The Famous and Renowned HISTORY OF Sir Bevis of Southampton GIVING An Account of his Birth, Education, Heroic Exploits, and Enterprises, his Fights with Giants, Monsters, Wild-Beasts and Armies, his Conquering Kings and Kingdoms, his Love and Marriage, Fortunes and Misfortunes, and many other Famous and Memorable Things and Actions, worthy of Wonder; With the Adventures of other Knights, Kings and Princes, exceeding pleasant and delightful to Read.  
Licenced and Entered according to Order.  
Printed for W. Thackeray at the Angel in Duck-Lane, and J. Deacon at the Angel in Gilt-Spur-street, 1689.   

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
I Here present you with the pleasant History of the Famous and Renowned Knight, Sir Bevis of Southampton, a Man for his Virtue and Valour, highly esteemed throughout the World: In whose many Actions and glorious Achievements, you will found things that may reasonably surmout an ordinary credit, however in perusing them, you may plainly perceive the difference between Elder times and these we live in, which are too much divouled into effeminacy, and please yourself in consulting the many rare Adventures of such, as gave themselves up to the practice of Arms and Love, which being mingled in their many excellencies, appear as beautiful and gay as a Bed of Roses and Lilies, in their blushing Glory and innocent Candure, and as the noble Erterprises of others have stirred up the Spirits of such as read them, to an illustrious imitation of what is truly great, and held in the highest esteem: So passed all peradventure, what is here laid down, will not come behind the most exaulted Actions of Heroes, set forth to the best advantage, either in Love or Arms, those two Excellencies that adorn mankind; for here you will found our Champion, though early crushed by the adverse hand of Fortune, making his way to Glory, before he could aspire to Manhood, cutting it by Dint of Valour and Heroic Conduct from a dejected state by degrees, till he mounts to the highest pinnacle of Honour, in rescuing the distressed, destroying Monsters and Tyrants, gaining Kingdoms, and converting Infidels to the Christian Faith, obleiging by his Affability and excellent parts Queens and Princesses, to lay their Diadems and Grandeur at his feet, and doing such things as have amazed Mankind. Therefore for the honour of our Country, of which he has so well deserved, let his Memory live in the thoughts of every true English Man, and be to them a pattern of Heroic Virtue, that by imitating him, they may raise the very name of the British Empire, as formerly it was, to be the Terror of the World, which is the wish,  
Reader, Of your most Humble Servant S. J.   

THE Famous and Renowned HISTORY OF Sir BEVIS of SOUTHAMPTON.  

CHAP. I  
How Sir Guy Earl of Southampton, having married a fair Lady, had by her Sir Bevis; and how she afterwards caused her Husband to be treacherously slain in the Forest, and married the Knight that slew him etc.  
IN the days, when England was more immediately renowned, for the famous and valiant Achievements of other Knightsland Warlike, Champions, whose greht Actions and Heroic Enterprises were loudly trumped by Faine, in each part of the World. There dwelled at the ancient and celebrated Town of Southampton, a Knight called Sir Guy, who in his Travels and search of Adventures through the Countries of Flanders, France, Almain, Cicile, De●m●rk, Gascom, Hungary, Culabria, Burgundy, Poland, Normandy, Maine, Turkey, Eastland, Norway, Picardy, Scotland, Lombary, etc. signalised his Valour in the Courrs of divers great Princes at Tilt, Tournament, and many mortal Combats, ever striving to right the injured, and such as suffered wrong 〈◊〉 their too powerful oppressors, and having spent his younger days in the exercise of Arms abroad, every where gaining a high esteem, at length Age rendering him unfit for great exploits, he resolved to give up the remainder of his lift to a more settled state in his own Country, and thereupon returning loaden with Laurels won with infinite hazard and danger, as also with the Presents and Favour of Emperors, Kings and Princes: he at length settled in the Town of Southampton, the place of his birth, but long he had not ●est●d there in all solitary conrentment, and addicted himself to works of Piery and Charity, before King Edgar having been sufficiently informed of his high deserts, made him Earl of that place, and calling him to Court, appointed him his Steward, or rather Viceroy, in which place he so well discharged his trust, in doing justice to every man, countenancing virtue and suppressing vice, that he gained an universal commendation: and being now where he had daily the sight of a great many beautiful Ladies he bethought himself of Marriage, that so he might leave behind him an Heir to possess his great Wealth and Virtues; and casting his Eyes upon the Daughter of the King of Scotland, who was than in the English Court, he so prevailed with the King of Scots, by the means of King Edgar his Master, that he soon had her to Wife; though this Marriage, by reason she had secretly placed her affections before, on the Emperor of Edmain's Brother, prove altogether unhappy to the Earl, as in the sequel will appear.  
The Marriage Rites being performed with great splendour, and graced with the presence of the two Kings, and the Nobles of both Kingdoms: In process of time the Lady brought him forth a Son, whom they agreed to be called Bevis, afterwards known, or commonly called by the name of Bevis of Southampton, whose Knightly Adventures and noble Actions are the subject of this pleasant and renowned History. However the Lady still keeping up her affections for her former Lover, whose name was Sir Murdure, by reason he was sprightly, young and active, and Sir Guy her Husband on the contrary, being much in years, and not so apt as she required to satisfy her youthful desires, adicting himself rather to his Devotion, and to obtain a pardon for Sins by a thorough Repentance; which made her begin to conclude herself unhappy in this Marriage, and wished she had been given to him she more dearly affected, suffering her discontent daily to increase, till at length growing from a dislike to a hatred of her Lord: She resolved to be rid of him, and thereupon sent a trusty Messenger to the Emperor's Court, to acquaint Sir Murdure of her great Love to him, and the dislike she had of her Husband, assuring him, that he ever had her heart and entire affection, though forced by the commands of a Father, she had given her hand to another, which made her life uneasy, and that now there remained no way to tender it comfortable, but by removing the man, who hindered the mingling of their mutual Passions and Affections, and that to complete both their happynessesses, he would undertake to kill him, she would so contrive it as to give him the opportunity, by persuading him with a slender Train to hunt the Boa● in the great Forest than adjoining to the Town of Southampton, and there with a strong well armed Guard might effect it at leisure.  
At the wicked proposal of the Lady, Sir Murdure stood for a while mute and much amazed, but at last, the great Love he had ever born to so beautiful a Woman, as was the Countess, and not knowing any other means to enjoy her, whom he now understood was as willing to yield, as he to entreat, consented to obey her pleasure, telling the Messenger, that on the first day of May he would arrive in England with a Company of well armed men, sufficient to bring about what she desired, and that done, lay himself at her feet, and reing him with a gallant Steed, he dismissed him.  
The Lady having heard the answer of the Knight, was much pleased thereat, and than upon feigning herself ill at ease, she sent a Servant to her Husband, to advertise him of it, who immediately came to her, and with much love and tenderness enquired into the cause of her grief, who with a sigh replied, that she was ignorant of it, unless it proceeded from a longing mind she had for to taste the flesh of a Wild-Boar, and when he demanded where one might be found, and it should at any rate be taken, she said she had been inf●●med, that a Boar had a long time haunted the neighbouring Forest, but taking her Lord about the Neck, she with a dissembling k●●● entreated him not to hazard himself against so dangerous a Creature for her occasion, and rather than it should be, to suffer any inconvenience; however as she wished, he would not decline it, but calling for his Horse, his Lance and Sword, with only two of his Servants, he betook himself to the Forest in search of the Wild-Boar, but there he had not long been, but Sir Murdure, who had placed himself in ambush, burst out upon him, and reviling him by the name perfidious Traitor, for bereaving him of his Mistress, whom he had a long time loved, and for whom he had suffered so much, he told him though he now enjoyed her, it should not be long for that both he and his Son should die.  
The Earl thus surprised, called to his Servants to advertise them of the Treachery, saying, at the same time, he would however in his own right, defend himself to the utmost, when having his Lance in his Rest, he run against Sir Murdure, and hitting him full, bore hi● to the ground, and thereupon drew his Sword, and being about to strike of his Head, he cried out to his Fellows for rescue who came so furiously upon the Earl, that he was forced to desist, and defend himself, when having slain divers of them, they being twenty in number, and wanting his Armour, through the many wounds he had received, he was at last obleiged to forsake his Horse, who was likewise sorely wounded, and about to fall under him, yet he fought courageously, but his Servants being slain, and he enclosed on every side, fainting through loss of blood, he said to Sir Murdure, for the honour of Knighthood and true Chivalry at this time spare my life, having me unarmed, at so great a disadvantage, and I promise', old as I am to arm myself, and meet you and your Train, and if you kill me than, I shall freely pardon you my death; but they would in no wise harken to him, for whilst he was about to proceed, in requiring his life to be spared, Sir Murdure with his Spear run him through the body, and those that accompanied him gave him so many wounds that he died on the place; after which the unworthy Knight cut of his Head, and sent it by one of his Servants, as a Present to the Lady, assuring her he would be with her that night: whereat she appeared much overjoyed, and received it with great satisfaction; promising to be at his Devotion: And accordingly he soon after Wedded the Lady, it being before given out that her Husband the Earl was Murdered by a Band of Robbers.   

CHAP. II.  
How Bevis was delivered to Sir Sabre to be put to Death, by the command of his Mother and Stepfather. The means by which he was saved; and how, in the Habit of a Shepherd, he kept Sheep, and in some part revenged his Father's Murder. How he left the Land, etc.  
BEvis hearing of his Father's Death, greatly lamented it; and being of some years of understanding, soon perceived by his Mother's carriage, and whisper amongst the Servants, as also Sir Murdure's high Entertainment, that she had not the lest hand in the contriving it, and thereupon took the freedom to tell her his thoughts, in such bitter Language as incensed her grievously to chastise him; but finding him obstinate and fearing one day he would not only discover but revenge his Father's Death, she resolved to make him away, and thereupon consulted with one Sir Sabre, over whom she had a great power and influence, to destroy him; who accordingly promised it, without any intention to perform it. Wherhfore, that he might keep notwithstanding in her good opinion, he took him home to his House, pretending it required great Privacy; and there he informed the Youth of the danger he was in, and how that he had it in charge to kill him, but on the contrary was resolved to conceal him, till such time he was able to bear Arms for the recovery of his Father's Estate: adding, That he, for the Friendship he bore Sir Guy, would than assist him with a power sufficient to effect it, and whilst he had an opportunity, to convey him to his other Uncle, who was an Earl in Wales, he should keep his Sheep upon the neighbouring Downs. At this Bevis wept for anger, to be so used by his cruel Mother whilst his Father's Murderer reveled in his Palace, yet concealed it as well as he could, in hopes, one day to be revenged, condescending to have his rich  changed for those of a Shepherd, all tattered and ragged; and in that disguise drove forth Sir Sabre's Sheep each morning, warily guarding them upon the flowery Plains, and cheering himself with his Pipe of Reeds, wearing a Shepherd's Scrip, and carrying in his hand a Crook, and at Even he brought them home again, contenting himself with course Far and a homely Lodging; till coming to the Age of sixteen years he exercised the first proof of his valour upon a fierce and cruel Wolf, lately come into those parts, that destroyed not only many Sheep and tender Lambs but killed some of the Shepherds that sought to defend them, and put others to the slight; and thinking to do the like to Bevis, who was coming to the Field, met him open-mouthed, but Bevis with the end of his Crook struck him so full on the head as he came at him, that he fell to the Ground; when closing with him, he with much ease strangled him with main force, which made the Neighbouring Shepherds exceedingly rejoice, and much praise the courage and resolution of Bevis, who by this Act had delivered them from fear and danger. And soon after he began to show his strength, insomuch that none were able to contend with him, either at Wrestling, Running, Throwing the Bar, or at hard Blows, so that his Renown began by degrees to spread abroad, and many both loved and feared him.  
Bevis thinking himself partly revenged of his Father-in-law, went secretly to Sir Sabre and told him all that had passed, who was much displeased thereat, saying, That it would soon be known who he was, and the● himself must consequently suffer for concealing him, However he caused him to be hid in the Wood for some time, till he thought the se●●ch might be over. Nor did his conjectures much fail him, for the Countess, after recovering from the Sound she fell into, upon supposing her Husband slain, declared, that she verily Believed it was ●er Son Bevis, as well by his voice as a mark in his Face, that had taken in disguise to disturb her Peace, vowing the destruction of Sir Sabre at he had not made him away: And thereupon, in a great rage, she went attended with a Guard to his House, and finding him there, charged him as false and faithless to his promise, threatening him with Tortures and Death, for abusing her Trust: but he on the contrary, all edges ●e had been obedient to her Commands, producing the  he had purposely dipped in the Blood of a Swine: however, so confident she was of the contrary, viz. That he was not made away, that having rated and reviled him as long as she pleased, without harkening to any of his excuses, charged two Knights to carry him to a Castle adjoining to the Forest, and there Imprison him till hers and he● Lords Pleasure were father known.  
Bevis hearing of the misfortune of his Uncle, resolved at the hazard of his life to set him at liberty: and with this resolution, getting a Palmer's Gown, and arming himself under it with a trusty Sword, he went and knocked at the Gate, in which disguise he had entrance, without being suspected, and by main force having subdued the Keepers or Warders, he with an Iron Bar he found there, burst in sunder the Doors for more speed, and finding Sir Sabre there in Chains, he set him forthwith at Liberty, and binding the Keepers in the same Chains left the Castle; yet knowing they would be narrowly sought after, Bevis agreed to leave the Land in search of Adventures, and Sir Sabre giving out that it was not Bevis, but an unknown Knight in disguise, who had done the Mischief, and wrought his deliverance; Bevis being to his knowledge certainly dead, his Possessions that had been taken from him were again restored, and he received into fovour.   

CHAP. III.  
How Sir Bevis was shipwracked in a Storm, taken Prisoner and sold to sundry Merchants, who presented him to the King of Armony, who kindly entertained him. How the fair Princess josian fell in Love with him. And how he fought with and overcome sixty Saracens, and was doomed to dye, and how delivered.  
BEvis having taken the Sea in a small Bark, a great Tempest happened, almost as soon as it was put from Land, and continued with such Fury, that all rule was lost, and the Ship riding furiously before the Wind, beaten with Rain, Thunder, Lightning and the Waves of the Sea, neither Sun, Moon, nor Stars appearing for many days, they were at last driven into a strong Haven in the Mediterranean Sea, possessed by the Saracens, where the Vessel being broken on the Rocks, Bevis with some few got on shore, but there, contrary to the Rules of Hospitality, they were encountered and taken Prisoners by a great power of the Infidels, who sold them to the Merchants, bound for the Coast of Egypt, who presented Bevis, as a very comely Personage, to the King of Armony, who than had to his Daughter a Princess exceeding fair and beautiful, adorned with all the rare perfections that make Womenkind tempting and desirable, on whom Bevis fixing his Eyes, began to think he had never seen any so charming, her Eyes seemed like two Stars, her Forehead like polished Alabaster, her Cheeks outdid the Roses, and her Lips and Teeth might compare with Rubies and Pearls, all her other parts being proportionably beautiful; but above all she was possessed with a virtuous mind and courteous behaviour.  
Bevis being now in the Court of Armony, the King had great delight to see a Youth so comely, well set and strong proportioned in his Limbs, every part of him expressing a more than manly form, and promising extraordinary strength; wherefore giving him words of comfort, he began to question him about his Birth and Parentage, who freely told him that he was Son to Guy Earl of Southampton, and that his Father being treacherously slain by the consent of his Mother, who likewise sought his Life, he had betaken himself to travel, and being unfortunately taken Prisoner, he had been sold to those Merchants who had presented him to his Highness. Upon this the King embraced him, and told him he was now more dear to him, as being the Son of Sir Guy, whose Fame had sounded loud in those parts, and his many noble Actions made his name immortal; however, grieving that the World had lost so brave a Man by Treachery, that could not have been overcome by fair force, constituted Bevis his great Chamberlain, committing to his care and charge Vestures of Gold, Silver and Pearls, Diamonds and other precious stones and great richeses in abundance, being wonderfully pleased, as often as his great Affairs would give him leisure, to hold discourse with him of many things, for Bevis was no ways ignorant of any Learning. And so it happened, that he had not long been in this place with a promise of being made General of the King's Army, when occasion should require, and to that purpose received the Order of Knighthood.  
But fair Josian, the King's Daughter, fixed her Eyes upon him, and from liking changed to Love, insomuch that at length she passionately doted on him; nor did she refrain to let her Father know it, who promised not to restrain her in her Inclination, but rather further it, in consideration Bevis would renounce his Religion and become a Proselyte to Mahomet, and undertook on a day to discourse him on this occasion. For taking him by the hand and leading him into a pleasant Garden, under the shade of Orange Trees, he made him sit down by him, there being none but these two, all others being strictly forbidden entrance, he thus began.  
Bevis, said he, What if the most beautiful Lady of my Kingdom courted, honoured and adored by Kings and Potentates, should notwithstanding neglect their Favours, and cast her Love upon one of a much lower degree, aught he not to condescend to any thing that shall be desired for such a Wife, and perhaps in a short time a Kingdom into the Bargain? To this Bevis, when he had paused and blushed a while, making an humble obeisance, replied, That certainly that Man was most happy of all others, and aught to esteem his Life and Fortunes to mean a return for such a gracious condescension. Aye, but continued the King, suppose that the case require him to abjure his Religion, and that yourself was the Man on whom this great Fortune would bestow herself, and could do it upon no other Terms, would you receive her upon this condition? Now whilst the King was impatiently expecting his Answer, Bevis fell upon his knees, and with hands and eyes up-lifted to Heaven, implored God to strengthen his Faith, and protect him from falling into so great a Wickedness: Than rising and bowing low to the King he said, Most gracious Lord, if I must answer in this point, I could for the Lady you mention, who, if I may presume to guests at your meaning, is no lesle than the fair Princess, willingly Sacrifice all the Service of my Life, wade through Seas of Blood and Danger, nor think any thing sufficient to merit so much condescending Goodness, not not my Life; but for the Christian Religion, that dearer part of Life, on which depends my eternal happiness, to renounce that, and deny the Lord that bought me: pardon Mighty Sir, if in this I must refuse any compliance, not, not for ten Thousand Worlds, nor all the Beauties of them.  
The King hearing Bevis thus unalterably fixed, and firm to the Faith he professed, waved to press it further, and fell into other discourse, and in the end, his great Affairs requiring him in the Palace, he departed. Nor was it long after, that Bevis shown by proof how far he durst hazard himself in the vindication of the Religion he professed; for being abroad on a Christmas-day, well mounted and armed, he met sixty Sarazens who as Enemies to our Saviour, began to joke upon Bevis in relation to the day, who returning them smart answers, which they took for a reviling their Prophet Mahomet, they began to urge him more: to which he replied, if he was but so well armed as Sir Guy his Father had sometimes been in that Country, they should soon perceive their vile Mahomet should not be able to deliver them from his just anger. At that, said one to the other, Do you hear how this Christian Hound reviles our Prophet, and boasts against us, wherefore let us not longer delay to chastise him with death. Upon this, they all prepared to assault him, who with his Fist beating one of them (with his Neck broke) to the ground, wrested from him his Sword, and so laid about him that heads and arms strewed all the place, and in a short time he drove those that survived before him to a River, wherein they desperately threw themselves, for fear of the Sword, and all but two perished, who hasted to the Court with the dismal News, desiring he might be put to death for cursing, as they suggested, their Prophet, the Law of the Land making it Death, etc.  
The King though he loved Bevis, yet enraged that the valour of his Kingdom was so much eclipsed by a Stranger, consented, notwithstanding that according to the Law of the Country, he should suffer Death: of which fair Josian having notice, hastily entered her Father's Chamber and throwing herself at his Feet, with Tears besought him not rashly to put his severe Commands in execution, but rather allow so much respite as the Parties might appear Face to Face, and than if it appeared Bevis was guilty of what had been witnessed against him, he might more justly suffer him to receive his Doom. These words of the beauteous Princess so far prevailed that the King consented, and thereupon she dispatched two Messengers to order Bevis to come and confer with her about his safety, who accordingly found him on his Couch, for he had sustained in the Battle above twenty Wounds, and was faint through loss of Blood, yet seeing them approach, and supposing they were the two Saracens that had escaped his Fury, and came now privately to assassinate him, in revenge of the death of their Fellows, he looked so sternly on them, and began withal to gather his Sword that they retired from him, and durst only deliver their Message at a distance: but he not crediting it, but rather supposing it a trick to decoy him into some ambush they had laid for his Life, as not knowing what the King had determined, he refused to go, threatening them with Death if they did not instantly departed: who carrying this Message, or rather refusal to the Princess, and she knowing it was no time to dally when the Life of a Man whom she loved above all Mankind was in the Balance, laying aside all scruples and niceties, she went attended with two Knights to his Chamber, where Bevis perceiving so bright a Creature, who had long since conquered his affections, rose and threw himself at her Feet, expressing himself altogether unworthy of so great a favour, and expressed a thousand thanks, with all imaginable respect, but she not suffering him long to kneel, clasped her snowy Arms about him, and raised him gently from the ground, and as she raised him stole a gentle kiss, at which Bevis in a manner ravished with joy, began to demand the cause of her coming, who thereupon told him what had been witnessed against him, and in what danger he was, and how she had interceded on his behalf, and obtained so much favour of the King, as to hear him in Person as to the matter whereof he stood accused, giving him Instructions how he should behave himself, and promising to deal further with the King on his behalf, she left the Knights to dress his Wounds and departed.   

CHAP. IU.  
How Sir Bevis won the favour of the Princess josian, and killed a monstrous Boar in the Forest, and fought with and overcome fifteen Foresters, that estayed to take the head of the Boar from him. and how King Bradamound of Damascus proclaimed War, for josian and was overcome, etc.  
BEvis by this visit of the fair Princess, having in a manner new Life put into him, his Wounds were soon cured, and his kind Advocate in the mean while had so taken of the edge of the King's Anger, that when the matter was rightly understood, he was not only cleared but his Accusers doomed, at their choice, either to sight him, or to suffer Banishment; who having too lately experienced his more than human force, gladly chose the ●atter. And now Bevis not only frequently enjoyed the presence of the fair Princess, but gained great Reputation in the Court, being either loved or feared of all: And whilst he was thus happy, News came by many of the Villagers who had fled from their Habitations, That a monstrous Boar was lately come into the Neighbouring Plains and had killed divers Shepherds and Travellers, so that the Forest was rendered impassable; and many assembling to destroy him, when they beheld his fiery Eyes, his huge Tusks and his horrid Bristles that stood up like a grove of Spears, they ●●d from him, yet some of them were taken and carshed to pieces, so that the entrance of the Den where he usually abode, was strewed with the bones of the slain.  
Bevis waiting upon the Princess, at the arrival of this News, greatly rejoiced, as now finding an opportunity to signalise his valour for her sake; and therefore without delay besought her that he might enterprise the kill of this Monster; and although she used many Arguments, to dissuade him from so great a danger, he nevertheless thirsting after Glory, so importuned her that she consented he should try his fortune for ridding the Country of so great a mischief.  
Bevis having obtained leave, being well Mounted & Armed, road secretly to the Forest, whilst the Princess sent after him her best Wishes, and having roused the Monster, he came at him with open Mouth, his Bristles standing up an end, and with a horrible grunting or roaring set upon Bevis, who run against him with his Lance, but that shivered in pieces, and obliged him to draw his Sword, so that laying upon the Monster's Head, and nimbly avoiding the Fury of his Tusks, a dreadful contention ensued, for so hard was the Skin of the Beast that he appeared, in a manner incapable of receiving any wound; insomuch that he began to be weary with striking, and a little retired; which the Boar perceiving, came at him more furious, and with his Tusk gave him a deep Wound in the Thigh; but as he attempted to redouble it, Bevis thrust with great force, his Sword under his nether jaw, where, the Skin being somewhat foft, it entered, and he following hard upon it, so far it went that it pierced the Boars heart, who thereupon fell down with a horrible groan, which made the Forest tremble, and breathed his last.  
The Boar thus dead, Bevis sundered his Head from his Body, and bearing it upon his broken Lance, returned in Triumph with the spoil: but by the way being met by fifteen Foresters, and they envying him the Glory of so great an Achievement, resolved amongst themselves to kill him, and take the head from him, that they might have the praise and reward as being taken for those that slew the Boar; and so before he was well ware, they set upon him, encompassing him on every side; when about to draw his Sword, he found he had left it with the Body of the Boar, which made him throw down the Head, and with the Truncheon of his Spear, beaten two of them that attacked him to the ground, sorely bruised and wounded, and so laid about him, that in spire of the resistance they made, he killed nine of them in a shore space; and those that remained, perceiving his matchless Prowess, and the mighty force of his Strokes, supposing him not to be of mortal Race, retired from him, and at length secured their Retreat, amongst the Trees and Thickets, and by that means saved their Lives, so that Bevis had now leisure to take up the Boars head, and departed to the fair Princess, at whose feet he laid it; but she, that he might gain the better esteem with her Father, desired him to carry it to the King, which he accordingly did, and was very kindly received, his Fame for this deed spreading far and wide, the Country People calling him their Deliverer; which did not a little please Josian: so that, holding a private Conference with him, they passed their mutual Vows, never to Mary, by consent, unless they Married each other.  
To cross these happy Lovers, Fortune, that seldom long plays true, so ordered it that Bradamound King of Damascus having heard the Fame of Josian's Beauty, and earnestly desiring to have her to Wife, sent boldly to demand her, of her Father King Ermine, swearing by his Gods if she were not sent, according to his desire, he would come with an Army and take her by force, and not only so, but destroy his Country with Fire and Sword: at which insulting Message, King Ermine, being a little alarmed, and much enraged, assembled his Nobles in Council, to consult what aught to be done on this occasion, and at the instance of Josian, who protested against Bradamound; it was agreed that the defiance should be returned, and Bevis, who gladly accepted it, made General of King Ermine's Forces; and for his great Credit amongst the Soldiers, Dubbed him a Knight, from which time we must call him Sir Bevis; so that Forces being every where raised, an Army of 20000 Men were mustered, and fair Josian, the better to furnish out her Knight, brought him a famous Steed called Arundel, almost as renowned as Bucephalus, and having caused him completely to be armed, she girded on a Sword called Morglay, the force of whose well tempered edge no Armour could resist; and so clasping him in those Walls of Steel, gave him a gentle Kiss: at which he, smiling, said, Dear Madam, this Favour has made your Knight half a Conqueror before he enters on the War, and be assured no force can overcome the Man that undertakes your Quarrel. And now Sir Bevis being armed and mounted, caused the Trumpets to be sounded and the Banners to be displayed, marshalling his Men in such orders as was admirable in so young a General, who had not been greatly acquainted with the Trains of War; so that now nothing but a Foe being wanting, the Army marched to meet the proud King Bradamound, before he entered the Country to spoil or waste it; and accordingly Sir Bevis soon found him encamped upon a large Plain, but the Pagan King being double the number, set little by it; yet after both Armies had for a while faced each other, and bid defiance, a fearful Combat ensued, so that the Showers of Arrows in a manner darkened the Sky, and what together with the clashing of Swords, the Shouts of the Victors, the cries of the Vanquished, the neighing of Horses, and the noise of warlike Instruments, it seemed as if the dissolution of all things was at hand, insomuch that the wild Beasts in the forests and mountains stood amazed and trembled, as wondering what so great a clamour and confusion should mean: and because the Sarazens much sto●ked about the Standart of their King to defend it, it being born by one Radison a Giantlike man, Bevis, the sooner to discourage them, furiously with his Sword, broke into that quarter, and making his way over heaps of the Slain, dispersing his Foes on ev'ry side with a terrible destruction, he charged upon him with his Spear, which violently entering, his Shield pierced his Armour and run quite through his Body, so that he fell dead to the ground, and with a horrible g●oan, breathed out his last: And so proceeding to charge the rest, he s on put them to the rout, and brought away the Standard, which so discouraged the Infidels, that they fell into confusion, and fled into all Parts; when Bradamound, in a rage, supposing to restore the Battle, ranged through his disordered People, and came where Sir Bevis was cutting down whole Ranks, instantly reviling him by the name of Christian Slave, and urging him to the Combat with many loud reproaches; upon which a dreadful Fight happened, the one sighting through true courage, and the other through rage and despair; but at length Sir Bevis, with a redoubled blow, cutting through Bradamound's Helmet, which thereupon falling of, and he likewise to the Ground, cried out for mercy, offering Cities, Towns and Castles for the Ransom of his Life, at which Sir Bevis smiling said, is this the courage you show for fair Josian, to fetch whom, you have taken all these Pains, and caused so much bloodshed, however, though you deserve to dye for your bold presumption, yet since I found you thus humble, make a solemn protestation that you will, whenever it shall be required, make a tributary Vassalage and do Homage to King Ermine, holding your Kingdom at his Pleasure, and I will not only save your Life, which is now in my Power, but set you free from the Swords of the enraged Soldiers, who thirst after your Blood.  
King Bradamound being of a proud Temper, paused a while at these Conditions, imposed upon him by the Conqueror, but finding he must consent or lose his Life, w●th much regret he chose the former, and accordingly Proclamation was made, to spare the Lives of the flying Enemy, of whom already about 20000 were slain, insomuch that the Plains blushed, and became slippery with Blood: and now the Battle being entirely won, Sir Bevis giving the spoil to his Soldiers, returned to King Ermine, to give him an account of his success, who greatly rejoiced thereat: but the Princess had a greater share of the joy, to found herself not only freed from the man she hated, but in great likelihood to be Wedded to him she most passionately loved; for now the King was so highly pleased with Sir Bevis' brave and generous Conduct, that he recommended his Daughter to his private Entertainment and Reception, so that with his consent he had have to visit the beautiful Lady in her Chamber; who when they were together by themselves, earnestly beholding him, said, with a sigh, and than a rosy Blush overspread her Virgin Face: How long will it be, Sir Knight, before you will fully understand how much I love you, and how passionately? pardon my free expression, I desire to be your Wife: to which Bevis, over-ravished with joy, yet dissembling, as well as he could, the excess of his Passion, replied, Most lovely Maid, it cannot sink into my Thoughts, that she whom Kings have courted, and truly deserves the greatest Potentate on Earth, will condescend to wed a Stranger, who though perhaps nobly born, yet is destitute at present of those mighty Fortunes, that your merit justly requires and abundantly deserves: Thrones and Sceptres I have none, nor can I encircle your head with a sparkling Diadem, of which you may otherwise furnish yourself.  
Sir Bevis expressing himself as aforesaid, and being misconstrued by the fair Josian, she said he slighted and contemned her proffered Love, and therefore sought those excuses, grew angry or appeared seemingly so, upbraiding him with too much neglect and coldness of affection, pressing her resentments so home, that she urged he could not, as he said, he nobly descended and prove so cruel to one that dearly loved him, and so far proceeded on that Subject, that Sir Bevis sensibly sin●ing his honour touched, went discontented from her Chamber; nor did she at that time further endeavour to slay him: However, soon after having notice that his discontent had created an Indisposition both of body and mind, she she sent to comfort him, and in the end paid him a Visit, again unfolding to him the secrets of her Heart; and there it was concluded between them, that the Princess becoming a Chri●●ian, he should marry her: but knowing her Father would not suffer her to do it u●on that condition, it was further agreed, that with all her jewels and Treasure th●y should secretly departed for England: but this Conference and agreement, being overheard by two of King Bradamound's Knights, taken to the late Battle, they secretly advised King Ermine of it, and he thereupon consulted them what was to be done to prevent a business t●●t ●o h●●●y displeased him, for he would not by any means hear that his Daughter should renounce the Religion of her Country, though otherways ●●ll●ng enough she should be married to this renowned Stranger; so that ●●a●● he should carry away the Lady by stealth, it was resolved he should be ●●cured till matters could be better understood: but how with honour 〈◊〉 do it, the King was at a loss, till in the end, these two evil Counsellors put it into his mind to sand him with a Letter to King Bradamound ●ho therein should be required to make him his Prisoner. This being thought best to take the imputation of dishonour from King Ermi Sir Bevis was sent for, and this Message imposed upon him, under pretence that none was so worthy as himself to receive the Homage of a King he had brought into subjection: and than a Letter being provided for the purpose, sealed with King Ermine's Signet, contrary to the knowledge of fair Josian, he undertook, upon the h●●●●● of his Knighthood to perform the message, adding that peradventure King Bradamound being now in his Strength, might refuse what he in time of danger had promised, but if he might have his Horse and Armour with him, he would force him, if so he refused, to tender his Homage, but being dissuaded therefrom by the King, as not convenient on this occasion, he took his leave and departed towards Damascus.   

CHAP. V  
How Bevis having conquered King Bradamound's Army, and brought him to do Homage to King Ermine, he and josian plighted their troth. And how King Ermine purposely sent him to Damascus to have him destroyed. How he threw down the Images there, and fought the whole City, but at last put into a Den of Dragons. What miseries he suffered there, with other things.  
At this news, the King caused all his Men to Arm, and as he was issuing over the Bridge, Sir Bevis was come to the foot of it, and perceiving it was the King, made signs that he had a Message to him, greeting him from King Ermine, who at the first sight of him started back, as well knowing who it was; but being environed with armed Men, and perceiving that Sir Bevis had sheathed his Sword, he sternly demanded his business, who, not forgetting his Distance, bending his knee to the Ground, delivered the Letter, the Contents of which were these.  
To King Bradmound, King Ermine sendeth Greeting:  
WHereas Sir Bevis of Southampton came lately a Stranger into my Court, and occasioned the Quarrel between you and me, in dissuading my Daughter to yield herself your Wife, and has since gone about to make her renounce her Religion, intending privately to carry her away to his own Country, I thought good to advertise you thereof; wherefore, that there may be a right understanding between us, for the future, I not thinking it convenient to lay hands on him myself, have sent him to you to chastise him at your Discretion; wherefore by no means let him scape, for he being once removed I doubt not, but it will be easy to work my Daughter to a compliance with your Demands, that all animosities may cease between us: and so we bid you hearty farewell.  
This pleased Bradmound, and made him change his Countenance into terror, as knowing Sir Bevis was now abandoned by King Ermine, and put into his power to revenge the mischief he had done him, and began immediately to consult what Death or Torture he should be put to, some gave Counsel to Burn him to Ashes, others to Flee him alive, others again to draw him through the City, and hung him upon Tenters; but at last they concluded to cast him into a deep filthy Dungeon, where two fierce Dragons were kept: and now Sir Bevis plainly perceiving that there was mischief plotted against him, said, Sir as I am a Knight, let me dye the Death of a Soldier, in the Field; the which if you grant me a Horse and Armour, to dye valiantly fight, it will more redound to your Glory, and the courage of the Knights that shall have the honour to slay me. But the King without any reply, not thinking it fit to trust so dreadful a Man with Arms, who already unarmed, in a manner as he was, had made his City tremble, commanded him to be seized; whereat Sir Bevis grasping a Sword, for he had broke his own in the former Combat, stood upon his defence; and although they drew up the Bridge, and hemmed him in on every side, he killed fifty Knights before he could be taken: but than, weary with continual fight, and his Sword breaking at the same time, he yielded to fatal necessity; and no sooner had the Infidels got him in their power, but they bond him in strong Chains, and carried him to the Dungeon, where by Cords they let him down a wonderful depth: but long he had not been there e'er the Dragons perceiving him, came out of the corners where they had made their Dens, with terrible Cries and Howl, frighting even those that heard them from above, whereat Sir Bevis finding himself in a great strait, and ready to be devoured by those Monsters, redoubling his force, he burst his Chains in sunder, and found as Fortune would have it, in the place where he lay, an old rusty Sword, with which, after a cruel fight, in which he received many Wounds from their Teeth and Claws, he killed the Dragons, and freed himself from the present danger, but suddenly fell into worse; for having nothing wherewith to subsist, unless the flesh of the Monsters he had slain, which were rank Poison, he must inevitably perish for hunger; yet Death was not so terrible to him, as the thoughts he should disappoint Sir Sabre, and put his Mistress in great sorrow, who yet knew nothing of his Undertaking, and therefore might conclude he had forsaken her and proved false to his Vows. But whilst he was in this perplexity, his Keepers perceiving from above that he had destroyed the Dragons, advertized the King thereof, who, that he might prolong his Misery, in that noisome place, and make him, as it were, die a living Death, commanded that every day he should have a Bowl of Bran and Water let down by Rope, with which, and the flesh of Rats and Mice, which he caught in the Dungeon, he subsisted for the space of seven years.   

CHAP. VI  
How Sir Bevis killed his Keepers, and escaped from the Dungeon, where he had been seven years, and after that the Grooms, and furnished himself with Horse and Armour. How he killed a Knight and a Giant. Stole fair Josian from King jour, that had Married her, Conquered another Giant, and two Lions, and arrived at Colen: And what there befell him.  
SIR Bevis being thus dead, in the conceit of the World, and the Princess Josian ignorant of what had befallen him, was given by her Father to understand that he had left the Court privately, and was gene for England, where he had married a Princess of great Renown, to whom he was formerly betrothed, and there lived upon his Possessions, with an intention never to return; assuring her, that a Merchant had lately brought him this News; upon the recital whereof, the Royal Virgin wept abundantly, accusing him of Ingratitude and Inconstancy, reviling the whole Sex for his sake, and vowing to live a Virgin, unless Sir Bevis returned, and she found what had been related of him false: however, her Father pressing her in this pensive and melancholy mood to comply with King Bradmound's request, and become his Queen; and finding her altogether averse to him, he pitched upon another, recommending him to her choice, viz. Jour King of Mambrat, a powerful and wealth Prince in those parts, and by threats and commands, obliged her to join her hands with his, though not her Heart; for although many Emperors, Kings and Potentates were at the Wedding, which was celebrated with exceeding joy and Pomp, she alone was found Sorrowful, often retiring and weeping bitterly for the absence of Sir Bevis, by which she injured her fair Eyes, and much impaired her Beauty; and her Bedding, which is held the custom of those Countries, being deferred for a month, she, in that time, procured of the wise Magicians of Egypt, than at her Father's Court, such Spells and Enchantments, that being worn, they, by secret power and operation, took away all desire in the King her Husband to bereave her of her Virginity; as shall be further mentioned hereafter.  
Bevis' Horse, Sword and Armour being in the possession of King Ermine, he bestowed them upon his new Son-in-law, but Arundel, upon the first mounting of King Jour, perceiving it was not his true Master, taking a Career over Hedges, Ditches and Places of the like danger, threw him with such force, that the fall, by the mighty bruise, much indammaged his Life; which so vexed the King, that he caused him to be sent to his Castle and kept in Chains till he was starved to Death; but fair Josian, for the sake of his Master, daily fed him with her own hands, unknown to the King; and now began to mistrust, that there was some Treachery in the Case, forasmuch as she could not imagine Sir Bevis would leave a Sword, Armour and Horse, he so entirely delighted in, when he might with the same case, as himself departed, have taken them with him: in which doubt we leave her a while, and return to Sir Bevis.  
Sir Bevis having thus escaped his Foes, began now to faint, through hunger; and thereupon espying a Castle before him, and a beautiful Lady, leaning over the Wall, he made up to it, and acquainted her with his necessities, entreating her to supply him, with such Provision as she had, telling her he was a Christian Knight, who was upon the search of Adventures, and that if it say in his Power, he would require her kindness, but she hearing he was a Christian, commanded him immediately to be gone, saying, That her Husband was a bloody Pagan Giant, and that if he knew he was there, he would suddenly come out and destroy him, as he bone many; but this nothing daunted Sir Bevis, who rep●yed he had rather dye in Battle than through hunger, and therefore he was resolved to Dine there that day: scarce had he ended these words but out came the Giant, and stairing on him with a grim visage, said, What art thou Fellow? and where camest thou by that Horse, which if I mistake not, is my Brother Grandeur 's, whom thou hast stole? but however, I shall chastise thee for thus saucily approaching my Castle: and thereupon, e'er Sir Bevis could well reply, and give him an account, how he had gotten the Horse, he came at him with a h●g● and weighty Battle Axe, but missing him, he struck his Horse with such force that he f●lled him to the Ground; but Sir Bevis leaping nimbly of, cha●g●d with such Fury, that he made the Giant give Ground; what ●iring at a distance took his Bow that h●ng at the Wall, and shot at him with a forked Arrow, which entered his shoulder and greatly pained him, yet thereat being more enraged, he followed him up so close, that with a forcible blow, between the Giant's neck and shoulders, where his Helmet was open, he struck of his head, and his body thereupon falling to the ground made it tremble; at this the Lady screeched out, and would have fled to the Woods; but Sir Bevis promising to do her no harm, she was at last contented to stay, and set before him such provision as the Castle afforded; and than setting free such Prisoners as he found there, he departed to take a view of the Holy Land, where at Jerusalem, he was kindly received by the Patriarch, and there he made a vow for the sake of fair Josian, never to marry any but a spotless Virgin; and now considering it was too late for him to go for England, to be Sir Sabres Champion: and of which enterprise he had been defeated by the treachery of King Ermine, he resolved to go disguised into Armenia, to know the cause why the King, who had so much deserved of him, had so perfidiously dealt with him? but the rather to know what was become of the fair Princess? the disappointing of whom more sensibly grieved him, than all his other sufferings: and whilst he was musing on this matter, a Knight overtook him, who had been of his former acquaintance, and related to him all that had passed on these occasions, further informing him, that Queen Josian though she was married against her will, still kept him in remembrance, giving alms for his sake to a great number of Palmers, and enquiring of every one what was become of him. This did not a little revive the spirits of Sir Bevis, and put him upon a more earnest enquiry, especially where he might have a sight of his fair Mistress, and being informed she kept her Court in the Castle of Mambrat, he hasted thither.  
Being arrived in the City and hearing the Queen gave alms to Palmers, he put himself in such a weed, and leaving his horse and armour in his Inn, hasted to the Castle gate, and there amongst the rest passed for a Palmer; but long he had not stayed there, before the Queen came with her Alms, the King and his Train being than gone a hunting, and when she had distributed her bounty, and gently enquired of every one, whether they had lately seen or heard of Sir Bevis of Southampton, but not meeting with any such news as she wished, she retired to her Closet, and in this manner bemoaned herself: Alas said she, for the good Knight Sir Bevis▪ he is gone and I shall never see him more; how could so brave a Knight be so much cruel, and unkind to a Virgin, that so highly esteemed and adore him; sure the best of men could never be guilty of the worst of crimes; it must surely than, be that some who envied our peace and happiness has conspired by treason to separate us, though it cannot be in their power to extinguish my love towards him; for a Queen as I am, I would willingly be disrobed of my Royalty, to wander with that gallant Youth through Deserts or Wildernesses, and think nothing too much to endure or suffer for his sake, whom I so dearly love; But O hard fortune, I shall never see him more! This said, she burst forth into a flood of tears; which Sir Bevis who had all this while harkened under the window noting, could not but let fall some tears to bear hers company, and finding an opportunity to speak to Boniface her Page, he desired him to acquaint the Queen, that he had a secret to impart to her, that highly concerned her welfare; which being accordingly done, she ordered he should attend her coming down, in the retiring room, expecting from this Palmer, as most people usually do what they earnestly wish, some news of Sir Bevis.   

CHAP. VII.  
How Sir Bevis fought with, and killed a dreadful Dragon at Colen, obtained forces of the Bishop his Uncle, sailed for England to recover his heritage, and by a wile got Armour and Horses of Sir Murdure, than taking part with Sir Sabre, he sent the other defiance, etc.  
SIR Bevis being come to Colen, and the fame of his valiant deeds and glorious achievements, having reached that place before, he was highly welcomed, and the people were overjoyed, for now they hoped by his prowess, to be delivered from the plague of their Country, which had destroyed so many of them, and laid many places wast, viz. a dreadful Dragon, who kept a Cave not far from the City, and that night had poisoned a Knight, whom many of the Inhabitants held invincible, and not to be conquered by mortal might; however at the cries and entreaties of the Inhabitants, contrary to the knowledge of the Queen, who would not have suffered him to have undertaken so dangerous an enterprise, Sir Bevis and Ascapart went early in the morning to seek the Monster, and scarcely had they approached his Cave, when putting out his head he gave such an horrible yell, that Ascapart veryly supposing it to be the Devil, would advance not further, whereat Sir Bevis began to smile, saying, I thought you had not feared a whole Army, and are afraid of a Monster? come take courage and you shall only be a looker on, whilst I finish the work; and by this time the hideous Monster being gotten out of his Cave, greedy of prey came at Sir Bevis, lifting up his crest and casting fire and poison out of his mouth, his eyes burning like two Beacons, horribly hissing with a triple sting, and a tail of infinite length, against whom the Knight ran forcibly with his spear, but his seals being harder than Brass, it burst in pieces and shivered in the Air; whereupon he drew his trusty Sword, and laid at him furiously, but could by no means wound him, when the Dragon with his tail giving him a stroke, beaten him from his Horse, and very much bruised him, having likewise with his talons rend his Armour; but Sir Bevis nothing dounted, avoiding as nimbly as he might, the stroke and striking as he saw occasion; but in the end the Dragon casting poison on him, and infecting the Air with his venomous breath, caused him a little to faint, and retireing towards a Well, he perceived the Monster to make a stop some paces from it, and not to advance further, which gave him a breathing time; so that plainly perceiving, there was extraordinary virtue in the well, by reason of a Saintlike Virgins washing in it, that kept of his infectious enemy, he proceeded to drink some of the water, which he had not sooner done, but he found his vigour renewed, and his strength as at first, so that as often as he found himself annoyed with the poison, he retired thither as to a sanctuary, and being refreshed went again to the Combat; so that the Dragon being much bruised, and perceiving he could not overcome the Knight, began to take wing, where espying a bore place, not covered with scales or defence, Sir Bevis resolutly stepped in and sheathed his sword in his side, following the thrust so forcible that it pierced his heart, when with a horrible roar, as if a whole army of men had groaned out their last, he fell dead at his feet; of which victory Sir Bevis being exceeding glad, raised the scales of his neck, and cutting of his head, bore it into the City as in triumph, being met without the wall by old and young, with songs and music, styling him their Deliverer, causing Bells to ring, and Bonfires to be made, and as a perpetual memory of this Victory, placed the Head upon the highest Tower in the City. Sir Bevis growing more and more in esteem with the Citizens of Colen, and knowing that the Bishop of that City was his Father's Brother, he resolved to solicit him for Aid against Sir Murdure who kept his heritage, of the Earldom of Southampton from him, and taking his opportunity, when they were private together, he said, Sir, you know my Father, your Brother was unjustly slain by the connivance of my Mother, and now the murderer detains my Heritage; wherefore give Counsel, whether I shall attempt by force of Arms the regaining of it or desist, and by your wisdom am I content be ruled, although I know Sir Sabre my other Uncle is already contending for it. 'Tis true replied the Bishop, and every year on a certain day they wage a mortal Battle, wherein one or other of their party is slain: wherefore it is my opinion, that you aught to contend for it yourself, as being the true Heir to the Earl your Father, and to further you in this matter, I promise' to aid you with an hundred men at my own charge.  
Sir Bevis glad of the proffer made him by the Bishop, went to Josian, and acquainted her with this new undertaking, laying before her the necessity of it, and withal told her he would leave her in that City sufficiently provided for, till the danger was over, and than fetch her in pomp, to possess their rightful heritage, and although she was unwilling to leave his company, and could not part without tears, yet seeing it must be so she consented, and so with a kind kiss for a time they bid a due to each other; for the men being shipped Sir Bevis went aboard, and within a while sailing came to an anchor, in a Port about two miles from Southampton, where Sir Bevis being destitute of Armour to furnish his men, thought of a stratagem to obtain it in this manner: viz. he sent a Knight to the Castle of Sir Murdure to inform him, that understanding there was a great difference between him and another Knight named Sir Sabre, and that a Battle was shortly to be fought between them, an Almain Captain with a Band of resolute Soldiers, was come to offer his service, provided he would furnish his men with Arms and Armour, that they might appear according to their quality, or else being Soldiers of Fortune, they were resolved to make the like offer to his Enemy, by whom they doubted not but to be entertained.  
Sir Murdure kindly accepted this proffer, upon the condition proposed, and entreated them to land, which accordingly they did, and Sir Bevis with his men were highly treated, both by Sir Murdure and the Countess Sir Bevis' Mother, who knew him not, for he had changed his name to that of Sir Gerard, ordering his men to call him by no other; when as Sir Murdure thus began, Noble Stranger, it may be you are ignorant of the cause that occasions this difference between me and Sir Sabre, a hardy Knight whose residence is now in the Isle of Wight, and this it is, so it happened, that Sir Guy being slain by misfortune in a neighbouring Forest, who was Earl of this Town, I married the Lady his Countess my present Wife, and she having had one Son by the Earl named Bevis, who proving extravagant and expensive when of age I bought his Heritage of him, and he having consumed the money he received for it, left the Land and has not since been heard of; notwithstanding this Sir Sabre who is his Uncle, being of late grown rich and powerful lays claim to it, and with many inroads and fierce Encounters disturbs and invades my possession, and now I have informed you of the justness of my cause, I hope it will exalt your Courages to defend my right.  
Sir Bevis having heard the foregoing relation and knowing it to be fabulous, had much ado to contain himself, and refrain from killing the murderer of his Father, and the injurer of his Honour, in his own Castle; but considering it would be more generous, to do it in the field, he checked at this time his anger, to wait a nobler opportunity, and so dissembling the matter, he renewed his request for Armour, Horses, and Shipping, protesting, if he might have them, to sail immediately to the Isle of Wight, and there put an end to the contention, by making Sir Sabre his Prisoner, and bringing him bound to his presence. At this Sir Murdure was well pleased, and ordered all things to be provided according as had been desired, hastening them to the enterprise, who being accordingly furnished with what they desired, set sail and landed in the Island, at what time Sir Sabre being near the Shoar, and perceiving Ships putting men on land, supposed them Enemies, and thereupon sent for his forces to oppose them; but being convinced of the contrary, upon Sir Bevis causing his Father's Banner to be displayed, well known to him, and by that being assured it was his Nephew, he hasted to welcome him, and with much joy lead him to his Castle, and there they made report to each other, of all that had befell them since they parted; and thereupon Sir Bevis calling a Knight to him, and no longer desirous to to dissemble who he was, or refrain laying claim to his Heritage, sent him to Sir Murdure, to let him know how he had been mistaken and imposed upon, and that he immediately expected a surrender of the Earldom; and would notwithstanding punish him for treacherously killing his Father: when the Messenger came with this message, Sir Murdure was at dinner with divers Friends, making great merriment, as not doubting by the help of his supposed Friends, to be revenged on Sir Sabre his mortal Enemy; but upon the delivery of the message, finding himself deceived in his expectation, he grew exceeding wrath, and drawing his Dagger, being on the other side of the Tabe, he threw it with great force at the Knight, but missing him, it struck into the breast of his own Son, who was than waiting at the borad, whereupon he fell down dead, and the other fled, relating all that he had said and seen, to Sir Bevis, who gave him for this service forty pounds.   

CHAP. VIII.  
How Sir Bevis and Sir Murdure prepared for War. How Josian had like to have been Ravished; and how she was rescued from the Flames, and brought together with the Giant Ascapart, to the Isle of Weight: and what other matters happened.  
SIR Bevis, as we said, being in the Isle of Wight, we must there leave him a while, and return to Josian whom we left at Colen, and with her the Giant Ascapart as her Guard, to prevent any danger that might befall her. So it fell out, That Josian had not been long here, after the departure of Sir Bevis, but Sir Miles an Earl of that Country, casting his Eyes upon her admirable Beauty, fell desperately in love with her, and began in a passionate manner, to court her to his pleasure, but she refusing his proffered Love with disdain, he resolved if he could not have his Will of her fairly, to have it by force, and in a manner told her his intent, to which she replied, Sir, although Sir Bevis is absent, yet have I here with me Ascapart, that will not see me wronged: and by this means, he having understood in whom she reposed her confidence, resolved to get him out of the way, whilst he acted his wicked purpose, and so feigning a Letter to him, in Sir Bevis' name, how that he must immediately come to him, to the Castle in the Sea, standing a league from the Shoar; the unthinking Giant went, when he not sooner entered the Castle, but it was shut upon him, by those that carried him, and the boat, as Sir Miles had agreed with the Boatmen, immediately rowed back again; and than he made his fresh attempts upon fair Josian, telling her what he had done with Ascapart, and now she had nothing to hope in, but must yield to his pleasure or dye; whereupon she secretly sent a trusty Messenger, to certify Sir Bevis of the danger she was in, which required his speedy aid: and than to delay the false Knight, she told him, if he would marry her, he should have his will of her, but if he otherways attempted it, she would rather dye than suffer it to be done.  
Sir Miles, as I said, being passionately in love with the fair Queen, stuck not at any thing she proposed, so that he might enjoy her, and having told her he would asuredly do it, and thereupon obtaining a kiss, the day was appointed, to be the next, and thereupon he prepared all manner of sumptuous Cheer and Music, inviting many Barons, Knights, and Ladies to his wedding, and so married they were early in the morning, and the day being spent in feasting; when it grew night and Supper ended, fair Josian was led to her Bride-Chamber, and soon after, impatient of delay, came Sir Miles with many attendants, but she entreated him for modesty's sake to sand away his Train, and she would be his Chamberlain; so that at his command all departing, and they left together, she finding now no other way to save her honour, made a slip-knot of her Girdle and casting it over his Neck, strangled him, and afterwards hung him upon a beam. And his Barons and Knights finding him not abroad in the Morning, as he was want, imputing it to his new Love Encounters with the fair Bride, every one wishing himself in his place; some went to hunting, and others to the Church; but coming home at noon, and yet not finding him out of his Chamber, they had great marvel, insomuch that one of them went to see what was the matter, and opening the door, said, Arise Earl Miles, for you have slept a great while, wherefore I cannot but think your head aches, will you please to have a Candle? Nay, replied josian, I will undertake his Head shall ache not more, for I have unknit the wedding, and yonder you may see him hanging, my honour he shall never destroy, though for what I have acted, you may do with me as you please.  
The death of Sir Miles once known to his Friends, they made great sorrow for it, and with much anger proceeded to burn the fair Josian at a stake, so that the Fire being set in order, and kindled by the Sea side, Ascapart, who beheld it from the Castle, imagining that Queen Josian his Mistress was in danger burst in sunder the Iron gates, and entering a Fisher's boat, just come into the Port, he rowed himself to the place where the Fire was, and found it to be true, as he had dread, for there he beheld the Queen in her shift, ready to be put into the fire, and whilst he was devising how to rescue her, Sir Bevis came riding up, and seeing Ascapart, said, Thief where has thou been? where has thou left Josian my fair Queen, whom I gave thee in charge, that she is thus forced to sand for me to deliver her from danger? whereupon ask his pardon, he told him all that had happened, and shown him in what danger the Queen stood, who had before their coming been sacraficed in the Flames, had not the Priest been long in shrieving her. This sight so enraged Sir Bevis, that bidding Ascapart follow him, he broke through the throng, and with his Sword cut all in pieces before him, in so much that the people fled amazed, crying on every hand for mercy, whilst Ascapart on the other side, laid them on heaps with his Club, felling and braining whole ranks at a blow, and having made great slaugther and cleared the Coast, Josian being left alone, Sir Bevis caused her to  herself, and mount behind him, and together with Ascapart they took shipping, and sailed to the Isle of Wight, where they were lovingly receeived by Sir Sabre, and his Knights. Josian returning great thanks to Heaven for her deliverance, and there related to Sir Bevis all that had befell her, etc.   

CHAP. IX.  
How Sir Bevis and Sir Murdure mustered their Armies, and of the mortal Battle fought between them, in which the latter was overthrown, and taken Prisoner. How he was boiled alive, and how the Countess his Wife, broke her Neck: and how Sir Bevis took possession of his Estate, etc.  
SIR Bevis and Sir Sabre, resolving to pursue Sir Murdure to death, sent their summons into all parts, to require their Friends to come to their Aid, sending, the better to encourage them, gifts of Gold and Silver very liberally, so that many Earls, Barons, and Knights came slocking to their Standard, with their Pages, and their Attendants, who according to their Degrees were listed, and entered into the Service; of which Sir Murdure having notice, was exceedingly fretted in his mind, and therefore consulted with the Countess his Wife, what was best to be done for their safeties, who advised him to sand to his Brother the Emperor, and she would do the like to her Father the King of Scots, to let them know their distress, and re-require their speedy Aid, which she doubted not to obtain, with many more Knights of Renown, in England and Wales, and than like a Tempest falling upon Bevis, Sabre and their Fellows, you may soon put them to the slight, wherefore, said she, in no manner let your Courage fall you.  
Soon after the King was beaten down, he retired out of the battle to refresh himself, and having put on fresh Armour, and remounted he came again with great fury to the Fight; so that great slaughter ensued, and Sir Bevis still ranging through the Battle making horrible destruction wherever he came, advanced so far that he broke into the press where Sir Murdure had slain and unhorsed many, saying Traitor, Let those alone and turn thee hither, but Sir Murdure seeing it was Sir Bevis, who had vowed his death, he used many endeavours to eat the fight; but Sir Bevis pressing on, and thinking to give him a forcible blow, thereby to dispatch him at once, he by swiftly turning his Horse avoided it, yet the Sword falling on his Horse, clove his crupper in sunder, so that he fell down dead, but Sir Murdure was remounted by his Men, and a while made resistance, but finding himself to weak for his adversary, he retired within the ranks of his Men, and left them to the fury of Sir Bevis who mounted on Arundel his Steed, laid about him on every side, with his trusty Sword Morglay, nor did his Horse fail with his heels and teeth to fight courageously, giving to many their mortal wounds; so that the Plain whereon they fought, blshed with blood, and was covered with dead bodies, so that the number of his Enemies was lessened: and at the signal given Ascapart advanced with his men on foot, for by reason of his monstrous size no Horse could bear him, and with his huge Club overthrew whole Squadrons, in so much that he drove a thousand men before him, like a flock of Sheep to the Seaside, who fearing a worse death, leapt into the waves, and were most of them drowned; but a very few getting to the Ships, that lay at Anchor in the Road; and than returning where his Men fought, he broke through the main Battle of Scots, and carried all before him, making lanes wherever he came, till he arrived where Sir Bevis was fight, and had done wonders.  
Sir Bevis not sooner beheld Ascapart, but calling him to him, said, Mark well the person that fights on yonder Steed, and be sure you let him not escape our hands, for that is Sir Murdure the causer of all this mischief; whereupon Ascapart in all haste made thitherward, and when Sir Murdure would have fled from him, he caught him in his Arms, Horse and Man, and bore him, in spite of the resistance that was made, into the Castle; and now Sir Morris being slain by Sir Sabre, and the King of Scots being no longer able to maintain the Battle, the Soldiers fled on all parts; which the King perceiving and not being able to restrain the Flight fled likewse, and getting into a Ship, prepared for that purpose, he sailed away Westward to a strong Castle of his in the Sea. And now Sir Murdure being in the Castle, he was condemned to be put into a Cauldron of scalding Pitch and Brimstone, where he miserably perished; and this he had as a punishment for the murder of Sir Guy Father to Sir Bevis and Earl of Southampton; of which the Countess his Wife being informed, she leapt in a desperate mood, from the Battlements of her Castle, and broke her Neck.   

CHAP. X.  
How Sir Bevis was married to Queen josian, and the honours that were done him. His Horse having killed King Edgar's Son, he abjured the Land to save him, and went to seek adventures in strange Countries; and what befell him on this occasion.  
BEing thus rid of of his mortal Enemies, Sir Bevis and his nobles Companions, took leave of the Isle of Wight, and sailed to Southampton, where finding his Mother dead, by the means aforesaid, he caused her notwithstanding, to be honourably buried; and so took possession of his Castle, and Heritage, and sending for the Bishop of Colen, and many other noble Personages, he was by the said Bishop, married to his beloved Queen Josian, and never was Queen so willing to be disrobed of her Royalty, nor Knight so pleased with a Queen; and soon after going to London, to do homage to King Edgar for his Earldom, and having told him his name, and by what right he claimed that Heritage, the King made him Marshal of England, delivering the staff that his Father Sir Guy had before him: so that returning home he was highly esteemed and honoured by King, Peers and Peasants spending his estate liberally and in giving Alms remembering from his 7 years' imprisonment what it was to suffer hunger.  
Yet growing great in Offices and places of honourable trust, he at last stirred up the envy of one Sir Brian of Cornwall against him, as having some of the Offices bestowed upon him by the King; that were formerly his; so that about Whitsuntide when sundry Knights were coursing and raceing on their gallant Steeds, forty pounds in gold was proposed for a three mile Course, on the Horse that run best; when Sir Bevis being present and knowing none might compare to Arundel, he undertook in honour of the day to ride with the rest, and although two Knights having unexpectedly the start were got half a mile before, Sir Bevis gave Arundel the reinss, who flew forth like the wind, and immediately overtook them, and passing by, was at the Races end before they could imagine he was gotten two miles, which made the King's Son so much in love with the Horse for his goodness, and for whose sake, as the story says, Sir Bevis built the Castle of Arundel, calling it after his Horse's name, that he desired at any rate to have him, but Sir Bevis required of him to ask any thing else and he should freely have it, yet as for his Horse no Gold, nor Castles, nor Towns, nor Favour could assure him to part with him, upon which the Prince w●tching his opportunity, resolved to take him by force out of the stable, but as he attempted to do it, Arundel knowing it was not his Master, lifted up his Heels, and gave him such a blow on the Head that his brains slew out.  
When King Edgard heard his own Son was slain, and the manner how, he was exceeding wrath, and assembling his Council, proposed to them, that since Sir Bevis his denying his Horse to his Son, had made him attempt what occasioned his death, it was sit that he should dye for it a cruel death, urging that he might be drawn to pieces with wild Horses; but his Council declared they could pass no such sentence upon him, seeing he no hand in the death of the Prince. But Sir Brian of Cornwall, resolving to do him a displeasure, starting up, said, Though they could not indeed meddle with Sir Bevis for this matter, yet the Horse aught to be slain; which was agreed on all hands: whereupon Sir Bevis humbly besought the King, that rather than he should lose his Horse, he would permit him to abjure the Land, which being granted, he surrendered up his Offices and places of Honour, which was that which Sir Brian aimed at, and made over his Lordships and Heritage to his Uncle Sir Sabre; and so with Josian Sir Terre and Ascapart, he took his leave of England, and from this time Ascapart plotted how he might bring it about to seize Josian, and carry her back to King Jour, of which more hereafter.   

CHAP. XI.  
How josian was brought to bed of two Children in a Forest, and was carried away by a Giant. How Sir Bevis disposed of the Children. How he jousted, and won a fair Lady for Sir Terre; and how Sir Sabre recovered josian and killed the Giant.  
SIR Bevis and his Company, being now again in a strange Land, and Josian by this time great with Child, as they rid through a Forest, she fell in travel, so that alighting they cut down boughs with their swords, and made her a Bower for her conveniency, paving it with Rushes and soft Leaves, and offered their assistance to help her in that extremity, but she through modesty excusing it, desired them to retire, and leave her to the protection of Heaven; so that setting Ascapart as a sentinel at a distance, to watch that no rude person or wild beast might approach, to annoyed or disturb her, Sir Bevis and Sir Terry went to seek for somewhat for her refreshment; during which space Ascapart, when she was delivered of two Sons, took her on his Back in the woeful condition she was in, in vain crying for help, her Lord being out of hearing, and hasted through Woods and Forests over Hills, Rocks and Mountains towards Mambrat, there to deliver her to King Jour her former Husband in hopes of a great reward and honour; so that when Sir Bevis and Sir Terrey returned, they found only the Children in the Bower, and perceiving Ascapart gone, they easily guessed at what had befallen, and made great sorrow for this loss, but finding it no boot to stay there Sir Bevis wrapped up the Children in a rich mantle their Mother had left behind her, and passing on met a man, of whom they inquirid, if he saw not a Giant carrying a Lady that way, who answered he did not; than said Sir Bevis, what is your business? he replied, I am a Forester, than will you, said he, take home with you this Child, and 'cause it to be christened by the name Guy, and here is ten marks in hand, and when you have kept it seven years, inquire for one Bevis of Southampton, and bring it to him, and you shall have store of Gold for so doing: The man upon these conditions, having gladly received the Infant, Sir Bevis and Sir Terry passed on, and meeting with a Fisherman, disposed of the other in the same sort, directing his name to be Miles.  
Long these Champions rid together, yet could they get no sight nor tidings of Ascapart, who went through Woods and Byways to prevent discovery, nor rested they till they entered a fair Town, and there betook themselves to an Inn to rest; but long they had not been there, ere looking out at the Window, they saw a gallant Train of Horsemen, exceedinly well mounted on Horses with rich Trappingss, and Heralds on every side displaying their Arms and Banners, which made them inquire of their Host, the occasion of so great a concourse, who told them that on the morrow there would be held a great just in that Town, for a fair Virgin, Daughter to the Duke, who being old and not expecting long to live, for the honour he bears to Arms, has set her the prize, and with her, all his Lands and Possessions after his death, of his valour who can win her, by carrying the day from the rest of the Knights, Earls, Dukes and Barons.  
Sir Sabre being now at home, in possession of great Fortunes, happened on a night to dream, that Sir Bevis was much distressed, through the means of Ascapart the Giant's treachery, and telling his dream to his Wife, she advised him to go in search of his Nephew; and thereupon taking twelve Knights with him in Palmer's weeds, though under them they were well armed, he crossed the Seas and having passed through many Lands, as he approached Mambra●, he espied the Giant haling fair Josian, who cried out piteous to him and his Companions for help, as knowing that if she was delivered to first her Husband, he would put her to death, and thereupon Sir Sabre and his Knights commanded him to let her go, but he sternly refusing it, they assailed him on all sides; whereupon quitting her bound as she was, and therefore incapable of flying away, he betook himself to his Club, and laid at the Knights with great fury, but they being nimble, still avoided his blows, and in the end having tired him, Sir Sabre whilst the others maintained the sight, stepped in, and with his sword run him through, so that he fell dead to the ground; where leaving him, he lead Josian to the next Inn, and there with a certain ointment, discoloured her fair face that she might not be known, but having spent all their money and provision, they went to require a supply, at a Castle where Sir Bevis and Sir Terrey were lodged, when Sir Terrey coming to the gate knew his Father and lead him in with great joy, nor was Sir Bevis a little glad when he heard Josian was recovered; whereupon Sir Terrey proceeded as it had been agreed, to wed the fair Elinor, which was done with great feasting, pomp, and splendour, and her Father soon after dying, he possessed himself of all the Estate.   

CHAP. XII.  
How King jour, making war upon King Ermine, was defeated, and taken Prisoner by Sir Bevis. How he had the Kingdom of Armony delivered to his Son Guy, and again subdueing King jour, took Mambrat, with other things of note.  
KING Jour, having a long time in vain expected his Wife, resolved to grieve for her not more, but to be revenged on her Father, and thereupon made war on his Countries, of which Sir Bevis receiving inteelligence by a Palmer, gathered a great Company, and leaving Sir Terrey with his new Wife, took with him Sir Sabre, and his two Sons Guy and Miles, who were grown by this time to perfection, resolving to assist his Father-in-Law, of whose coming King Ermine was exceeding glad, and humbly beged his pardon, offering to make him amendss, for the injury he had done him, to be Christened with all his people, whereupon Sir Bevis sent to England for Clergymen, who instantly came and performed that good Office: Yet King Jour drawing near with twenty thousand Saracens, destroying the Country before him, Sir Bevis being made General of Armony, raised an Army likewise to meet him, and defying each otherin a plain field, a dreadful battle began; whereupon Sir Bevis and his Knights so laid about them, that they overthrew and cut in pieces whole Ranks of men, and grew at length so terrible, that where ever they came, the enemies fled before them, when coming to King Jour he beaten him from his Horse, and there had slain him, had not a Troop of fresh men instantly come in to his Rescue, sacrificing their lives to defend him, who not longer trusting to his forces, seeing the day was lost, betook himself to flight, and was followed by such of his men, who escaped the sword, yet Sir Bevis pursued so hard after him, upon his swift Horse Arundle, that he overtook him, and made him his prisoner, having soon after for his Ransom, twenty tuns of Gold, three hundred Bales of Silk, and as many white Steeds, with three hundred Cups of Gold and Silver, making him at the same time ever quit claim to the fair Josian, and to be in perpetual Amity with King Ermine.  
For this and other great services, King Ermine offered to give him his Crown; and the Government of this Kingdom, but he refused it, yet accepted it for Guy his eldest Son, who was solemnly crowned King of Armony, and the old King not long after died; upon which King Jour fretted at his disgrace, resolved again to invade the Country, and thereupon thinking Sir Bevis did these wonders, through the strength of his Horse, he resolved to get him by fraud, and sent on Robion a cunning fellow to steal him out of the stable, who charming his keepers, as also the Horse with spells and sleeping drenches brought him away: But scarcely had he reached Mambrat with him, before Sir Sabre espied him, and leaping up behind him, felled him dead with the truncheon of a spear, but ere he could get away, the Sarrazens, that had beheld what was done, came running and assailed him on every part, and although he valiantly defended himself- they hardly put him to it, which Josian having perceived from the Turret of a Castle, advertised Sir Bevis, who with other Knights hasted to his aid, and slew the Sarrazens in great number, so that happy was he, that could first recover the City. This made King Jour exceeding wrath, and immediately to sand to his Brother Bradwin to come to his succour, who was King of Surry, making at the same time great sacrifices, offers and vows to Mahomet for his success; and thereupon King Jour grown desperate, resolved to end the strife, by single Combat with Sir Bevis, and advancing for that purpose towards Armony with three thousand men, he defied him, telling him that having slain his Men, bereft him of his Wife, and done him other mischiefs, he would now try it out with him to wreck his own revenge; and if it so fell out, that he slew him, he would possess himself of the Land of Armony; but if himself was slain, Mambrat should be delivered to Sir Bevis: These Conditions agreed on, and sworn to on either part, they went into a little Island to fight the Combat, and there drawing their Swords, they furiously laid at each other, the one animated by despair, and the other by true valour; but after many wounds given and received, Sir Bevis with a forcible blow, burst King Jour's Helmet in sunder, cutting through his Shield, ●as he held it up to defend himself; so that he brought him to the ground both horse and man: but the King nimbly got up again, and calling upon Mahomet for succour, began the fight anew, at which Sir ●evis alighted to be upon equal terms, and with another stroke felled him again; so that now he had him at his mercey, whose life he notwithstanding spared, yet sent him to a strong Castle, and doomed him a prisoner for his life, when taking his Armour and Ensigns of Royalty, he went with a good Company of Soldiers to Mambrat, where the Citizens supposing him to be their King, immediately opened their Gates; so that entering with his men, he soon made himself Master of it, putting all that resisted to the sword, and obliged the rest to abjure their Mahumitisme causing himself there to be crowned, by which Queen Josian was twice Queen of Mambrat.   

CHAP. XIII.  
How Sir Sabrey's Heritage being taken away, he came with Sir Bevis to recover it; and how the later maintained a great Battle in London, wherein he killed Sir Brian of Cornwell, his mortal Enemy; and how he was restored to the King's Favour, and Sir Sabre to his Land.  
SIR Sabre being now with Sir Bevis, as they rod forth a hawking on a day, news was brought him, that King Edgar had seized on his Inheritance by the advice of Sir Brian of Cornwall his Steward, and turned out his Wife and Children, of which he had not sooner notice, but he asked Sir Bevis leave to departed for England; but he would not suffer him to go alone, promising to accompany him, and his Son, with his Queen and his two Sons, and many courageous Knights, when landing at Southampton, he raised a great power of his Friends, and marched towards London, where the King was; than Sir Bevis leaving his Army at Putney, went with twenty Knights only to wait upon the King, and having admittance to his presence, after Reverence done, desired to know, Why Sir Sabre's Estate had been seized? to whom the King replied, It was done at the instance of Sir Brian his Stward, but however he had since bethought himself, and would soon restore it; but Sir Brian being present, boldly started up and said, it aught not to be done, saying moreover to Sir Bevis, that he wondered how he durst, being a banished man, return, and that for his presumption he aught to be hanged, or put to some other shameful death; to this Sir Bevis replied neither good nor bad, but making his Reverence to the King, departed. But the revengeful Steward not so satisfied, knowing where he inned with his Knights, caused the City-Gates to be locked, and the Chains to be drawn cross the streets, and raised a Cry at midnight, that every one who could bear Arms, should assault Sir Bevis in his Lodging, to revenge the death of the King's Son slain by his Horse Arundel, of which treachery Sir Bevis having notier, ordered his Squire to hasten his Sons to his aid with the Army, and thereupon mounting Arundel, he met Sir Brian at the head of the people he had raised; and said to him, come on now, you are an old Knight of War, and so they run upon each other, but Sir Bevis missing with his Spear, Sir Brian run him quite through the Shield, and clove it in sunder, which so much angled him, that drawing his Sword Morglay, he smote him with a down right stroke, and clove his Honnet and head in sunder, and charging upon his men made a great slaughter of them, insomuch that the streets ran with blood, and so passing on to Broad-street, he met divers Lumbards', that came to assail him, but soon scattered and dispersed them, whilst his other Knights were not idle, but made a great slaughter and havoc of the Multitude; yet finding themselves hard beser, they made towards Ludgate, to possess themselves of it, but found it shut and guarded, whereat Sir Bevis commanded them to open it, and let him out, who refusing to do it, a great fight was begun anew, and so well Sir Bevis behaved himself that he brought six hundred men to the ground, without receiving a wound himself.  
The news of Sir Bevis his danger coming to the ear of his Wife and Sons, the former fell in a sound, but the two later raised and revived her, telling her they would bring him speedy aid, resolving if they found him slain, to destroy and lay waste the City, and so mounting, they led their Host by great marches, and not only found their Father alive, but manfully defending himself, yet exceeding weary with so great a toil and bloodshed, at what time more Citizens came to the aid of their Fellows under the leading of a stout Lombard and strong, who charged Sir Bevis with great fury, but sped no better than Sir Brian of Cornwall, for with the first stroke Sir Bevis gave him he severed his head from his shoulders, and now Sir Sabre, Guy and Miles laying furiously about them, the Citizens fled in great disorder, and shut themselves up, as many as could, in their own Houses and in Bulwarks than built to defend the Walls; and some fled to the King, who than kept his Court in the Tower, whereupon Sir Bevis had the intire-possession of the City; yet would he not use any violence to those that resisted him not, nor suffer his Sons, who in the hear of their youthful blood purposed, to seek and fire the City, but immediately causing a Retreat to be sounded, he withdrew his Forces and retired to Southampton, where he took possession of his Estate, sending to the King to excuse what had been done on his part with the manner how it fell out; so that the fault being altogether laid upon Sir Brian, who was now dead, the King was no ways offended with Sir Bevis, but confirmed him and Sir Sabre in their Estates, honouring them with many Offices and Dignities, counting especially their Friendship above all others.   

CHAP. JUX.  
How Sir Bevis being in peace, his Son Sir Guy was married to fair Lyndamira the King's Daughter. How Sir Bevis and his Queen returning to Mambrat found it besieged, and how he relieved it; with other matters.  
SIR Bevis and his Confederates, being now in peace and tranquillity, King Edgar sent for them to his Court, upon a great Feast he made for his Nobles, and entertained them with much splendour, and a Tilt and Tournament for their further Recreation being prepared, Guy and Miles Sir Bevis' two Sons maintained it against all strangers or other Knights of the Court, and were so highly successful, that they unhorses all that came against them: Insomuch that Sir Guy being than in silver Armour, with a fair Lady portrayed on his Shield, the beautiful Lyndamira Daughter to the King, took such norice of his manly form, proportion of Body and rare achievements beyond, in a manner, the strength of man, that she fell desperately in love with him, of which the young Knight being ignorant, and the Princess through excess of Modesty, not willing to discover it to any, she fell sick and in a languishing condition, whereat the King being greatly grieved, sent for his Physicians, from all parts of the Land to cure her Malady, who soon found it proceeded from a cause beyond the power of their Art; and informed the King, that distemper of the fair Princess, proceeded from love, who tender of this his only Daughter, pressed her in all Fatherly mildness to let him know the object that occasioned it, which at first she began with modesty to refuse, or rather excuse. but the King being earnest herein, she amidst sighs, blushes and much confusion, told him it was Sir Guy.  
Queen Josian by this time, being desirous to return to Mambrat, as a place more agreeable to her health, acquainted Sir Bevis with her intent, who thereupon resolved to accompany her again, and leave to Sir Miles his younger Son his Inheritance in England, hardly could King Edgar be persuaded to part with them, however finding the Queen ill at ease he at length consented, and dismissed them with many rich presents, exhorting sundry of the Nobility to accompany them, which they accordingly did; and upon his Father's departure, gave to Sir Miles all his places, Offices and Titles of Honour, arriving at Mambrat, they found the City strongly besieged by Amphi●on, a Cousin of the King of Mambrat; but the Citizens had made a stout resistance, and killed abundance of men in divers santes they made, but being now quite wearied out, were at a point to yield; whereupon Sir Bevis sent secretly into the City, to acquaint them with his arrival, which put them into no small joy, and greatly raised and inspired their drooping Courages, nor was it long, before he gathered an Army in the Country, and sent for Soldiers into Armony, whereupon more fully to signalise his Valour to such English Noblemen, as came with him, that they might report what they had seen in their own Country, mounting upon Arundel, and taking his Sword Morglay in his hand, he fell like a tempest upon the Houst of the Infidels, beating down, and cutting in pieces all▪ that he reached or came in his way, and such slaughter he ●●●de, that the gro●●d was covered with blood, and the bodies of the slain, to be●● whole ●hey Amph●●on with the strongest of his men advanced, and cha●●ed upon Sir Bevis, who though tired with sighting, yet encountered them all, and with a blow laid Amphiron dead at his feet, by cleaving his Helmet and Head in sunder, whereupon his men were so discouraged, that fearfully shrinking together, they at last betook themselves to open flight, leaving their Camp and all its furniture, as a pity to the Conqueror.  
The siege removed, the Citizens opened their Gates, and came out with Instruments of Music, Songs and great joy to welcome Sir Bevis and his Train, who entered the City in Triumph, and reestablished himself in the Throne of Mambrat, where giving large Presents to the English Noblemen, he sent them back, so many as would go into England; who came home full of the glorious Actions and Achievements of Sir Bevis, speading yet wider his fame that had already tender him a most redoubted Champion amongst the Infidels: Insomuch that Saracon, the great Soldian of Babylon, hearing of his prowess, and how by new Conquests he daily enlarged his Dominions, began to doubt his Empire, for the indignities of he had put upon Sir Bevis, and therefore consulting his great Councillors it was agreed amongst them, that they should enterprise some extraordinary matter to put a stop to the progress of his Arms.   

CHAP. VXV.  
How Sir Bevis overthrew the Soldi●n of Babylon's Army, that came to dispossess him of his Country; Killed Amphiron their General: And pursued them with great slaughter to the City, etc.  
SIR Bevis being settled in a Kingdom far from his Native Country, and being well assured his Neighbours bore him no good will, having sworn his Subjects to be true to him and his Successors, he proceeded to make wholesome Laws, the better to assure their fidelity, obliging them every where to forsake their Idols and false worship, and to become Christians, but scarce had he brought these things to pass, when news was brought him, that great preparations were making to invade his Country, which made him not idle, but taking the advantage of the little respire: ●ho● gathered his Forces and mustered them to the number of twenty thousand men, Horse and Foot, with which he marched to the Frontiers, to stand u●on his guard: when Amphiron whom the Soldian had made his General, advanced by speedy marches, with an Army of two hundred thousand Turks and Saracens, vowing the bloodiest revenge, that could be expressed or suffered by man upon Sir Bevis, nor only for the disgrace he had 〈◊〉 upon himself s●●●he 〈…〉 he had given his Kinsman, but the disgrace he had put upon him, for indeed though he was a monstrous Giant Sir Bevis had overthrown him in the head of his Troops and gave him in●●●●y c●●el wounds, and had dispatched him, had not his men desperately to save th●●● Lord, thrown themselves between him and death, whilst he made his escape.  
Amphiron by this time doing arrived upon the Confine●s of Mambrat, with his numerous ●●●ast, began in a terrible manner to waste all with fire and sword, so that the miserable Inhabitants fled before them in a fearful manner, to stay which inundation of the barbarous Enemy, Sir Bevis advanced with his Troops, and falling with five hundred Horse only upon the sorerunners, consisting of ten thousand men, he made of them such a terrible slaughter, that such as escaped the sword leapt into the River for fear, and there were most of them drowned not above an hundred escaping to test Amphiron the fatal news, who was so enraged, that having charged them with Cowardice, he caused the chief of them, or such as were Officers amongst them to be put to death, and so came furiously on, where Sir Bevis had drawn up his whole Army, and now the Armies being in sight of each other, though the Infidels with their numerous Host covered the Country Sir Bevis nothing daunted, encouraged his Soldiers with this short Oration: You see, Fellow Soldier, said he, and what is yet more glorious, Fellow Christians, that this numerous Host of Infidels, that defy the blessed name of our Lord, and whose Armies we have so often baffled and defeated, are come up against us to destroy us, and take away the Land we so quietly possess, and which by right of war and heritage is our own; wherefore be valiant for the truth, and let us this day so well play the men, in showing forth our utmost prowess, that hereafter our names may become so terrible to them, that they may rather implore our Friendship, and become our Tributaries, than dare to arm against us, and as for my part, my fear is so little, that I doubt not, but this day we shall so deal, that few of them shall escape our hands. This speech ended with shouts and acclamations of the Soldiers, he commanded the Trumpets to sound the Charge; and Amphiron having on the other hand encouraged his men, with great boasts and hopes of assured Victory, both Armies joined with huge shouts and cries, so that for the horrible clashing of Swords and Armour, the cries of the dying, and the shouts of the vanquishers, the sound of Trumpets, and the noise of Drums, the Earth trembled, and the wild beast in the Forests stood astonished, when Amphiron having in his hand a huge Battleax, came on in the front making lanes as he passed, so that that the Christians seeing the destruction he made, fled on that part, of which Sir Bevis had not sooner notice where he fought, and had broken the left Wing of the Pagan Army, having died himself in the blood of a thousand he had slain, but beating down all before him, he made thither, which Amphiron, perceiving by the Banner that was born before him, which was a huge Cross enamelled and inlaid with Gold, but choosing a thousand of his best men, he gave them command to enclose Sir Bevis on all parts, and that when they had done it, he himself would either take him prisoner, or kill him on the place: These men speedily drew of, to fulfil the pleasure of their General, who had promised them great Rewards, if they performed it, and threatened them with certain death, if they were found wanting in the fulfilling his commands to the utmost of their power: Upon this, disperately resolved, whilst Sir Bevis was making a lane before him, and paving his way with the bodies of the Infidels, whilst some presented themselves before him to stop his approach, others fetching a little compass enclosed him, and pressed on very furiously, by this means, they had separated him from the body of his Army, which he however not regarding, though many of his men were slain about him, with his Sword Morglay, made the Arms, Legs and Heads of those that opposed him to fly, so that Amphiron was obliged to hasten, when, to give him entrance, his men opened to the right and jest, and he having in a great rage reproached Sir Bevis with the taking King Jours Queen and Country from him, as also imprisoning him, he, before Sir Bevis could well ward the blow, gave him such a stroke with his Battleax, as made him almost tumble from his Horse, but he soon recovering himself, returned it with such fury, that his trusty Sword pierced Amphiron's Armour, and gave him a deep wound in the Shoulder, so that renewing their strength, and either doing his utmost, a mortal battle happened between them, but at length, Sir Bevis his men supposing him to be in greater danger than he was, after an obstenate manner, broke in, but ere they came to him, he had with a full stroke cleft Amphiron's Head and Helmet, so that he fell dead at his Feet; which his men seeing, gave back on all hands, and from a kind of a Retreat, finding themselves slain on every side: and now Sir Miles coming in with five thousand freshmen, which he had raised unknown to his Father, and beating down all before him, they fell into a confused flight, so that being hotly pursued to the Walls of Babylon, they were almost all of them slain, drowned, or taken Prisoners.   

CHAP. XVI.  
How Sir Bevis besieged Babylon, and how Sir Miles, with a party of Soldiers in disguise, entering the City, was forced to betake himself to a Tower; and how the Soldians Daughter fell in love with him; and how the City was taken.  
UPon the defeat of this great Army, the City of Babylon was filled with the lamentations and cries of such as had lost their Friends, and others that feared the City would be sacked, for now the Christian Army approached, spreading their Banners before the palace, which obliged the Soldian to consult, what was best to be done for his safety; some advising him to sand Ambassadors with Presents, and offers of Peace to the Conqueror, and others to stand it out, seeing he had a well fortified City, and many Friends; but so it happened, that whilst they were thus wavering, that King Jour having, by corrupting his keepers, made his escape, came in disguise to Babylon, earnestly soliciting the Soldian to maintain a War to the utmost against his mortal Enemy, whereupon the defence was resolved upon the Soldian committing to this King the Charge and Guard of the City; so that many Assaults were given, and many sore conflicts happened, in the sallying of the Besieged, but the City being strongly walled and fortified with Towers, enclosed on most parts with the branches of the River Euphrates, it could not be easily approached, which made Sir Bevis conclude how one way or other he might take it by Stratagem, and after many consultations it was resolved, that divers armed men, with Pilgrim's gowns over their Armour, the better to prevent suspicion, should enter the City, and secure one of the Gates to let in the rest of the Army; but than some difficulty arose, who should enterprise this dangerous undertaking, Sir Bevis though he offered it, not being permitted by his Captains, and great Commanders, to undertake so dangerous an Enterprise, but utterly persuaded from it, forasmuch as upon his safety depended not only the preservation of the Army, but the safety and conservation of the whole Affairs in those parts; and although he vehemently pressed it, and desired nothing more, than to have the honour of so great an undertaking, yet against all he could argue, the entreaties and persuasions of his Friends prevailed; yet not altogether to lose the glory, he so far prevailed, that Sir Miles his Son should attempt it, when not to loose time, all things were prepared in a readiness, and they to the number of two hundred, went to the City by degrees, and in the night time taking their opportunity, put the Warders to flight, killing many of them, and possessing themselves of the principal Gate, but the Alarm being taken, they every where cried to Arms, so that before Sir Bevis could well reach it with his Army, Sir Miles and his men, after having maintained a furious and obstenate fight with the whole power of the City, found themselves obliged to retire to one of the Towers, which in the confusion was almost deserted of the Soldiers that before guarded it, putting such as they found there to the Sword, and fortifying themselves therein, during which time the Portculliss being let down, and the Gate again strengthened, though Sir Bevis and his men attempted to force the Gate and Wall, with battering Rams and other Engines, yet by reason of their strength, and the stout defence the besieged made, they could not effect it, which troubled Sir Bevis much, but more the fair Josian, who by this time was come to the Camp, as concluding, that passed all peradventure, Sir Miles and his men were either taken Prisoners or slain.  
During the sorrow the Christian Camp made for this supposed loss and miscarriage, the Soldian had strictly caused the Tower to be besieged, which King Jour who had the conduct of this affair, pressed on with great vehemency, and was frequently as obstinately repulled, when in the height of this Action it so happened, that the fair and beautiful Rosalinda Princess of Babylon, and only Daughter to the Soldian, dreamt she saw Sir Miles, or the Imagined Idea of that Heroic young Knight by her bedside, with whose feacures she was so wonderfully taken, as also with his manly proportion and Martial looks, that she could not forbear to fix her Eyes upon him, and demand what his request or desire was, or what brought him thither, who returned for answer, that her beauty alone had charmed him, and that although at present he was beset with danger, yet no fear possessed him, not not twice the number of his Enemies, but the fear of her frowns alone could shake his soul, upon which seeming to disapear with a sigh and much discontent she awaked and was so affected with the Vision, though she found it to be nothing else, that she could not blot it out of her memory, but still fancied the manly shape before her Eyes, and so far it wrought with her passion, and affection, that she became restless; when standing one day to behold the Assault of the Tower, and perceiving a gallant Youth armed at all points with a Cask of Gold adorned with a Plume of crimson Feathers on his Head, she verily conceited him to be the same she had seen in the Vision, and from that time, used her endeavours with her Father to offer honourable conditions to those that were besieged in the Tower, telling him it would be the only means to oblige the Commanders of the Christian Army to raise the Siege, but finding him inflexible, and Love prompting her on, she adventured with two Knights, whom her Bounty had made her Creatures, and two of her Maids of Honour, under the favour of the night, to found admittance into the Tower, so powerful is Love, that it takes the Diadems from Queens, and with some difficulty obtained it; when being brought to Sir Miles, and she perceiving him to be the very same her fancy had represented, she stood in a manner transported, which the courteous Knight perceiving, and seeing so excellent a beauty before him, fell at her feet, and with profound reverence kissed her fair hand, who raising him said, Ah my Lord, why do you show this respect to your Captive, who though a Princess is nevertheless constrained. (O pardon my modesty, for this freedom, contrary to the rules of our Ser,) to beg a savour, I hope, is in your power to give, and look not upon it, as the effects of my presumption, but the effects of Love, and it is your Love I ask, and for which I have not only undertaken this difficulty, but put myself into the power of my Father's Enemy, hazarding what ever the World may construe of my reputation. At this the young Knight stood more and more amazed, telling her that in the condition he was in, he was no ways able to tender a return suitab e to her greatness, much more to her affection, and thus they discoursed, striving to out do each other in Generosity, the Princess offering not only to turn Christian upon this consideration, but to sacrifice her life-to her Father's Indignation, if no lesle would satisfy him on his be half, and he protested rather to lose his own life, than suffer her to run the lest danger or hazard, when in the mean time King Jour and the Captains under his command, prepared to storm the Bulwarks of the Tower, being impatient to have a Foe both within and without at one and the same time, so that having drawn thither a great strength with Engines, Ropes and scaling Ladders with great eryes they gave a furious onset, upon which the fair Rosalinda in hopes her presence might stay the assailing Soldiers, whilst Sir Miles was setting his men in order, she appeared upon the Walls, and exhorted them to retire, who although they knew her, regarded not her voice at that time, but at the instigation of King Jour, were the rather enraged, who supposed, they had taken the Princess Prisoner, and kept her there, as a miserable Captive; so that breaking through the outworks, and ascending by degrees, crying out to the Soldiers, that if they intended to have any Quarter, or save their lives, they should instantly deliver up Sir Miles, and the place pouring at the same time showers of Arrows, one of which slightly wounded the fair Rosalinda in the shoulder, so that the blood trickled down her snowy Breasts, which Sir Miles perceiving, and having caused her to retire out of danger, committing her to the hands of her Maids for cure, in a great fury he threw open the Gates, and with his Sword in his hand cried to those that pressed on, Behold Miles, behold the man you seek is here, to dare your vengeance, and with that, leaping forward with an invincible Courage, in spite of all the resistance they made, he covered the steps of the ascent with the bodies of the slain, and being backed with those few Men he had left, fought with unwearied Vigour and Courage, killing all that stood in his way, when to prevent the slaughter, King Jour approached with dreadful threaten and imprecations to revenge the affronts the Father had done him, upon the Son between whom began a mortal Battle, which concluded with the death of the King, and that so disheartened the Soldiers, that they gave back, of which the Soldian having notice, and that his beloved Daughter was in the hands of his Enemy, he came thither with all his power, so that the fight grew exceeding hot, which Sir Bevis, who was again advanced to the Walls, perceiving by the cries, though he knew not of certainly that Sir Miles was alive, at a venture resolved to hazard the utmost to enter the City, wherein he was so successful, that passing the River at an unsuspected place, he with his battering Rams beaten down a part of the Wall, at which breach he entered and so unexpectedly set upon the Soldian, that he overthrew his people by Squadrens, cutting in pieces all that came in his way, whilst Sir Miles fight on the other side, drove them upon his Sword, which piteous plight, of his distresed Citizens, the Soldian perceiving, and that all was in a likelihood to be lost, he with the Troops of his Guards, and the trusty of his Followers, retired to the palace leaving the rest to shifted for themselves, who were miserably slain and beaten down, till throwing away their Weapons, they fell on their Knees, and beged mercy, whereupon, at the entreaty of the Princess, their lives were spared.   

CHAP. XVII.  
How the Palace was besieged. How fair Rosalinda grew discontented, for her disobedience to her Father. The Letter she sent him, and the Answer she received. The grief Sir Miles conceived at her absence, and upon finding her undertook to conclude a Peace.  
ALthough Sir Bevis had entered and possessed himself of the City, yet the Palace being strongly fortified with Ditches, Walls, Bastions and Rampires, and in it above twelve thousand men, there being no way of easy access to it, but by a Bridge, it caused him to gird it strictly with a close Siege, and threw into it, Wildfire, Stones, and Arrows, which greatly endamaged the besieged, however the Soldian, though summoned remained obstinate not being willing to listen to any accord, but caused his men to sally in parties as he saw occasion, in which many of them were cut of.  
Whilst these things passed, the ardent Affections increased between Sir Miles and the Princess Rosilinda, he using all manner of diligence and good carriage to her to oblige her, who notwithstanding became sad through the calamity, that threatened her Father and other Relations, as also for the great effusion of blood that had happened in the City, and especially upon her occasion, and finding no hopes of seeing her Father without a Reconciliation, she studied how she might be instrumental in making a lasting Peace, and yet secure herself in the possession of her Lover, whereupon with only one of her Maids appointed to wait upon her, she retired from the noise and clamour of War, to a private recess, and taking pen, ink and paaper, wrote the following Letter.  
MOST Mighty Soldian, Emperor of Babylon, and my honoured Father, How but with Blushes and Confusion, can your disobedient Daughter, frame herself to writ unto you, who in a time of danger, has delivered herself into the hands of your Enemies; But Dread Sir, when you shall know that what I have done, proceeded from an extraordinary Affection, a Love surpassing the bounds of Reason, and even of Duty itself: I hope Dread Sir, You will take compassion upon a distressed Maid, involved in many afflictions, and out of the abundance of tenderness and fatherly compassion, pass over this one disobedience in her, who has ever made it her study to obey and Reverence you, and still is ready to sacrifice her life to your displeasure, to expiate so great an offence, but must lowly beg pardon, if she cannot forgo the powerful Affection, even in death, which has chained her to so generous an Enemy, who wishes nothing more than your safety and happiness; therefore, dearest Father, If the Tears or Entreaties of your afflicted Daughter, may found any place in your Breast, regard your own safety and the life and honour of her who but in the case of Love, could have been guilty of an Act of Disobedience, and harken to the offer of Peace, that will shortly be proposed to you, in hopes this Letter may work upon you in some measure to mitigate your displeasure, and dispose you to embrace as Friends, those you now hold your Enemies; I remain,  
Dread Sir, Your afflicted Daughter ROSALINDA.  
This Letter she sent by her Maid, who by a private known way, got into the City; when in the mean while she continued pensive, in expectation of the event, but Sir Miles returning from beating the Soldians men, that had sallied, into the Palace, died with blood and slaughter, and missing fair Rosalinda, whom he had left in his Tent, he made strict enquiry after her, but none being able to satisfy him herein, between Love and Anger, he stood for a while mute not knowing what to do, or what to determine, one while he supposed this fair Creature came as a Spy to betray him to her Father's power, during his being enclosed in the Castle, but than considering the hazard and danger she run, upon enterprizing such a business, such low thoughts were dashed, and he concluded that nothing but an extraordinary passion could oblige her to it, blaming himself for having any such thought of so much innocence and goodness, and thereupon sent through the City in search of her, but the Messengers returning without any news, our young Knight concluded, she had secretly withdrawn herself into the Palace, and upon second thoughts cast herself at her Father's feet, to implore his pardon for her Disobedience, and so bereft him of all his hopes of happiness, whereupon he began to accuse Fortune, for flattering him with so glorious a prospect of felicity, and than so suddenly to cast a cloud or veil over it, and leave him in darkness and despair, and so much the disturbance increased that his mind began to be in disorder.  
Thus whilst Sir Miles was grieving for the fair Princess, the Maid returned, having delivered the Letter that was given her in charge, with this answer from the Soldian: That it could never before enter into his thoughts that a Daughter of such tender regard could prove disobedient to her Father, who had so highly cherished her, and prepared a Neighbour King to be her Husband, but since she not more regarded her duty, nor honour than to desert him, and basely cast herself into the Arms of his Enemy unsought, or perhaps altogether unwelcome, he from that time utterly renounced her, nor did he any longer consider her as his Daughter, but rather as one transformed into an unnatural Monster, to conspire to destroy those that gave her life, under a pretence of Love, however her persuasions to peace wrought so little on him, that he was resolved to continued a War to the last extremity, not doubting but he should have powerful Aids come to his Rescue, not being yet so low sunk by one misfortune, but he had yet remaining many Friends. At this sharp reply, the fair Princess fell in a sound, and when she was by the help of her Maid recovered, she very much bewailed and lamented her hard fortune, that if she must be obedient, she must forgo her love; and if she retained her love, she must remain disobedient: but whilst she was in this agony, and in a manner straitened to know what she should determine, Sir Miles who had searched all places for his fair Princess, hearing some body sigh in that melancholy and lowly cell, where she sat to bewail her difficulty between love and obedience, he entered, where to his great joy he found her in that disconsolate condition and tenderly embracing her with a transport of joy, demanded the cause why she had absented herself to put him into so much fear and perplexity, who thereupon told him whatever had passed, entreating him to use his utmost diligence to make a peace, and persuade his Father to offer honourable terms, which he promised to do, when having kissed her fair hand, he took his leave and hasted to the Army, where he found the Ditches filled up with earth and faggots, the scaling ladders and wildfires with all other things prepared for the Assault, and nothing wanting but the signal to be given, whereupon he went to Sir Bevis, and implored him, that for his sake, the palace might be summoned, and peace offered entreating, that himself might make the proposals, which he doubted not but would be accepted, and prove such as would of Enemies make them lasting Friends, which being put into his power to do, he immediately sent a Trumpet with several Articles, which will be mentioned in the next Chapter, giving the Soldian a days time to consider of them.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
How a peace was concluded upon the Soldian, and his people becoming Christians, and marrying his Daughter to Sir Miles with his Dominion as a Dower after his decease. How Sir Bevis and his Queen died, and what was remarkable in their pious end.  
During these transactions, the Christians that inhabited the Holy Land were grievously oppressed by the Infidels, who not only loaded them with grievous Taxes, but took their Children from them, and forcibly obliged them to embrace the Mahomitan Superstition, and frequently punishing such as refused a compliance with exceeding rigour, so that many of them died under the torments to which they were put, and by reason of this cruel usage, many of them growing in a manner weary of their lives, they at last, upon notice of Sir Bevis his great prowess and extraordinary success, sent to him Letters full of lamentation, advertising him, how they were made the scorn and Reproach of the Enemies of Christianity humbly imploring him to rescue them out of the hands of their Adversaries, who thereupon calling together his Friends, advised with them what was to be done in so weighty an affair; who after mature diliberation, told him, that since Heaven had so signally prospered his undertake, he should not neglect so good a work, as to succour and relieve his distressed Fellow Christians, whereupon he raised an Army of forty thousand men, and taking leave of his Queen, passed into ●ale●●ine, and there after a bloody and obstinate fight, overthrew an Army of 200000 Turks and Saracens, who were gathered to oppose his passage; upon which bloody overthrow, most of the Towns yielded at the first summons, and those that held out were obliged to do it by compulsion; so that making himself entire Master of the Country, he restored those places to the Christians, that had been forcibly taken from them, and acted such prodigious wonders in Valour, that his name grew terrible to the Infidels, who sued for Peace, and in order to obtain it, sent their Ambassadors with great Presents, protesting not only to live peaceably with the Christians, but to hold the Country tributary of him, which submission being accepted, he le●t strong Garrisons in the most important places, and constituting the Patriarch of Jerusalem to have the supreme Command under him, he returned to his Kingdom with great Triumph and Applause.  
By this time Sir Bevis grown in years, and having spent much time in War and B oodshed, promoting what in him lay, the Christian Religion and delivering the oppressed Christians from the Turks and Saracens Tyranny, he betook himself and his Queen to a Religious Life sending for Sir Guy to succeed him in his Dominion, bequeathing all his possessions in England to Sir Terry, Son to Sir Sabre now deceased; when falling sick with his Queen, he called his Sons before him, and having established them in the possession of those Kingdoms he had gained, he enjoined them on his blessing to carry his, and his Queen's Body, when they should hap to die, to Southampton, and there inter them in one Tomb, which was accordingly observed, with great Solemnity and Magnificence, their Epitaph being this:  
The EPITAPH.  
Valour and Beauty in this Marble lies,  
The valiant, fair, the chaste, the good, the wise;  
The matchless Bevis and his Queen lie here,  
Whose worthy Fame the World has every where.  
And thus, Reader, have I concluded the famous History of Sir Bevis of Southampton, who for his worthy Exploits, and great Actions may be justly ranked with the best Champions of Christendom.  
FINIS.    

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