, not forgetting, both the bounty & beauty of the fair Queen Eglantine, her Princely affection towards him, and his humble love and duty to her, vowing if ever he might come a shore, to encounter with Alimodes, he would make known his love by his valour on the enemy, in her just and righteous quarrel, fully resolved that what he should attempt in her 〈◊〉 against Alimodes, was meritorious in the sight of God 〈◊〉.  
With these and the like speeches, they drew so near the shore that they might decern at full, the Pavilions and tents of the Pagans, pitched upon the plains, before the City.  
Now the proud pucell in love, the fair Queen Eglantine, leaning in her window, and seeing these ships ready to come ●…o anchor and land their men, she sent presently for the Provost, (her most assured and trusty servant) who came incontinently. The Queen leading him into the top of her Turret, showed him this huge Navy, demanding who they might be? The Provost being ingenious, and full of courage, answered, that they were (as he thought) Christians, both by the show of their flags, streamers and appendents: ah God grant (quoth the Queen) they be. The Provost replying, requested her majesty to send him, not only to make inquiry what they were, but also to wage them, if he could, to fight under her majesties standards, against Alimodes and his forces.  
The Queen desirous of succour, condecended, and presently dispatched the Provost accordingly, who without delay took a ship boat, rowed with eight tall fellows, and by their diligence and pain; he came aboard the ship where Blanchardine was, who desirous to understand what they might be, that posted so fast to come aboard him, walked up and down upon the hatches until they were ascended. Then the Provost began with an audacious courage, to deliver the Embassage of his Queen and Mistress, in as ample manner as she had given him in charge: Blanchardine, whose affection to the Provost was not forgotten well perceiving the cause of his speech, to tend to the succour of his Princess and country, inquired of him: If occasion were that no aid should come, how long he thought the town was able todefend itself, against the force of Alimodes, both with men, munition and necessary provision of victual. Sir answered the Provost, our city is well fortified, for many months, as yet, neither do we doubt of Alimodes forces, which are not able to hurt us: but one thing seemeth most displeasant unto all her subjects, that neither night nor day, her majesty enjoyeth any content, tormenting herself with sighs and passions, which we all doubt will sort to some hard event, unless a speedy remedy be found for her recomforture.  
Blanchardine very desirous to understand, what disaster that might be, which so unkindly, bred such discontentment to the Queen, earuestly solicited the Provost, to relate the cause at large.  
The Provost most willingly obeying the princely command and gentle entreaty of Blanchardine, answered in this sort  
Know sir, that the extremity of grief, that our Queen hath inwardly conceived for the loss of the most brave accomplished man of the world, who in her defence, behaved himself with such valour against her foes, that in hers, and all our judgements and opinions, he through the world may not be equalized for magnanimity. And not long since having by the mighty providence of God, escaped many & imminent dangers, sailing hither with a mighty army of brave soldiers, for our rescue, a sudden tempest arising at sea, he with his warlike company, were enforced to commit themselves to the mercy of the waves, which at that instant, threatened nought but death, and destruction to them all. But thanks be to the highest heavens, not long since a pilgrim passenger, driven bytempest upon this our coast, brought us the most happiest tidings, that we could desire, & which bred more content to our Queen, than all the world could afford, (which was) that at his departure from the City of Cassidony, the chief City of our adversary Alimodes, this brave man at arms, named Blanchardine, & the mighty Prince Sadony son to the King of Spruce, were not only landed there with a most puissant army of resolute knights, Gentlemen and soldiers, but had vanquished and slain, our mortal enemy Darius, sacked his City and people, and that by the procurement of Blanchardine, the Prince Sadony had wedded the beautiful Lady Beautrix (Alimodes daughter) by whose right heis now fully possessed with the signiory and kingdom of Cassidony, the which he governeth with all tranquillity, peace and happiness, being (not only himself, by the honourable persuasion of Blanchardine become christened) but also hath established the true religion of Christianity through the whole Country, to the honour of God, and the great commendation of him, and all his adherents.  
When the Provost had thus discoursed at large to Blanchardine the message and report of the pilgrim, Blanchardine made this reply, that what the pilgrim had said, was most true, saving in one thing, that whereas the pilgrim informed, that Sadony is or shall be married, to the fair Beautrix Alimodes daughter, that (quoth he) is utterly false, in mistaking the man, for it is Blanchardine that shall espouse her, and he it is that hath sent me hiher, in succour and aid to your Queen of Tormaday.  
Ah very God (quoth the Provost) and can it be, that so Noble a Gentleman as Blanchardine is, should so much dishonour and forget himself, to be affianced to any but our Queen, whose loyal love, hath never received with any (but him) neither spot or fellowship, and who for his sake, hath utterly refused and set at nought the royal proffers of many and mighty Kings? No, no sir, neither can I be brought to believe that any such thought can harbour in the head of that heroyike knight, neither would I for million of gold, be the reporter of this unhappy news to hermaiestie, being well assured, that upon the relation, nought but death could end her calamities.  
Therefore noble Gentleman, either dispatch me hence, with more happy news, or never suffer me to return, with such heavy tidings. Yet since it hath pleased you to relate unto me, that your coming hither (in the behalf of our Queen) is by the special procurement and sending of Blanchardine, let me entreat you to know, whether he have recommended himself to my Lady by letter or no, that therein she may perceive the full of his determination.  
Friend (quoth Blanchardine) I neither received from him letter nor other message, saving such as I have already acquainted you withal, neither can I imagine, what better contentment he could bring her, than the sending of me, to enfranchize and set her and her people at liberty, from the thraldom wherein she and they have long continued, under the fear of Alimodes force.  
Alas quoth the Provost may it so be that he can forget the Princely love and beauty of our Queen, who esteeming him far above all kings, sent him her good Courfer, & one of her sleeves at his encounter with his foes (The rather by that means) to manifest the integrity of her true affection to him, whose only grace, hath battered the bulwark of her Addamanted breast: and whose love shall never dissolve except death finish it?  
At the●… speeches, Blanchardine tickled with a sweet conceit began to 〈◊〉, which the Provost attentively marking and remembering the letter sent by him to the Queen, conjectured presently that he was Blanchardine, although, the accustomed colour, which his face was painted with, made him stand in some doubt. But after a while, lending a more listninge are to his talk, he presently knew, that it was he in deed, whereof he became so joyful, that he thought himself the happiest man on earth: and then began the Provost more boldly to recount unto him the extremity of affection his Queen had borne him, ever since his departure from Tormaday, & since the receipt of ●…is letter which he delivered to the Provost at sea, considering the strange accident, that then happened by the tempest, fearing lest he had been drowned, brought her into such a heavy plight, that she hath not been seen abroad, amongst her Lords, only delighting to be solitary in her Chamber, brooking no pleasure, neither taking delight in any thing whatsoever.  
Then Blanchardine after some little parley, humbly recommending him to the good grace of the Queen by him, & to deliver her Majesty a ring of gold (which she very well knew) & further to let her understand, & since the darkening drew on so fast, that the day would not give leave to land his men▪ he with his brave company, would the next morning withal de●…terity come ashore, and bid Alimodes to such a breakfast, that instead of fresh victuals, he should feed upon the slaughtered carcases of his own people. And that his ordinance should ring him such a knell, that he might imagine all the Devils of hell were come to salute him from his Son. But for mysloyalty to her majesty, will her not to doubt, for sooner shall the Sun leave to shine, and lighten the earth, then that my plighted troth shall falsify his faith to her sacred self.   

Chap. 6.  
Of the extreme joy which the Queen had upon the delivery of the ring, and the Provostes message from Blanchardine.  
THe diligent & trusty Provost, flying which the wings of hope, took again his boat, longing greatly till he had reached the shore, that he might deliver these glad tidings to the Queen, whom he left in a most pensive case, plunged between hope and dread. But at length by the industrious pain of the sailors, he was safely set a shore, very near the postern of the town, where he proudly entered, whose coming had been long and long expected, not only of the Lords that were privy to his departure, but especially of the Queen, who burned with extreme desire, to understand some happy news. Now the Provost being entered the presence, humbling himself on his knee, the Queen (with more than her accustomed pace) came against him, to gratulate his welcome.  
Then the Provost began to deliver his message in these terms: (Renowned Lady and my most gracious Princess) know that I have according to your Princely command, performed my embassage to the general of the Royal Navy, that floateth hereby on the Sea before the City: of the which the chief conductors and rulers be, the Noble King of Freeze, Blanchardine his Son, and the brave Sadonye, Son to the king of Spruce, besides a brave company of warlike soldiers, whose courageous valours presage victory to your Majesty. And more, the noble King of Freeze, hath sworn the utter overthrow of Alimodes, and all his cursedra bble of miscreants, for the extreme and deadly wrong which have been done to him by Darius his Son: And therefore Madam, this is their request, that since the day is almost spent, so that they may not Land conveniently, they will us with all our strength, early on the next morning, to be ready at their arrival, where and when without further delay, they mean presently to set upon your enemies, their courages being augmented, by the equity of your and their quarrel. So that now (most mighty Princes) there is no cause left us, of longer despair, but that all possible and speedy provision be made, for the joining of our forces together against the appointed time.  
Then pulling forth the ring, which gave sufficient testimony to the Queen of Blanchardines' presence, he most humbly recommended it to her majesties hands, as his charge was from Blanchardine.  
The Queen most thankfully received this heavenly present, from Blanchardine, humbly thanking God that in her greatest extremes he had sent not only secure, but also the man whom under heaven she esteemed most: then giving especial charge to the Provost and all her nobles, to see all things in a readiness against the next morning, at the hour appointed: she calling her Nurse, went into her bed chamber, where they two discoursed at large, of the truth, valour and kingly prows of Blanchardine, and all other accidents, and secure that God had sent them, but the chief note they sung upon, was Blanchardine whose sweet accent, upheld the diapasan of their music.  
After this she gave in charge▪ that the streets should be hanged with costly clothes, and that the sweetest music should continually play, to welcome her love Blanchardine, which was presently effected, so that the City seemed rather an earthly paradise, than a garrison town of soldiers, by reason of the melodious sounds of all sorts of instruments, the sweet voices of men and women, the musical hermonies of Clarions, Simballs, Lutes, Oboes, Cornets and trumpets that then were heard.  
The Bells began to ring throughout the City, the priests to sing procession, the boys to make bonfires, and the maids to chant their Roundelays, that all mourning laid aside, there was no cause of discomsiture to be seen.  
Now the King Alimodes being at supper within his Pavilion, as though the four Elements had encountered together. The dust began to rise so thick that it almost dimmed the brightness of the Sun, by reason whereof, they within the City perceived not their friends from their enemies. Then went the Noble Queen and all the matrons of Tormaday, barefooted, to the Churches from one to an other, exorating the powers of heaven to strengthen the paizaunce of Blanchadine▪ and all his associates, and to confound the misbelieving infidels, Almodes and his companies.  
After these orisons finished, the Queen calling her nurse, mounted up into her gallery, from whence she might well perceive the assaults on both sides, where she long beheld divers Knights and soldiers slain, others dismounted from their horses, sore mangled and wounded, wallowing in their own gore, their horses running up and down, without their guides and riders. But in this hot skirmish, Blanchardine singled forth a Duke, a man of great account and prows, whom at the first meeting with his Lance, he sent dead to the ground. And before his Lance broke, he confounded five or six. And following his happy entrance, he so behaved himself, that his sword was too well known among the Pagans, for he had altered the Azure colour thereof, into a crimson red, with the blood of the foe, so that happy was he that might rid himself from Blanchardine: fury. And if Alimodes had not supplied the defective troops of his slaughtered soldiers, with a band often thousand fresh, the day had on his side been turned to night, upon which began the clamour oft he soldiers to eccoe in the sky, when giving each other the fresh onset, the battle seemed more fierce then at the first. But Blanchardine (instigated with honour and love) still hazarded himself among the thickest of his enemies, whom they knew too well for their profits. And being enclosed within a ring of pagans, they freshly assailed him on every side, either to slay him or make him their captive, which cruelties, he (having before too well experimented) rather determined to die, then to be taken prisoner. And in this resolution, he so courageously behaved himself, that none durst enter within the reach of his weapon. And although his horse was sore wounded, and himself most dangerously hurt in many places, not seeing any way to encounter such a multitude without great danger, yet with main force he retired himself back among his company.  
Now Sadony who all this while stood not idle, singled out a mighty Giant named Corhorant, second brother to the King Alimodes, whom upon the shock, at their encounter, he sent both horse and man to the ground, and accepting the benefit of fortune and time, alighted from his horse and dissevered his head from his body. The good king of Freeze whose courage was strong (although by reason of age) his body was weak, what by his encouragement of the soldiers, and great experience in feats ofarmes, did great damage to Alimodes and his soldiers: In the mean the valiant Blanchardine, feeling his horse (by reason of his wounds to faint under him) alighted and betook himself to his sword, with the which he so manfully behaved himself as ever did any knight, till at the last the enemy perceiving him dismounted, pressed so fast by heaps upon him that they took him prisoner. At which sudden applause, the whole troup of miscreants gave a mighty shoot, but Sadony perceiving the distressed case of his trusty friend Blanchardine, hasted so fall upon the enemy with his company, that heaset at liberty him, that before they thought to be most sure prisoner. When Blanchardine saw himself free, he presently mounted a fresh horse, & took a mighty Lance. And perceiving Alimodes somewhat distant from his company, gave the spurs to his horse, and by his agility and mighty prows bore him out of his saddle to the earth And at that instant had severed his head from his body, had not speedy succour come. This foil bred such a desire of revenge in Alimodes, that so soon as he was mounted again, he wasted Blanchardine to the second encounter, which he most willingly condecended unto, in regard of the honour he should achieve by his conquest. And as before, so he served him the second time for had not Alimodes been rescued again, he had sent his soul to Charon's ferry boat, to pass him over Phlegeton, to crave his wandering passport of Aeacus, Minos and Radamant, to the infernal bloody marshal fields.  
Now the Queen of Tormaday (who as I said before) stood with her nurse in the gallery window, perceiving plainly this brave combat, between Blanchardine and the King Alimodes which bred her most sweet content: She forthwith called unto her a young Knight, whom she commanded presently to deliver a white dammask sleeve (which she pulled from her gown) with her kindest commendations to Blanchardine, requesting him for her sake, not only to wear the same, but also to alter the colour, with the blood of her enemy Alimodes.  
The young knight having received this embassage from the Queen, speedily posted to deliver it to Blanchardine, unto whom being approached, he presented both the queens commendations and the sleeve.  
This unexpected present, was more welcome to Blanchardine, than a million of gold, who receiving it with all humility and kindness, promised the performance of her majesties command, so far forth as both his life and courage should permit, not forgetting most humbly to commend him to the good grace of the Queen: with which friendly answer the messenger after his bountiful reward from Blanchardine, returned.  
Now Blanchardine (whom this princely favour made most forward) with eager desire of victory, entered presently the thickest of his enemies, where he so bravely behaved himself, that few or none durst approach his presence for fear of death, which Sadony and the residue of his company perceiving, pressed the more forward for his aid. And not long after, through the ingenious capacity and magnonimious courage of Blanchardine, and the noble Sadony, Alimodes and his miscreant troup being discomforted, began to betake themselves to flight, having in that battle lost the greater part of his soldiers.  
Sadony the young Prince perceiving Alimodes and his companies to be discomforted and to fly, pursued them so fast in their flight, that on the sudden he overtook a mighty man named Gallizeus, third brother to Alimodes, whom he so saluted with his sword, that he fell dead from his horse. But when Alimodes perceived his brother slain, & by the prows of one only Knight, with extreme anger he commanded all his vassals at once to set upon him, who long time most manfully defended himself: but finding his horse to faint under him, by reason of his many wounds, was constrained to alight, and not able long to endure the force of so many enemies, was enforced to yield, and had at that instant been slain had not Alimodes charged upon pain of death, that he should be taken alive, to cause him to endure a more miserable end.  
Now the clamour of the Pagans began exceedingly at the taking of the Prince Sadony, so that the noises rung in the ears of Blanchardine, and when the company had certified him thereof, he stayed not, but with all celerity posted towards the enemy to recover him, but Alimodes and his folk perceiving them at hand, got them aboard their ships with all possible speed they might, but a number of them were cut off before they might reach the Sea, and cruelly murdered. But when they perceived that Alimodes was already ascended his ships, and had Sadony aboard him, he galloping on the strand with a lofty voice, called to Alimodes, to ransom his friend Sadony, with a hundredth thousand crowns and six thousand of his Pagan prisoners, but Alimodes replied that he should not return, except the fair Queen Eglantine might be his ransom, where unto Blanchardine replied that he would upon condition that Sadony, might come ashore. But the false Panim Alimodes, fearing the loss of his prisoner, commanded his sails to be presently hoist, the ships to Lance, and bend their course to Cassidony, having a little gale ready to carry them away.   

Chap. 8.  
The sorrow that Blanchardine and all the company made for the loss of Sadony, and how fraire Eglantine persuaded Blanchardine to desist and leave to go 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
BLanchardine perceiving no recovery of his true and trusty companion Sadony, out of the hands of the Pagan Alimodes, pinched with exceeding anguish and for row ofminde, with tears trickling dowen his watery eyes, he began to complain in this manner.  
Ah mutable and unconstant fortune, how dost thou vomit up the venom of thy rigour upon me, whom even now thou madest the best contentedst man living, and in a moment the accursedst wretch that breatheth: thou hast bereft me of the second solace of my soul, in depriving me of the company of my Sadony whose presence was my earthly heaven, whose absence my infernal hell. O Noble Gentleman, sprung from the Loins of victorious kings, how may I worthily bewail this your disaster, who for mysake, & in my quarrel, have not only forsaken father, friends, kindred, country, lands dominions & living but also not shunning most cruel and imminent danger (even at hand) have most willingly adventured your lise and person. And should I (though unfortunate) yet be so ungrateful as to let these princely favours die and be forgotten, to live securely here, (although it be the place of my sweetest content on earth) and suffer you to miscarry, under th●… tyranny of those cursed miscreants? O no, first shall the heavens lose their light, the Sea his waves, the earth his fruit, before that one such thought may harbour in my heart. Alas when I behold these 〈◊〉, discomforted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 soldiers, the trusty followers of sweet Sadony, sad and sorrowsully wring their wretched hands, for the loss of their prince, in beholding them (I say) my passions are more and more augmented, neither can any joy possess my soul, by reason of his mishap.  
After he had thus heavily bewailed his dear friend, he approaching near the place where Sadonyes' soldiers marched, trailing their pikes behind them, he began to recomfort them the best he could, commanding all the spoils of the Pagans, to be equally distributed amongst them, & that nothing should be wanting, to supply their necessities, and that all their ships should presently be new rigged and victualled, intending forthwith to post after them, to deliver their prince and his companion Sadony.  
Now was the beautiful Eglantine Queen of Tormaday, come before Banchardine to yield him humble thanks for his exceeding pains, and true valour showed in her service, altogether ignorant of all sinister accidents touching the captivity of Sadony: at whose approach, the virmillion red did so bepaint his manlike face, that every one might well perceive the integrity of his affection by his countenance: on the other side the Queen taken (as it were with an Apoplexy) was for the time like one in a trance, not able through exceeding love to utter a word, till Blanchardine taking her between his arms, seizing upon her rosial lips with a sweet kiss, had a little revived her, then coming to herself, she would feign have spoken, but yet was tung-tide, only suffering her eyes to be the true messengers of her thought. But Blanchardine breaking silence began in this manner.  
Most beautiful Queen and my redoubted love and mistress, as health doth bring most solace to the sick, liberty to the prisoner, and food to the hungry, so doth your Angelical presence revive me, who (even now▪ the extremity of sorrow had almost confounded. The Sunshine of my bliss, was turned to a cloudy fog, my mirth to moon, my solace to sadness, and my day to night, in losing the man whom heaven adores, whom earth admires, and men do reverence. O that the dismal day had been obscured, when first this hellish Tyrant Alimodes, bend his bloody forces against this royal Town, wherein although he hath acquired small advantage, yet hath subdued his Conqueror, in surprising that most heroic Prince Sadony, whom nowhe leadeth prisoner to Cassidony: but what avails sorrow, where sadness cannot help, and though I now enjoy your company, which is a heaven unto my soul, and a paradise unto my mind, yet since the cause was mine, the quarrel mine, and he himself was mine: with what honour or just excuse, can or may I suffer him to endure imprisonment, and live myself free and out of bondage? (pardon me O gracious Queen) and with your pardon jointly give me leave to recover him again, without whom neither may my heart receive content, neither my soul comfort: and the time shall not be long, until I make my speedy return to visit you, whom alive above all wights I honour, and whom after death I vow as my chiefest saint to adore.  
When the proud Lady in love fair Eglantine, had till this instant remained as it were in a trance, yet listened to this sad and heavy discourse of Blanchardine, where at the first a wan and pale hue had wholly possessed her amiable face, by reason of her inward passions: now the orient vermilion spreading on her cheeks, strove (as it were) with the Rose and Lily for superiority in the perfection of colour, she calling her senses together, made this reply. Ah poor and distressed Queen, how often in my greatest mishaps was I wont to allege against fortune, when she threatened utterly to deprive me of honour, living, renown, yea life and all, that none of all that was mine, claiming only a property in thy love and loyalty (O noble Knight Blanchardine) not caring to forego the whole world so I might enjoy thee whom I thought that neither alteration of time, distance of place, mutation of manners, change of estate, no nor any thing whatsoever which either hell or fortune might procure, could once have separated and withdrawn from me, (having now such liberty and freedom to stay:) but seeing that my expectation fails me, and that I strive against the stream, and east stones against the wind, in reconciling you, and opposing myself against fortune, who long since hath vowed my utter ruin: ah too true I find, that the constellation of my stars, with the calculation of my nativity, have still allotted me, with Ixion to be rolled on the tormenting wheel, daily to turn the stone with Sisyphus, and for ever to fill the bottomless tubs with the daughters of Belus: the ashes of the old Phoenix engender a new, and with me the end of one sorrow is the beginning of another: if fortune look on me she lowreth, if she turn her face, she threateneth: if she but remember me, she is enraged: and if she smile, she meaneth nought but deceit and slatterye. And yet how can I so vehemently exclaim against fortune? hath she not rescued me from the Pagan's tyrannies? hath she not preserved my sweet Blanchardine from shipwreck, imprisonment, and death? hath she not given me the conquest and overthrow of my enemies? Alas she hath, but so soon to deprive me of thy sweet company, augmenteth my griefs a thousand times more, than these have exhillerated me with pleasure: yet since there is no remedy and that you needs will wend from hence to hazard your life and people, in rescuing him (whom I think they have already put to death) and leave me (to whom your absence will bring a discontentment worse than death) go Blanchardine go, and in your absence I will mourn, weep, and wring my hands, (but withal) never cease to entreat the Gods for your speedy return: and yet before you go, let us congratulate ourselves as well as we may, and so short a time will permit: and after you have put on the Princely Diadem of Tormaday, and established all things according to your gravety and wisdom, them (I say) may you at your pleasure depart, and leave me here to bewail my hard misfortune.  
Thus this poor passionate Queen sometime with sighs, sometime with tears, solicited him to stay, but his brotherly care of Sadony far exceeded the queens persuasions. So pacing lovingly with her into the City, which he found most sumptuously adorned against his coming, he sported with his fair Queen a day or two, till his shipping was in a readiness, and then with a warlike company of brave Cavaliers, he bent his course after the Pagan Alimodes, and his miscreant company: but before he ascended the Ship, he in presence of the Queen and her Lords, called unto him a man (whom as he thought was highest in the Prince's favour) but yet of base and mean parentage, only advanced to honour by the late deceased King of Tormaday, Father to the Queen, whose advice and council he continually used before all the Lords of his kingdom, his name was Subbyon, whose pride and haughty mind, procured him much hatred among the nobles, but by reason of his offices which he held under the Queen, by the appointment of her father, the common and base sort of people, (more for fear then love) did reverence: whom Blanchardine by reason of his short abode, chose rather by his eye then by experience, to be vicegerent of the City and kingdom till his return: this he did (as he thought) to please the Queen, & appointed a hundredth knights daily to attend his person and command. When Blanchardine had disposed (as ha thought) all things according to the queens desire, after millions of kisses, and sweet embracements of the fair Eglantine, with weeping tears he departed towards his ships.  
Then the aged king of Freeze, father to Blanchardine, seeing the pitiful complaints of the Queen, recomforted her as well as he could, promising after the obtaining of their enterprise, to bring again withal speed his son unto her. Ah God grant (answered the Queen) that all things sort unto your wills, for in your absence is my death, and in your presence is my joy.  
Then the King of Freeze and all the rest went aboard their ships, the anchors were halled, the sails were hoist, and forth they launched into the deep, where after a days sail, they might escry afar off, a mighty navy of ships, gliding on the waves, whereof news being brought to Blanchardine, he commanded that presently the masters should post after them, thinking it to be the fleet of Alimodes. But when the industryous Pilotts thought to reach the other company, they were presently overtaken with a mighty tempest, which put them without their compass, and in great peril of their lives. The mariners perplexed with the agony and fear of death, could not execute their charge, but encouraged by the captains of ever ship, they began to do their labour, some turned the sail yard, others the sail cord, others struck the topsails, others the spritsayle, some the mysen sail, some took off the bonnets and enlargements of the mainesayles, some knit the broken lines, and some looked to the hinder deck tail & castle of the ship, some to the fore deck and some to the hatches, others voided the sea into the sea by pumping the water out of the ships. And to be short, every man applied him so well to his labour, that they defended the storm without loss of any. And thus let us leave to speak of them a while and return to Subbion, whom we left governor of Tormaday.   

Chap. 9  
How in the absence of Blanchardine, Subbion, to whom the government of Tormaday, was committed till his return, traitorously conspired to marry the Queen and set himself in the regal throne as King.  
SVbbion being left, by the special appointment of Blanchardine, chief commaimder of the City and people of Tormaday, ascending not by steps, but on the sudden to the type of all honour (as he thought) pricked forward by ambition and pride, the handmaids of treachery, began to imagine with himself, how he might for ever establish this his signiory and government, neither respecting his base and rude parentage, the manifold and bountiful rewards of the Queen, nor the assured trust reposed in him, by his sovereign Blanchardine. Calling therefore before him such as (he thought) and whom he might either by reward, bribe or promise of honour, allure, or by flattery persuade, with whom he began to break in this manner.  
My approved friends and faithful countrymen, you are not ignorant of the long and tedious wars which we have for many into the presence, where the Queen sat, attended but with a small troup of Lords and Knights, found her pensive and sad, for the departure of Blanchardine: but Subbion emboldened by reason of his armed friends, that companied him, leading the Queen a little a side (as though he would impart some matter of more secrecy, than behoved the standers by to be acquainted withal, began to parley with her in this manner.  
Fair Queen and Empress of Tormaday, your subjects and Citizens are greatly grieved, to see you dolant and sad, now you have most cause to laugh and be merry. And so far as they, and myself both by your speeches & our own conjectures can gather your melancholy ariseth, by means of the absence of Blanchardine a man though forward in your service (in hope of Salary) yet a stranger, an exiled person, and a fugitive. And sith you have forsaken so many Princely offers, of Emperors, Kings, Princes, Dukes, and great Lords, it is a great wonder to us all, what folly or rather frenzy should lead you, to dote so much upon this wandering Knight, whom both his own country and people do hate, and who (in all our opinions) seeketh nothing but the subversion of you and this our common wealth: consider (noble Queen) the honour of your Royal house, from whence you are descended, the fertility of the Realm, wherein you reign, and the welfare of the people, whom you govern, and suffer not yourself to be so vainly led to marry one, who like the traitor Aeneas, will not only depopulate your country, impoverish your people, but in your extremest need, leave and forsake you, having obtained the full & effect of his desire. Then (noble Queen) it will be too late to recall again, what prevention in time may firmly establish. And since it is the general desire of all your subjects, and the thing which not only shall bring content to all, but continue peace within your dominions for ever, that you assure your love and liking to me, who esteem thereof above all reach of human wit. Consent (O gracious Queen) to satisfy the humble desire of all, in yielding that your love to me, which the 〈◊〉 of my affection doth justly challenge, as proper to none 〈◊〉 myself. And here I vow and protest (before the sacred presence of the immortal God) to take such continual and diligent care for the safety of yourself, your realm and people, that through all ages Tormaday, shall bear the name of the most blessed and happiest country under the Sun. And if you gainsay, what all have affirmed, touching our marriage: know that what I may not obtain by your free consent, I beth will and can effect by rigour and force. Therefore sweet Lady resolve me presently, what your determination is herein, that I may befully ascertiated of your meaning.  
The Queen (having with extreme pain) listened to the sequel of Subbions' purpose, began now to change her countenance, and with an austere and bold spirit, full of magnanimity and disdain, made this reply.  
What do I hear (thou base disloyal villain) to proceed out of thy lips whom duty commands to be our footstool and slave? have the honours which we have bestowed upon thee, made thee so far to forget thyself, that thou darest presume to solicit such a matter, as thy installation in regal seat, and to be fellow and copartner with me? Avaunt peasant, this thy malleport and saucy enterprise, shall cause thee to repent thy treachery, and bring such deserved punishment upon thee, that through all regions, thy detestable villainies shall be bruited, and here at home thy cursed carcase most cruelly tortured.  
And as she intended to call her counsel, to acquaint them with this detestable treason: immediately there stepped in, a multitude of base runagates, which being [on set purpose] armed for his rescue, they commanded their Prince the fair Eglantine, to consummate the marriage, which they had already purposed between her and Subbion, not permitting her any leisure to withdraw herself apart, from such a rude rabbell of rascals.  
The Ladies there attendant, perceiving the multitude to press in so fast, made such an outery, that all the Court and streets rung of their noise, so that the Citizens wondering at this sudden alarum, began to flock to the gates of the Court which were so clo●…ly kept by the traitorous companies of Subbion, that none might [as then] enter therein.  
But this news being spread through the City, and coming to the ears of the good old Earl of Castelford, the Provost of Tormaday, and the Knight of the ferry: sitting at dinner, they having understood the treasons, intended by Subbion against the Queen, withal possible speed, assembed a mighty army of soldiers & citizens, ●…n battle array, & marched to the court gates, which though at the first they found fast shut, yet by the engines and devices they brought, they caused to fly open, so that within short time [& ere ever Subbion could any whit effect his purpose] they entered the Court, where finding the Queen, somewhat recoiled, and severed from the company of the traitors, which now prepared to defend themselves, they presently conveyed her out of the Court, and with all possible speed, sent her away to the old Earl of Castelford there to remain till their return unto her.  
In the mean while, Subbion and his accomplicies withdrew themselves, fearing the multitude of the Citizens and soldiers, which came against them. But when he understood, that the fair Lady Eglantine, was by the Provost, the Knight of the ferry, and the good Earl of Castelford, conveyed to the strong hold of Castelford, a place impregnable, by reason of the deep watery trenches, and lofty strong walls, being furnished within with great store of munition, men and victuals, he grew half in despair, ever to obtain his purpose. But being encouraged by his treacherous followers, to persist in his villainous enterprise, he forthwith, with all his base retinue, marched to Castelford, where having a long and weary siege, without advantage, he determined still to persever therein, hoping in time, through want and defect of victuals, they should be reinforced to yield. And in this assault and traitorous siege, I will leave him a while, to recount the adventure of Blanchardine in pursuit of the Pagan Alimodes, for the delivery of his trusty companion Sadony.   

Chap. 10.  
How Alimod●… landed at Cassidony and led Sadony prisoner with him But at his coming thither, the Citizens defended the gates, forbidding his entrance, etc.  
NOw was Alimodes (the cursed infidel) come safe within the haven of Cassidony his native country and kingdom, (as he thought but having landed his men, intending to enter the City, as King, he found the gates closed, and all entrance was denied: then he began first to exclaim upon his false Gods, then on his people, and most especially, on his daughter, the fair Beautrix, who was lately affianced, to the distressed prisoner Sadony: at the same instant, was the fair Beautrix mounted in her gallery, from whence she might discern the huge multitude of Ships and men, which much recomforted her, hoping them to be the company of her Lord Sadony, whose presence and safe return she had over long expected: she forthwith commanded a great Lord to post abroad to bring her the certainty of the news, who being returned, assured her that it was her father Alimodes, who by chance of war, driven from his siege had taken her betrothed Lord Sadony prisoner, and intended the next morning to sacrifice him to his Pagan Gods. This melancholy message bred such a terror to the fair Beawtrix when she heard the distress of her dear Sadony, that all vital powers forsaking her body, she fell in a sound: but being recomforted by the diligence of her Ladies, she came to herself again, when not without millions of tears she bewailed the hard mischance of Sadony, whose case she thought remediless: Alimodes advancing himself nearer the walls, perc●…ed his daughter having her face besprent with blubbered tears, leaning at a window, to whom with a mighty & stern voice he called, to have entrance within the town, or else (quoth he) this caitisse Sadony whom thou seest here, who contrary to my will, hath plighted troth with thee, and caused thee and my people to forsake the sacred laws and ordinances of our God Mahomet, shall with the extremest torments I can devise, here openly in thy sight be tortured to death. And beside, at my entrance within the City [which shall be ere long] both thou and all thy false and traitorous company, shall feel the rigour of revenging wrath. Conseder that I am thy Father that import thee, I am he that gave thee life and dignity, I am the true and just enheritor, of the kingdom of Cassidony, who have no other [now thy brother Darius is slain] to bestow it upon but thee: Yield [I say] yield to thy father, who tendereth thy welfare and pittyeth thy distress, lamenting to think upon the slaughter of his subjects, which through thy obstinacy is like to ensue: pity thyself, pity thy people, pity thy husband, and pity thy father who though he may command, yet doth humbly entreat. And what hath in my absence been committed, both against my Crown and dignity, I vow to Mahomet clearly to pardon, and freely to forgive, how canst thou think to Reign in peace, that hast thrust thy Father from possession of the crown? how canst thou repose trust in any, that hast first been false thyself? how can men think thee to be faithful to any, that hast been thus faithless to me thy father? relent [I say relent] in time, and wipe this cloudy bail from thy dim-sighted eyes see see the times which are like presently to fall upon thee and thy people: I hear them already munnur against thee, I hear them conspiring to betray thee, I see them ready to deliver thee into my hands, which [if they shall] what pity canst thou plead, that thus obstinately dost deny to pity thyself? And with these speeches, the tears distilled down his eyes, in great abundance. The beautiful 〈◊〉, listening to this persuasive oration, and deep protestation of 〈◊〉 her Father, with bold courage, yet with smile countenance, made h●…m this answer.  
Dear Father neither is it obstinacy, neglect of duty, nor malice of you, that I have caused these gates to be shut against you: But fearing your rage (which I know to be grievous and intolerable) if on the sudden without deliberation you should enter, and behold the strange mutations and changes, which have chanced in your absence. But if it shall please you to listen a while with patience, what I shall say, in duty I will be as ready to perform what you request, as you willing to command my service.  
The enraged King knowing himself (Sans reamedy) kept silence, to hear what his daughter would allege, which she perceiving, began to speak in this sort.  
Noble King and my redoubted father, when I bethink me of the manifold and grievous offences, which you, and all we through you, have committed against the sacred majesty of God, in honouring that detestable and cursed Idol Mahomet, whose duty is nothing, and power less▪ ●… an●… driven into such a desperate & sorrowful imagination for my soul, that every thought is far worse than a thousand deaths unto me. But when I recall myself, and veive the merits and mercies of christ, the true immortal and ever living God, whom even now, and during my life I will adore, I am much recomforted from these sad and pensive griefs: look father, look with the eye of conscience, 〈◊〉 the damnable heresies you maintain: and with speed forsake that infernal Mahomet, and his irreligious Altaron, and bend your devotions to Christ, in whom there is mercy and forgiveness. And dear Father relent, and mitigate your conceived wrath to Sadony my true Lord and husband, and join in league and amity, with those two vallerrous Gentlemen and Princes, Sadony and Blanchardine, So shall you enter these gates [as Emperor] and all we during our lives will remain the true and trusty subjects and friends of Alimodes, hereby shall your tranquillity be established, your people pacified, and your Country continually flourish. And if this receipt seem too hard for your digestion, and that under these conditions you will not tie your honour, then in despite of thee and thy false Mahomet, I swear by the immortal god, rather to die, & suffer this city to perish, than that once thou shalt find footing here. This is the sun of my resolution therefore advise yourself, what answer you intend to make.  
When Alimodes had heard the imperious discourse of his daughter the fair Beawtrix, with an impiteous grace and angry countenance, he made this reply. Thou accursed caitiff and hellish hag, is this the duty and obeisance which nature commands thee to do to thy father? is this the reward of all my cost and pains, which from thy cradle I have bestowed upon thee? is this the faith thou gavest me, to reserve thy virginity to be disposed at my pleasure? thou monster in nature, thou ungrateful fiend, and perjured miscreant, neither do I mean upon thy foolish entreaty, nor thy vain boastings, to forsake my God Mahomet, neither to suffer this villain Sadony (whom thou callest husband) to escape the tortures which presently thou shalt see prepared for him: and in this agony he commanded the Marshal of his host to cause forthwith a lofty jibbet to be erected, right before the window where fair Beawtrix leaned, that she might behold the heavy spectacle, of the death of Sadony her Lord.  
But when Beawtrix perceived her persuasions to take no effect, and that the obstinate Alimodes persevered in his devilish determinations, she began thus to exclaim against him.  
Thou false miscreant, unmerciful tyrant, and old dotard, dost thou think that this thy rigour can work thy entrance within this City? no no, thou art deceived, and I will cause thee (if thou persist in this obstinacy) to repent thy arrival before Cassidony, to disturb my people and quiet: pack hence I charge thee on pain of thy life, before my anger be further incensed against thee, & go again I say to woe that beautiful Queen of Tormaday, who regardeth thee worse than her basest slave. Thou sottish old man, that once wert Venus' Chamberlain, but now art become Cupeds Chaplain: dost thou imagine that so fair a Princess can dote on so foul a wizard? or dost thou think to obtain her love by force, who loathed to look upon thy filthy face? those wrinkles in thy brows, those hoary hairs on thy visage, those quaking hands which call thee to thy grave, do tell thee thy labour is in vain, and thy cost is consumed to nought: leave, leave, silly man, these untimely and unnatural courses of love, and repair to 〈◊〉 hermitage or solitary cell, where thou mayest have both time and leisure, to repent thy youthful toys, and aged follies. And suffer my husband to escape thy murdering hands, whose death as it can advantage thee but a little, so his life may perchance ere long ransom thine.  
These reproachful tantes of his daughter, made the old King almost mad, and in that humour, he commanded his soldiers and Captains presently to give a sharp assault to the Town, which forthwith was effected to the great loss of Alimodes, and his companies.  
And when he saw, that neither by command, by partey nor byforce he could affect what he desired, he charged his men to retire themselves to their tents, where having a thousand doubts hammering in his head, and many devices how he might be revenged on the fair Beautrix his daughter, he willed all his trumpets and clarions to sound, the rather (as he thought) to grieve his daughter, by his feigned show of victory. But when he found all his devices to fail, and all his forces to effect nothing, he charged the marshal forthwith, to lead Sadony to execution, under the guard of four thousand soldiers.  
Sadony being now brought towards the place, where (as he thought) he should finish his heavy tragedy, began piteously to bewail his hard misfortune. And thinking first upon Blanchardine, and before him seeing his wife fair Beautrix, standing in her window, to view this heavy spectacle, his passions did more and more increase, so that through the anguish of his grief his spirits began to fail, but being hurried by the unruly rabbell of Pagans to his death, he began to entreat thus. And is there neither pity nor compassion remaining, amongst you, who thus violently draw me to death? Can neither my innocency, nor my ransom purchase my pardon at your hands? O noble Blanchardine, whose name I cannot forget▪ what disaster is this, that having escaped so many dangers in thy company I should die thus cruelly in thy absence: have I forsaken my father, country and friends, to accompany thee, in conquest of thy fair love, and dost thou slack to succour me in this distress? is love forgotten, is kindness banished, is faith dissolved? O had thy●… case been mine neither love nor life should have stayed me from thy delivery: and casting his eyes to the window where his Lady lay, he fetching a porfowd sigh, as though his heart would break, spoke thus. O dismal day and most accursed fortune, have I been preserved from so many slaughters, to finish my days, in presence of my dear and dearest wife? Can not other place or time bereave me of my life, but before her sacred presence? O no, my fatal destinies have thought it fit for my offences. And in these extremes he languished, utterly void of any hope of succour. But the divine powers pitying his passions, sent him speedy remedy, as in the next Chapter you shall hear.   

Chap. 11.  
How the fair Beautrix rescued her husband Sadony from death, and maugre his enemies, brought him safe within the walls of the City of Cassidony.  
AS the beautiful Beautrix beheld this heavy spectacle of her love and Lord Sadony, pacing (strongly guarded) to his death, she in all haste, descended the gallery into the presence, where she found divers Nobles and Gentlemen attending her pleasure: she desirous to speak, yet wanting force (by reason of her speed.) After a little pause, she humbling her helfe before them all, began to entreat them to secure her distressed Sadony, who is even now [quoth she] almost come to the dismal place▪ where he must finish his days, unless your courageous valours thaughtie prows deliver him. Reply my not lord [quoth she] for the time will not permit, but upon your allegiance and loves to me, post a way with expedition, so shall I for ever acknowledge myself [though your Queen] yet bound in duty unto you all,  
This humility of the Queen, with tears distilling down her cheeks, was such a spur to the forward minds of her nobles, that presently, they marched out at a close postertie of the City through the drytrenches most secretly, till on the sudden they were come very near the place of execution.  
Now Sadony being mounted up the ladder, by reason whereof he might overlook the resedue, perceiving this ambush to be so near, seeming to elevate his hands to heaven for mercy, with main force, broke the hands, where with he was manakled. And leaping from the ladder, on the sudden, caught hold on a holberd, which a rude rascal held, and violently wring it out of his hands, he so bestired his stumps, that he made the Sarizins recoil back.  
Now the Lords of Cassidony, perceiving the Sarizins disordered,, by reason of this escape of Sadoniy. They forthwith ran upon them, with such agillety, that the Sarizens began to fly, and in their slight, the most part were either taken or slain, by which policy and present mean, Sadony was thoroughly reseve from death, and brought within the walls of Cassidony, to the great and exceeding joy of all the inhabitants the main discemforture of Alimodes, and the sweet content of the Queen.  
But when the fair Beautrix was advertised of this happy news, who all this while, was upon her knoos, 〈◊〉 praying to God, for Sadonies' delivery & the good success of her Lords she posted to welcome him. At whose presence she [through extreme joy] sounded.  
But Sadony gently listing up her, drinking the brinish tears, which ran down her cheeks, after a while brought her to her senses again, when prostrating himself before her, he gave her and all the rest, many thanks for his preservation, but she lifting him up, lead him with princely honour into the palace; where he discoursed the whole adventure of Blanchardine and himself, since his departure spom Cassidony.  
By this time and at that very instant, was the valorous Blanchardine with his courageous company, come within the haven of Cassidony, where landing his men, artillery, and horses, he presently commanded certain espials to scout abroad, to understand the estate of Cassidony, and whether Alimodes was entered the City or no. By whose industry & diligence, they apprehending a soldier of Alimodes host, brought him with speed before Blanchardine, who upon his examination, confessed the state of Alimodes, the rescue of Sadony, and the exceeding joy of fair Beautrix for his escape with life, at the instant hour expected of his death. These pleasing news, sorting to his desire, revived the dying courage of Blanchardine, for the loss of his companion Sadony. But now pricked forward with love and revenge he dispatched his letters by sundry posts, to advertise Sadony of his arrival, willing him forthwith, and or ever the enemy were better provided, to join his forces and assault them, himself meaning forthwith to give the onset.  
These letters being come to the hands of Sadony, he presently acquainted the Lords of Cassidony, and fair Beautrix with the contents, which they most thankfully accepting, slacked not to perform what pleased Sadony to command. And forthwith levying forty thousand of expert soldiers, they secretly issued out of the Town, to join with Blanchardine and his company. By this time was Blanchardine ready to charge upon the enemy, which when Sadony perceived, he tarried not long to assail them on the other side.  
So began the fight to be exceeding dangerous: but the policy of Blanchardine, and prows of Sadony, within short time, brought these wars to end. For Alimodes perceiving his Pagans to fly, and his whole host to be discomforted, and finding no remedy (by reason of the multitude of his adversaries to escape) he disarming himself, came prostrate before Blanchardine pleading his pardon, whom Blanchardine, not according to his deserts, but of his accustomed clemency pitying, delivered him to the sure custody of a trusty Knight, to remain his prisoner till they might further determine upon him.  
Now was Sadony and Blanchardine met, between whom passed such sweet salutations, & kind imbracementes as brought a singular content and pleasure to all their followers. So loveingly arm in arm they paced to the City, where the beautiful Beautrix even at that very entrance met them with such a pleasant grace, as bright Phoebus' yéeldes after he hath banished the morning mist. Then through the City were proclaimed feasts and triumphs, and all other kinds of sports, to yield a plaudite to this success, than was the day of Coronation sounded through the land, at which time the Dukes, Lords, Earls, Barons, Knights & Gentlemen, from all places, assembled at Cassidony to honour the festivals. The whole assembly made their homage and fealty to Sadony & Queen Beautrix: & from that time forth a quiet and friendly peace was fully established through that region.  
After that Blanchardine had reposed himself, and his weary soldiers awhile, in the kind company of Sadony, and his fair Beautrix, he whom the entire love of fair Eglantine did still recall to Tormaday, commanded his ships to be made ready for his return, ignorant altogether of the treacherous conspiracies of Subbion in his absence, which (if he had known) nothing could have stayed him from her delivery and his revenge. But he not so much as once conjecturing any such accident, made the less haste to departed, from this new crowned king and Queen of Cassidony.   

Chap. 12.  
How fair Eglantine the proud Lady in love, being beseidged by the traitor Subbiou, within the Castle of Castelford sent the trusty Provost of Tormaday to certify Blanchardine thereof, being at that instant at Cassidony, and how he delivered her.  
THe fair Eglartine Queen of Tormaday being beseidged within the Castle of Castelford, by that traitorous companion Subbion: who fought by all possible means to surprise her, thereby to invest himself, with the diadem of Tormaday in the absence of Blanchardin, she perceiving the traitorous crew to augment, and her friends to decrease, bewailing her hard adventure to the old Earl, and the good Provost. Ah (quoth she) full little knows my Lord Blanchardine, of the extremities which ●… endure, neither have I any mean to acquaint him therewith, for the place of his abode is far hence, and my captivity strait and daungereus at home, and without his speedy aid, we all are like to sustain great peril.  
The trusty Provost seeing the distress of his Queen, and how desirous she was to be rescued by Blanchardine, (althongh she would not seem to request or commawd him that service) yet he remembering her bounty and Blanchardines' kindness, ●…he this really, gracious Princess. As in many other your ho●…le and Princely services it hath pleased your majesty to 〈◊〉 me. So is it shall like you to command me in this, I the help of God use such diligence and fidelity, that the Blanchardine shall have the certain news of this your restraint by Subbion ere long.  
Trusty Provost (answered the Queen) whose forwardness and faith, I have continually approved: this friendly offer, which you so freely make, doth revive my dying heart and commands me for ever, to be thankful unto you, But when I consider, the danger of your escape from hence, the hazard you are like to endure, by so long a jorny by Sea, and the peril wherein we shall live, for want of your aid in this castle, these I say) forbidden me to employ you in this service.  
Madam quoth the Provest, I think the services most honourable and gracious, wherein I shall adventure my life, at your command and in your affairs, neither will I be partial in performing them, although my body should sustain ●… thousand torments.  
Gramercy (quoth the Queen) and since thy voluntary proffer hath passed so freely and that I cannot throughout my dominions, find a more sufficient messenger, to whom I may deliver this charge, (with many thanks) I give thee my princely promise, never to be ungrateful in recompensing thy trustiness, prepare thyself then (my trusty friend) to undertake this message, and as speedily as wind and Sea will permit, return again until which time we here within will pray for thy pr●…speritie.  
The viligent Provost, princely issuing out of the Castle, prepared a pretty Bark, which when he had furnished accordingly, he with a sew, betook himself to Sea And ere many, days, reached, the shore of Cassidony, where he found divers mighty ships to lie in readiness for the transporting of Blanchardine, and after he had perfectly learned, the estate of the country the installation of Sadony, & the overthrow of Alimodes, he stayed not, until he entered the City, where he was most royally received of many, but espetialy of Blanchardine, who graced him with many welcomes. And when he had most amply recommend his▪ Queen and mistress fair Eglantine to Sadony, and his 〈◊〉 Queen, ho taking Blanchardine by the hand into a more secret place, began thus. The sorrowful news, (noble prince) which I have to relate unto you, doth almost daunt my heart before I begin to speak: know Sir for troth, that the traitor Subbion, whom at your departure, you advanced unworthily to the protection of the Queen & kingdom, of Tormaday, hath converted your people from alleigeances, ransacked your treasures, and put your Queen to flight, into the strong Castle of Castelford, where the good old Earl, doth with all royalty and reverence, entarteine and protect her from the said Subbion, who intendeth (if possibly he may) to marry her and enjoy the Kingdom in her right: but your loyal Queen, disdaining both the traitor, and his ambitious pride, whom she knoweth to be basely borne, holdeth him and his adherents, as disloyal to her Crown and dignity, and upon your return, purposeth to inflict such condinge punishment upon them, as their rebellious presumptions deserveth: hasten therefore mighty Prince, to deliver her from their outrages, whose body, life and love, is wholly devoted to thee: and without speedy remedy, very likely to be by force separated from thee.  
When Blanchardine had heard the end of his short tale, (it was not needful to bid him haste, for presently he certified Sadony and the Queen of his vils' consperacie, requesting aid from them, to relieve his fair Eglantine; Sadony more regarding the comfort of Blanchardine, than his crown and dignity, promised nst only to aid him with men and munition, but also to accompany him in person to Tormaday and venture his life, in his friendly quarrel. But when fair Beautrix perceived, that Sadony meant to depart, she began pitifully to complain herself, but seeing the necessity of the cause, which compelled him, in regard of the many favours he had found in Blanchardine, she condescended thereunto: So in hast they entered their Ships (Aeolus and Neptune granting speedy passage) and in very little time they arrived before Tormaday: as soon as they were come a shore, Blanchardine dispatched the Provost to the City, to sound the Citizens, whether they would render the same and submit to Blanchardine or no, whether being come, and having performed his charge, the most & greatest part consented to Blanchardine, But a small rabble of rascals, which were garisond in the behalf of Subbion, withstood the rest, whereupon the greater number assembling together, got the market place, where they set upon the rebels, & in small time were masters of the Town: the dead carcases of the traitors which they found, they threw over the walls into the ditches of the City: and forthwith opening the gates, in great humility they submitted the City and themselves to Blanchardine. No sooner was he entered the City▪ but he sent a trusty spy, to steal (if it were possible) within the Castle, where the Queen Eglantine lay, who by his careful industry, entered there unseen, and recounted unto the Queen the success which Blanchardine alreaddie had, being lately come ashore.  
This unexpected news recomforted the Queen and the old Earl of Castelford: and presently they made great mirth and joy within the castle▪ so that the 'noys came to the ears of Subbion, who greatly wondering at this sudden applause, utterly ignorant what had happened within the City, he began to doubt.  
But Blanchardine and the Prince Sadony sith speedy pace, having divided their companies into sundry battles, marched by privy and obscure ways, till they came near unto the Castle: but by chance a certain fréebooter of Subbions' company, having foraged abroad for fresh victuals, espied their secret march, and presently related it to Subbion, at which news his colour became pale for fear, yet seeing no remedy, he encourraged his followers to show their valours, promising mountains (if victory chanced on his part) & threatening them with fear of death for their treacheries, (if Blanchardine were victor)  
Now beganthe two armies to join, where on the one part fear, on the other hope, was the ensign. But by the valour of Blanchardine and Sadony, the fight endured not long, for they so assailed them on every side, that both the traitors strengths and wits, were quite confounded. And at this very instant, the old Earl of Castelford, the knight of the ferry, and the trusty Provost, made their issue out of the Castle: So that Subbion seeing no way for his escape, betook himself to flight, whom Blanchardine and Sadony pursued so fast, as their horses would give leave. But Subbion being mounted upon a most strong and swift courser (having got the start, lost them in the woods. And in his flight he was encompassed with twelve thieves, which did continually keep their recidence in those groves, living only upon the rapines, pillages, thestes, and murders of passengers unto whom Subbion related at large his misfortune. And withal gave them to understand, that only two brave Gentlemen, posted in pursuit of him, whom (if they could surprise) being thirteen to two which was exceeding odds, he assured them, that they should obtain the richest booty, that ever yet any had acquired. These murdering villains, encouraged by his persuasions and desire of gain, lay preuily in ambush for Blanchardine and Sadony. And ●…re long they chanced to espy them, wandering in unknown paths, unto whom with gentle countenance, Blanchardine giving a kind salutation, inquired if they had not seen a man pass this way very lately armed. These outlaws mildly replied, that 〈◊〉 such passed that way. But since the vight drew on so fast. And that there was no place of lodging within the space and compass of six or seven miles, and also a dangerous passage through the forest in the dark, that if it pleased them to a light, and to refresh themselves with such accates as their simple cottage did afford, they should find gentle entertainment. The two princes suspecting no guile, were easily entreated to alight, and to accept this friendly proffer, (as they thought but being entered within this cave, Blanchardine perceived presently, that the place and people were dangerous; and counseled S●…dony, not to disarm himself fearing some treachery: But when Silvanus the Captain of the twelve, entered their chamber, and found them armed, he began to persuade them to disarm themselves, but Blanchardine made him this answer, that the custom of their countr●…yes was such, that during the first night▪ none might lie in any unknown place naked or unarmed. This reply seemed unpleasant to Silvanus, who presently recounted it to Subbion and his considerates: but Subbion fainting with dastard fear, assured them that their forces were small and not able to make resistance by reason of the long and weary fight, which they had endured all the day before, by whose persuasions, Silvanus and his assosiates, were resolutely bend to perform their devised stratagem. About the twelfth hour of the night, these accursed Caitiffs began to set upon these two noble Princes. But they so manfully behaved themselves, that not only Subbion was made a liar, but also the whole company lifeless (except Subbion) whom they reserved to suffer condinge punishment for his offence, which was so no torious & full of treachery, that neither in their opinions nor in the judgement of any, he deserved favour, but the extremest torture that either man could imagine or the law impose. So was this Traitor Subbion brought between these two noble Princes to the Castle of Castelford: where he remained safe till other broils were quieted and the rage of the people appeased. Then was he brought forth in open sight of all to receive his demerits by death, the which all in general did both by their speeches and shouts, applaud and ratify as hereafter shall be shown.   

Chap. 13.  
The last Chapter containeth, how the Prince Blanchardine and Queen Eglantine were wedded and crowned The execution of Subbion, the death of the aged King of Freeze and the return of Sadony to Cassidonie to his fair Beautrix.  
AFTER the battle before the Castle was finished, and that Subbion with his accomplices were put to flight, the Queen of Tormaday (surnamed the proud Lady in love) with the old Countess of Castelford, dissending down the stairs, thinking to welcome her Lord Blanchardine, and the Prince Sadony, they found the old Ear of Castelford, which (even then) was come to the Eastell with many prisoners and rich booties of the rebels, she demanded where Blanchardine and Sadony were? Madam answered the old Earl, it is not long since they were both here in our company and we supposed that they had been already entered the Castle before our coming. When the fair Queen perceived, that no tidings could be heard of them, fearing some mischance, she fell into a sound wherein she continued the space of an hour and more, but being recovered, she began most piteously to weep and exclaim against fortune: the old Earl and the Countess recomforted her as well as they could, but nothing could sort to her content: then they laid her on a sumptious bed, hoping by sleep to make her forget sorrow, but neither sleep nor quiet could harbour in her head, fearing lest Blanchardine were slain: now Blanchardine and Sadony, having slain the murderers and ●…ettred Subbion, they mounted upon their horses and tied Subbion with cor●…es fast to the back of an other horse which they found there: and by the light of the Moon, took their way to Castelford, which was distance thence four miles: Sadony leading the way, Subbion in the midst, and Blanchardine the hindmost, They posted so fast, that within short time they came before the gate of the Castle, where they alighted from their horses: then knocking at the gates, they were presently known, and with all speed let in, leading Subbion between them: the news being brought to the Queen, her melancholy was turned to mirth, her sorrow to solace, and her weeping to laughter: Blanchardine commanded that Subbion should be imprisoned in the most obscure dungeon within the Castle, and that himself would become his jailor. After which he ascended up into the Queen's chamber, whom he found new risen, raised by this happy news, at whose entrance, her spirits began to be recomforted: and after many kisses, and sweet embracements, they sat down, and spent the night in discoursing of their adventures past.  
But when the day began to peep, they took their horses and road to Tormaday, against whom (in all kind manner) came the aged king of 〈◊〉, who for a while had rested himself there accompanied with all the noble Knights and Burgises of Tormaday the walls were hanged with tapestry, the streets were ●…ewed with rushes, and sweet smelling roses, to gratulate their coming: the matrons compiling garlands of sundry flowers, the Ladies dancing, the damsels singing, the music sounding a sweet concordance to their entry. Thus in triumph they ascended the princely palace, most sumptuously adorned with rich cloth of gold, embossed with pearl and stone, where by the whole advice and general consent of all, they were affianced.  
The neighbouring Princes which long had bend their devotions to thee sweet Saint which kept her shrine in Tormaday (I mean the fair and chaste Lady Eglantine surnamed the proud Lady in love) having received notice by their espials which kept continual residence within the City of Tormaday, to certify the news which happened there, to their Princes and Counsels, hearing (I say) that this Queen, whose obstinacy against Cupid was incomparable, and peevish conceit in leave, most absurd, had now entered the chapter house of his mother Venus, being limed in the bush of Blanchardines' beauty, whose large commendations and magnanimous courage was carried by the swift wings of flying fame throughout many Realms and provinces, the like before was seldom or never heard. These kings (I say) whose fancies before that time had received the perfect impression of love in the Angelic beauty of that Princely Queen, whose amber locks trust up in golden trammels, was a sufficient adamant to draw all Iron hearts unto her: now seeing all hope of her recovery past, and their desires frustrate, with frank and friendly consent, not only came to visit and view Blanchardine, but also brought such honourable presents and Kingly jewels to welcome him to Tormaday, and to congratulate the happy marriage between him and the fair Princess Eglantine, as their Countries and kingdoms did afford. Some presented him with stately coursers and gennets of service, some with ships of huge and mighty burden, some with Pearls and jewels of inestimable valour. And to be short, every one though at first his foe and utter enemy, yet in fine viewing his majestical and princely courage, became his true and faithful friends, esteeming him worthy of greater honour then either their personages presents, or the obtaining of the beautiful Queen of Tormaday, could afford.  
And on the next morning, the beautiful Queen was royally led, to and from the Church (where she was espoused to Blanchardine) by two Kings, Sadony and the king of Freeze: and the same day crowned King and Queen of Tormaday to the exceeding comfort of all their subjects and friends. After their return from the Church to the Court, they were feasted withal possible cheer, that could be devised: and after dinner, the Trumpets sounded to the Iustes and tiltings until supper: And after supper masks, plays, and Princely devices, spent the time till they went to bed.  
On the morrow the feast began a fresh, and continued for the space of twenty days. After all which arroyalties were finished, by the commandment of Blanchardine, was Subyon and all his accomplices brought to execution: now the news being carried with the swift wings of fame into Frizeland, the Lords of Freeze repaired to Tormaday, to accompany home their aged King, and to congratulate this happy marriage of Blanchardine and his new Queen.  
After the aged King of Freeze Father to Blanchardine had seen the espousals of this beautiful Queen and his noble Son: being decrepit & stiff with age, having lived to fourscore and upward, unto whom although his late enlargement from captivity, and this new come joy of his dear son Blanchardine, being now married to the beautiful Queen of Tormaday bred delight: Yet through debility of nature, which was sore enfeebled by his hard imprisonment, he was surprised with an uncouth malady and extreme contagion of dangerous sickness, in the which he had not long remained, but in the view of all, life began to vade, and death approach. And more to hasten on deaths speedy pace to this sencles' old man: the nobles of Frizeland having received sure and certain intelligence from Tormaday of the life and freedom of their King at that time there, and the princely marriage which now was fully concluded between his successive heir, their natural liege Blanchardine with the renowned Lady and Queen of Tormaday, they came thither: at whose approach, this fainting old man hoping to receive glad tidings from his aged wife the Queen of Freeze, began with cheerful countenance to lift himself up in his bed as though no kind of deadly malady or aged grief had attainted his withered limbs. But when he had a while listened to the sweet harmony of their sugared speech which presaged no kind of disaster, but all pleasure and solace that might be: at the length he demanded of the welfare of the aged Queen his wife, unto whom reply being made, that long time since upon the unfortunate report and tragical tidings of his captivity by Darius' son to the Pagan king Alimodes, she fell sick and died: he listening to this impittious tale, fell as one distraught into a sound: But coming to himself powered forth these speeches, the true testimonies of his faithful love: and is she gone, the comfort 〈◊〉 ●…y youth, the staff of my age, the day of my night, the son●… of my bliss, the solace of my soul and the life of my death? Ah to ●…o well I suspected (though alas I knew not the certainty) that my captivity would bring her calamity, and my imprisonment her death. But since all human flesh is mortal and nothing under the Sun permanent, what avails my sorrowful gro●…es and passions? to weak alas to recall her again, or any way to remedy my misfortune: with these or the like exclaims, th●…s silly aged King panting between life and death, lay still a while, till finding his heart over charged with an other passion, he prosecuted his first complaint. O sacred jove searcher of all secret thoughts, whose eternal deity reigneth within the highest heavens who from my cradle hast destined me to perpetual misery, now show thyself a righteous judge, and revenge my wrongs upon the accursed brood of infidels, who so irreligiously profane thy blessed name, & suffer them not to escape thy revenging power, but at thy pleasure consume and confound the workers of this my woe: and now dissolve my days and weary life, & lead me through th' unknown passages to my dear and sweetest wife, that though our days on earth did find small comfort, yet our souls in heaven may find consolation. And with this orison he yielded himself to God and died. When the brute of this heavy tidings came to the ears of Blanchardine and his fair Queen, although they swinne before in the haven of happiness and floated on the floods of all felicity (as they thought) yet in that very instant and moment of time, a cloudy mist began to obscure their brightest sonshine, and a frost of cares to over run their summer's bliss.  
Now began Blanchardine to accuse and condemn himself, of unnatural ingratitude and disobedience to his parents, to whom both nature and duty bound him to be submissive and kind: now he beg●…n to malign the time, the place and the cause of his departure and privy escape from his father's Court. But all in vain, for as tears, prayers, nor vows, can recall the dead: so had I witted, and time abused and misspent, is in vain to be des●…red. And yet (quoth he) how unnatural was I to forsake them whom nature charged me to love and obey? now I may justly accuse myself of the murder of these my loving parents: alas I cannot excuse myself, neither can I plead ignorance that I knew not that my departure would be the finishing of my parent's joys, and cause of their death, which now (to my open shame I find most true) And should I, nay could I suffer myself to be led and carried away with such vain fantasies, as leave them comfortless to whom I was the greatest comfort. Die Blanchardine die, and the rather die that art the cause of thy parent's death: alas to kill a man is heinous murder, but to murder my parents a sin against Sanctity: all creatures have ●…are to foster those that gave them life: and I careless in killing my father. The Stork when he seeth his sire old & ready to die with famine, taketh him upon his shoulders and feedeth him by his travail: But I instead of feeding have famished, and in place of traveling have traitorously overthrown my parents.  
The Lords of Tormaday seeing this sudden and unexpected chance of the death of the aged King & the heavy plight of Blanchardine and his beautiful Queen: humbly on their ●…nées began to expostulate him in this manner. Noble prince as the salve cometh to late, where the sore is irrecuperable: as physic is nought worth where the patient is passing: and as fire given to the ordinance, 'tis to late to recall the shot: So mighty King, bootless are these tears which are shed for the dead: the honour of your father, hath eterniz●…d his name for ever, though his body be here interred: & if fame be the mark whereat all noble minds do shoot, then may you boast, that he cannot die, whose fame is so far spread throughout the world. Leave therefore (brave King to bewail him whom you have cause to joy for, and comfort our pensive Queen and your fair spouse whose torments cannot cease, seeing you so sad. As one newly risen from a trance, or out of a heavy slumber, so Blanchardine having listened to this short and sweet discourse of his nobles, began to recall his senses home, which before were wandering after the Ghost of his father, through the Elysian fields, and perceiving sorrow to be both needless and bootless, so well as the time and this hard occasion would permit, he began to be more cheerful, and so pacing toward the Queen with a simpering smile, neither presaging mirth nor mourning, he began to recomfort her. How now fair love? what, are your melancholies such, as nothing can make you merry? sweet heart be pacified, and snake of these untimely passions, and learn by me to digest the hard and harsh pills of unhappy fortune. The cause is mine, and if sorrow be expected in any, it is I that must be sorrowful: but I have found it both hurtful to my body, and not available to the dead: and therefore have shaken it of as a thing of no regard. Let us not therefore (sweet wife) be the cause of a mournful court, but the authors of merry company, since it hath pleased God to sort our haps to our heart's contentments in our happy wedding. The Queen whose sadness grew by reason of her husband's heaviness, seeing him to have so quickly dismissed his heavy passions, became presently iecond & merry, & so between them commanded great preparation to be forthwith made, to perform the obsequeis of the deceased King of Frieze his Father: which shortly with all solemnity fitting his estate, was accomplished, to the great admiration of all the beholders, for the sumptuous magnificency and surpassing pomp wherewith he was interred: all costly odours and sweet scenting spices were bountifully bestowed upon him, great alms and charity were dealt and distributed, and innumerable solemn processions & prayers, were made for him in honour of his person dead, and love of his Son living.  
Now Sadonie who was not only a beholder, but a principal actor in all this heavy tragedy: after these obsequies were solemnized, and that the estate of his sworn friend Blanchardine and his fair Queen rested in perfect quiet, void and free both offortaine and domestical enemies, bethinking himself of his beautiful Beautrix his trusty Regent of Cassidony (he I say) whom love had stonge to the quick by his late marriage, coming to Blanchardine began thus. Since Noble friend and true copartner of all mishaps, that fortune hath spit her deadly spite and that now there remaineth no more service for me to do in defence of your royal person, your Realm and Queen: and that my princely Queen languisheth at home, by reason of my long absence, whose princely person is the true Idea of my thought: let me crave favour to departed until occasion, or your friendly letters call me hither again, where and when, I will not fail so long as life shall rest within me, to do you all possible favour and kindness. Blanchardine (imagining by himself) that the sting of love was a sufficient prick to call Sadony home, and that he should greatly injury him & his fair Beautrix, in withholding them a sunder: not only gave his consent for his departure, but with all honour accompanied him to his ships, with his Princely Eglantine, where not without millions of tears and many kind embracements they parted company.  
Thus with pleasant gale and quiet tide, Neptune guiding the helm, sailed Sadony and his warlike company towards the Realm of Cassidony, where his princely Queen the beautiful Beautrix held her Royal court, but heavy and mournful for the absence of her Lord and husband Sadony: for wrathful Nemesis envying of her good hap, and willing to heap greater ●…oes upon the Queen, then before she suspected, altered her hoped bliss into a beadly bane. For when the calm silence of the night procured quiet to all living creatures, and that Hesperus the harbinger of Cynthia, had given charge to call the inferior stars with twinkling light to illumine the earth: Aeolus on the sudden began to roar, and with outrageous storms and cruel blasts to banish again the stars from the firmament, & in their places to spread his dusky clouds, so that instead of light, there was obscurity, with huge and horrible cracks of thunder: By force whereof, the wandering Prince Sadony, and his amazed company, were from a sudden hope of happy arrival, driven into a dismal fear of drowning: then began the pitiful clamour of the people, seeing every want ready to swallow up the ship wherein they were carried, the foggy mist, to thicken with cloudy vapours, that uneath could the sailors see to do their labours: Sadony (whose courage no fortune was able to daunt) having his assured hope in the God whom Blanchardine made him to know, seeing his company to faint and in despair, began to exhort and comfort them in this sort.  
Trusty companion and copartners of mishap, since it hath pleased the majesty of the eternal God, to ter●…fie with his thunderclaps our ●…eble hearts, and that all hope of safety is utterly denied: let us with one consent, humble ourselves before his mercy seat: and no doubt, as in many other our c●…mities, so in this our desperate distress, he will with the eyes of pity look down upon our penitency, and by his omnipotency appease the rage of these troubled seas, which threateneth imminent death and destruction Frolic dear friends and the God of Blanchardine descend us. The company seeing Sadonie so courageous and full of haughty valour, inciting them to call upon the God of Blanchardine, every one casting away his dastard fear, elevating their hearts and hands to heaven, made their orisons thus: Immortal jehova guider of this glorious room, although our di●…sightedeies have been long covered with the obscure vail of ignorance, & have abandoned our hearts from thy sacred law, yet since it hath pleased thee to make thy name and glory known among us, suffer us not to miscarry, until we have yielded thee all conding and heavenly honour, so that from our lips thy praese may slow, and in our hearts thy deity take root: No sooner was this short & zealous prayer finished but horned Luna begun to show her head, the clouds to vanish, the winds to cease, and the sea to calm, which yielded such fuel to their faith, that for ever they acknowledged the omnipotency of Blanchardines God, and left the same to their posterities. Then the skilful Pilots whose wandering course was past their compass, looking to the skies, were directed a true passage by a crystal star so that within short time they reached the shore of Cassidony, where the beautiful Beautrix 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lordly Peers and Princely Ladie●… awaited their landing. When Sadony was now escaped the danger of the sea, and safely come a shore, after humble thanks to God, he seizing upon the rofiall lips of his royal Queen in whose countenance snow and blood made such a mixture, that in the opinion of all, if nature should devise to frame her paragon she might fail in perfection. But after many kind courtesies and amiable imbracentents between Sadony and his Beautrix and the Lords and Ladies, where every one strove with kindness to welcome home her love, they repaired to the court, where for that night, the King and his Queen spent the time in content, and all the rest congratulated their happy meetings. On the morrow when glorious Phoebus began to cut the clouds, and drew the darkness from the earth, every one prepared himself to be ready to attend the prince's pleasure.  
After Sadony had royally presented himself to the view of all, giving a princely boniure to the Lords and nobles, be commanded that the soldiers whose travels had been great, should repair to his presence, to receive a recompense for their pains, which bounty did so combine the trusty minds of all unto him, that base was he accounted, that would refuse to hazard his life where and when it pleased Sadony to command. Then were the laws which in his absence the Queen and Counsel had devised, presented to him to ratify, which he with all princely magnificency did forthwith establish, to the great admiration and singular content of all his subjects and people. Now tattling swift winged fame, the speedy messenger of happy news, ceased not until these tidings were brought to the ears of the King of Spruce at the city Marienbourgh (then in his profound and deep meditations for his son Sadony) and his departed companion. But when he heard of the hard adventures which his son had escaped by sea, his delivery from death on land, and his most happy marriage with the beautiful Beautrix, vanishing fear (whose cankering rust had almost consumed his pleasure) he with all his nobles and people, offered burnt sacrifices to their Mahon for this happy tidings: Yet not content nor satisfied in mind▪ he rigged certain ships wherein he and divers of his Lords embarked themselves, longing to visit his son at Cassidomet and led by this sweet desire, after they had sailed the space of one week, they came ashore within those territories: But when news was brought to Sadony that certain Pagans were arrived, and craved to be admitted his princely presence: Ignorant altogether what or whence they should be: seating himself in his Royal throne, accompanied with his fair Queen and chief peers, he commanded them to be brought to his presence, upon whose approach, Sadony knowing his father, by the majesty of his countenance, descended from his seat, humbling himself on his knees at his father's feet. The fair Beautrix unwitting who he might be, to whom Sadony should show such reverence, stood in a maze: But after she knew him to be father to Sadony, with a most gracious and amiable cheer came to entertain him, to whom the King of Spruce rendered millions of thanks, both for the life and marriage of his son, without whose rescue he had been traitorously murdered, and hanged by Alimodes. But the fair Queen answered, that both her life, living, and people rested in the safety of Sadony, without whom (quoth she) neither may I, nor my kingdom continue: Now when the King of Spruce had listened to her zealous and sugared tale, fixing a steadfast countenance on her face, he seemed as one ravished in contemplation, admiring the beauty and bounty of the Queen. But Sadony, thinking his father (after his arrival from sea) to be desirous to repose himself, led him with all majesty into a most princely lodging: where after his repast, he went to bed: the other Lords of his troup and all their followers were so honourably entertained there, that the commendation of Sadonies' bounty, was bruited every where. Now on the next morning when (according to custom) Sadony and his fair Queen, repaired to the Church, to hear divine service, the King of Spruce not suspecting that his Son Sadony had altered his religion from his Mahomet: after the Priests had begun to sing a solemn procession in the honour of Christ, he as a man distraught in sense, and overcome with madding frenzy, ran up and down cursing and exclaiming against his son, so that neither persuasions, tears, vows, nor prayers might once appease his frantic rage: till retiring himself all solitary into his chamber, tormented with passions & agonies, at length he fell a sleep, to whom a little after entered divers of the Lords which accompanied Sadonie from Marienbrough with Blanchardine, and persuaded the King that the idolatrous Mahomet was a false deceiver and of no deity, which by sundry and wonderful miracles▪ they had found Christ to be the true Messiah and son of God: and therefore with all humility, jointly on their knees they entreated his majesty, to leave his superstitious worshipping of blockish Mahomet, and with all devotion to acknowledged Christ to be the true God: And even at that very instant the stony heart of this Pagan King was mollified, who forsaking his idolatry, became a christian. This happy news so delighted his son, that under heaven nothing could work him more content: Then laboured Sadony and his fair Queen with all royalty, to welcome their father and his followers, where their entertainment was exceeding measure, both for magnificency and cost: So past the time a month or more, of their abode in jollity, until the King desirous to return to Marienbourgh, requested leave of Sadony, for his departure: who seeing the tickle state of his father's kingdom, in his absence, wanting a governor there, was the more willing, and so all possible provision being made with princely bounty bestowed by Sadony and his Beautrix upon the Lords of Spruce, they accompanied the King to his ships: And after humble duty done by Sadony to his father and kind curteste to the rest, he recommended them to the mercy of Blanchardines God.   
Thus Gentlemen, to satisfy your expectations, & perform my promise, I send you the second part of Blanchardines' adventures: whose success (if I find as fortunate as his first, look shortly, so soon as time and leisure will serve, for the finishing of all his Tragedies.  
FINIS.