THE HONOUR OF CHIVALRY: Or, The Famous and Delectable HISTORY OF DON BELLIANIS of GREECE.  
CONTINUING As well the valiant Exploits of that Magnanimous and Heroic Prince, Son unto the Emperor Don Bellaneo of Greece; as also the Wars between Him and the Sultan of PERSIA.  
Wherein is likewise described the strange and dangerous Adventures that befell him in the prosecution of his Love towards the Princess Florisbella, Daughter to the Sultan of Babylon: His Releasing of her Father the Sultan from a strange Enchantment, and vanquishing the Emperor of Trebizond.  
The Second Part. Illustrated with Pictures.  
Now newly Written in English by F. K.  
Licenced and Entered, according to Order.  
LONDON: Printed by Tho. Johnson, and are to be sold by Andrew Comb at St. Margaret's Hill in Southwark. 1664.   

To my loving Sister MARY KIRKMAN, The Wife of my Brother Thomas Kirkman: And to my dear DAUGHTER, ELIZABETH KIRKMAN.  
THe time which I have spent in Composing and Writing of this Piece, might have been employed in the Company or Instructions of one or both of you, and that with more profit to you and myself; but since I have been so employed I think it most convenient that you should reap the benefit of my Labours. If in the reading of it you find any of my Princesses endowed with any Virtues, such would I have you to be. What is of good in it I intent for your Instructions, the worst that is in it I wrote for a harmless recreation, and for such a one I would have you to take it. If you wisely imitate the Bee, you may get some Honey from this indifferent Flower, as well as from the best and choicest: I hope to see you both arrive to great perfections in your minds, and that what you read, if good or excellent, you will make this use of it, to embitter your spirits and minds so far, that you may every day add one Virtue to another, so that in short time you be accomplished persons, to the great content and joy of me, who am  
Your Brother, and Father, Francis Kirkman.   

TO THE Courteous and Discourteous READER.  
IT is now above ten years since my occasions would permit me to read any Book of this nature, I confess that in my minority I was a great lover of Books of Knighthood, and my fancy cost my purse, for I then translated and printed two Books of this quality, since which time I wholly left that study; but some friends of late knowing that I formerly recreated myself in reading these sorts of Histories, desired me to write this, informing me that it was much wanted: Their importunity and my own leisure permitting me, I began it, and have whether (happily or not I know not) now finished it. I am sure I shall be censured by many, and some will suppose me to be as wild and extravagant as Don Quixot to renew Knight-errantry, but if he had been Master of so much reason as to have written one, it would have prevented him from exercising that quality, and I believe have returned less to his disadvantage; for he might have saved both his Ribs and Teeth, and his Squire Sancho Pancha would neither have been blanketed nor cudgeled: without doubt had he been possessed of so much brains as to have written one, he would then have known that there was more of fancy then truth, and by consequence not have exposed himself to those many hazardous adventures which he undertook, and not have taken Wind mills for Giants, Flocks of Sheep for Armies, and a Barber's Basin for the Golden Helmet of Mambrin●. I know he intended to have begun that adventure, which I have now finished, as the Author of his History in the first Chapter of his first Book learnedly writes, but he was hindered by his extravagant madness. That which he attempted and was some years in atcheiving, I have now written in a few days; for in the invention and writing I spent not a full week. They that will bestow the pains in reading of it, will find somewhat of recreation, I am sure the Story in the first Part is well enough continued in this Second, and all the adventures that are promised there, are prosecuted here. Many people love Romances, but some are grown so squeamish, that there must be nothing of improbability, neither Giant nor Enchantment, because there is none in our age. To whom I answer, That this History is not of people of our time, but of many ages past, and we know that sacred Writ mentions both and Poetry allows of them. There is somewhat in this Book both of the old manner of Romances and somewhat of the new: Indeed the newest form, as that of Cleopatra and Cassandra contents me best, but I was not to follow that way in this History, lest this Second Part should neither be brother, nor have affinity with the first, and so be either as a bastard or stranger: Such as it is you now have it, they that delight in this sort of Romances, if they approve of this, may have a third Part, & it is possible more, as the Stationer receives encouragement: If it be not liked, there is too much of it already; and to those that wholly dislike it, and would be accounted the only Wits of the times, let them mend it, and I then doubt not but I shall find somewhat to dislike in theirs. This is no translation but fancy: we have many pleasant and ingenious Romances in the English tongue, but we are obliged to other nations for their invention of them: very few have been written originally in English, and only Sir Philip Sidneys Arcadia hath had the success to be not only approved of in our own language, but rendered into French and other languages. If this piece had been written a hundred years ago (though it be in nothing so worthy as that) yet it is likely that it might have been likewise translated, because the first part was written originally in Italian. Thus have I given you a taste of my Fancy, if it recreats or contents you in the reading, as much as it did me in the writing, I have my desires, and by your approving of this, you may encourage me to hear further from me, till when I rest, if you like me,  
Yours, F. K.   

THE SECOND PART OF DON BELLIANIS of GREECE: OR, The Honour of Chivalry. Continuing the valiant Exploits of that Heroic Prince, Son unto the Emperor Don Bellaneo of Greece.  

CHAP. I.  
How the City of Bollera being straight besieged by the Sultan, was well near taken, but that it was rescued by Gorino Brother to the Duke Alfiron, and the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions.  
IT is now full time to return to the City of Bollera, where we left the thrice renowned and most magnificent Emperor Don Bellaneo, in company of so many valiant and renowned Knights and great Personages, who were straight besieged by the Sultan of Persia, and his son Perianeo Knight of the Images. After the last Battle was ended, which is largely described in the 59th Chapter of the First Part of this excellent History, the Emperor commanded that a strict and just account should be taken of how many Fight men were left in the City and Trenches; which Command being put in execution by Duke Alfiron and Sabian of Trebanto, who were very vigilant and careful therein: and after they had taken a just account thereof, they delivered it to Don Bellaneo, whereby they found that there was not above fifty thousand men both in the City and Trenches, and that they had lost ten thousand men: for the Duke brought twenty thousand men with him from Persepolis, and there was within the City besides forty thousand fight men: when as on the other side the Sultan had at least four hundred thousand fight men, besides above fifty thousand which were slain in the last Battle, and the Souldan's men daily increased, and many good and hardy Knights and Giants from all parts of the Empire of Persia came in daily to them at the brute of these Wars, and for the love that they bore to their magnanimous and redoubted Prince Perianeo Knight of the Images, for whose return there was great joy throughout all those countries'.  
On the other side, great was the grief and sorrow of the most péerless Princess Persiana, (who was married to the Duke Alfiron, as is before recounted) and for whose sake alone all these Wars were begun, and in whose Quarrel many redoubted Knights had lost their lives. As much troubled was the beauteous Princess Aurora, for the absence of Don Bellianis the Knight of The Golden Image, and Don Brianel, whose success in the winning of her Kingdom, and other strange Adventures she had not yet heard of. But all these sorrows were somewhat mitigated, in that the City was so well guarded by Don Bellaneo Knight of The Imperial Crowns, and the rest of those invincible Princes and Knights.  
Thus the Battle continued indifferent on both sides, till Boraldo and Don Fermosel arrived with their several Squadrons of fifty thousand men a piece, broke through the ranks of their enemies, and attempted to force their way into the City; which they endeavoured by all means possible to effect, for they brought Scaling-Ladders, and all other instruments of War fitting to assault it: which when Duke Alfiron, and the rest of the Knights heard, they immediately retreated into the City, knowing that it was but weakly manned, and not able long to resist the furious assaults that would be made.  
Thus the Emperor (who as I told you before was engaged in a bloody Fight with the Knight of the Images) was forced to leave the Combat unfinished, to retire to the City to rescue it, which he heard was well nigh taken: being come near the gates of the City, he saw that the enemy had gotten possession of part of the wall, and likewise he saw the Knight of the Images coming behind him with all his Forces, wherefore he seeing the extremity of the business hasted into the City, and stood in réer of all his Forces, and was the last man that entered, holding a continual Fight with his enemies, till he saw all his own Forces were within the walls, and then he himself entered, not permitting any of his enemy's Forces to enter with him, which they by all means attempted to do: so soon as he was entered, and the gate strongly fastened, he repaired to that part of the wall which he saw was possessed by the enemy, and mounting thereon, being followed by several valiant Knights, soon tumbled the enemies from the wall, and kept the possession thereof; but all this and what ever else they could do, did not hinder the enemy from getting the possession of the wall in many places, which they at last kept in despite of all the Forces of the City, and were ready to descend the wall and enter the City, when they heard a great noise of Trumpets and Clarions, and a great company of armed Knights behind them, who gave a great assault to those of their Forces that were below; at which they were greatly astonished, and seeing them come forward with a great deal of impetuosity and destruction of many of their Forces, the chief Commander who had gotten the possession of the wall, came down to help their companions, and the rest, who still remained on the wall, were soon forced from thence, and thrown headlong down, where they ended their lives.  
Thus was the Battle again revived, and many of the Souldan's Knights and Giants lost their lives, by the invincible arms of four or five Knights, who came in company of the late Forces that came to relieve the City: but among the rest, there was one Knight who was armed with an armour garnished with Basilisks, that put all men to amaze, for they rather judged him to be a raging Tiger, or hungry Lion, than any mortal Knight; for in a short time he dismounted above fifty Knights, and killed four Giants, and yet he was not at all wearied, but still bestowed such deadly strokes amongst the Souldan's knights, that they all fled from him as from their immediate death, till at last the two brothers, Caroliano and Boraldo, both assaulted him, and laid many weighty strokes both on his Shield and Helmet, but he reached one of them so great a blow, that he made him catch hold on his horse's neck, to save himself from falling, and then being much enraged gave the other such a thrust that he tumbled him from his horse, and so he proceeded killing and destroying all that durst withstand him. In the mean time his other four companions were not idle, for they behaved themselves with extraordinary courage. It was two hours before day, when this battle first began, and now it was about four of the clock in the afternoon, and yet it was not ended: but at last the Souldan's Knights and Giants being much wearied, were about to retreat when they once more saw fresh Forces coming towards them, which was indeed commanded by the Sultan himself, who seeing the Battle continue so long, and understanding by a messenger that the City was likely to be relieved, came on with all his Forces to assist his Son, whereby he might, as he hoped, put an end to this troublesome War: but he found himself to be bravely received by the Knight of the Basilisks and his companions.  
When they in the City saw this, they informed the Emperor Don Bellaneo thereof, who commanded one of the Gates to be immediately opened, out of which he issued with ten thousand men, and went immediately to the place where the Knight of the Basilisks was engaged, and seeing him do such wonders, and supposing him to command the rest, he said to him: Knight, since you have, though unknown, endeavoured to give us so great aid, I pray let it be used to the best advantage, which will be at this time with all convenient speed, to retire into the City, else you will presently be overpowred by their great Forces, and then your assistance will be of little effect. The Knight of the Basilisks gave attention to this advice, and knowing not only the person that gave it, but that it was also very good, endeavoured by his own example and actions, to retire to the City, and so he and his companions did with all their Forces, only with the loss of two thousand men which were killed in the Battle, and retreat. And the Sultan and his Son, the Knight of the Images, seeing themselves forced to retire from the City walls, by reason of the approaching of the night, which was now coming on, retired into their enemy's trenches, with a resolution to abide there till they could take the City, but they were prevented, as hereafter shall be declared.   

CHAP. II.  
Who the Knight of the Basilisks, and his Companions were, and how the Siege was raised, and the Sultan and all his Forces retired to Persepolis.  
SO soon as the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions were entered the City, the Emperor caused a straight Guard to be placed on the Walls, and then retired to the Palace, where he was welcomed by the two Princesses Persiana and Aurora; but greatly was the joy of all increased when the Knight of the Basilisks discovered himself to be Don Bellianis, Knight of the Golden Image, and his Companions to be his two Brothers Don Clarineo of Spain, and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly, and his Cousin Don Brianel of Macedon: but there was one Knight who continued still unknown to all but the Duke Alfiron, who being unarmed, knew him to be his brother Don Gorino; and indeed to him they were very much engaged for his help and assistance, for he was not only a good Knight himself, but he had brought twenty thousand valiant Knights and Soldiers with him, to aid his Brother: and the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions, overtaking him in their return from Antioch, and understanding that his design was only to relieve the City of Bollera, and their journey being intended for the same place, they discovered themselves to him to be friends to his Brother the Duke Alfiron, and thereupon they joined themselves together, and arrived at the City in so fortunate a time, that had they not come as they did, the City must needs have been taken by the enemies, by reason of their great forces, and the small power that was within to oppose them: but their arrival in so fortunate a time, caused the Sultan to lose his Design, and made him retreat, as we have before told you, with the loss of one hundred thousand men, and many valiant Knights and Giants. But however he was resolved not to leave the City walls, till he had not only taken it, but also destroyed it and razed it to the ground, in revenge of the Injuries he had received of Duke Alfiron and his Companions. But here we will leave him without the City, and return to our Champions within, who little feared him and all his Forces.  
The Princess Aurora being informed of the return of Don Brianel, sent for him to give her an account of his Adventures in Antioch, and it was not long ere he, accompanied with his two Companions, Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore, came into her presence, and falling on his knees to kiss her hand, she refused to grant it, but raised him and his Companions from the ground with much freedom and joy; he being somewhat emboldened by her freedom, did arise and salute her, which she courteously received: and then she seating herself in her Chair, caused other seats to be brought for Don Brianel and his Companions: where they being seated, and Don Brianel knowing for what cause he was sent for, immediately declared unto her the good success of his Embassy, and how that by the assistance of those two Knights there present, and of their brother Don Bellianis, as also by the advice and help of Palineo and Damartino, he had slain the Usurping King Tramolcano and the Count Garino, and reduced the Kingdom to her obedience; and that there was nothing now wanting but her presence to make her subjects happy, and that they were all ready to obey her in every thing, and in the mean time till she could come thither, they had sworn Oaths of Allegiance to Damartino, according to her orders and command.  
This news greatly contented the Princess, and she returned many thanks to Don Brianel and his companions, after which they departed from her presence, and went to the place where the Emperor, his Son, and Duke Alfiron, with the rest of the Commanders, were in Council about what was necessary to be done, as well for the defence of themselves, as for the offending of their enemies, and there it was concluded to send Don Clarineo to Persepolis, to attend the landing of two hundred thousand men, who were come from Greece with the Emperor, and gave him orders that he should conduct those Forces directly t● Persepolis to assault it, that thereby the Sultan hearing thereof, might be enforced to withdraw his Forces to aid that City and so they should be left free. This determination was immediately put in execution, and Don Clarineo in company of fifty Knights, presently departed, and traveled so long that night, that the next morning they arrived within two leagues of Persepolis, and then they took another way, and went somewhat about, that they might travel undiscovered, and so they did till they arrived at the Seaside, where they immediately embarked themselves, and ranging about the Sea for some time, they at last discovered the Navy, and approaching to them, went aboard the Admiral, and immediately causing the principal of the Captains and other Commanders to come aboard, he declared the will of the Emperor; to which they all promised ready obedience, and thereupon they presently set sail for Persepolis: and they had not sailed six hours before they discovered the shore, where they landed without any interruption, and leaving a sufficient company to guard the Navy, they immediately marched on to Persepolis, where they arriving, endeavoured to enter, but were strongly repulsed by the Souldan's Forces, and the place being very well fortified, they were forced to retire, and fortify themselves in Trenches near the City, till they had further orders from the Emperor.  
The City of Persepolis being thus assaulted, some of the Forces went immediately to the Souldan's Camp before Bollera, to certify him thereof, where they arrived one morning early just as the Sultan and his Son with all their Forces, were going to assault the City: but they were much astonished with this news, and did greatly wonder from whence all those Forces should arrive, however commanding the Messengers to silence, they resolved to give the Onset to the City before they departed, and thereupon went forwards with all their accoutrements of War. Perianeo Knight of the Images being extraordinarily enraged, immediately got a Ladder and mounted the wall, where he soon either cut in pieces, or tumbled down all such as were placed there to oppose him, and was ready to have descended the wall & entered the City, when the Emperor himself, and several other valiant Knights in his company, came and resisted him: Many fierce and hardy blows were given and received on both sides, for they had both an implacable hatred to each other, and the Emperor knowing that if he could vanquish that enemy, he should easily force the rest to retire, laid mighty strokes on the Knight of the Images, so that in the end he put him quite out of breath, and enforced him to retire from the wall in despite of all the resistance he could possibly make: all this while the rest of the Knights and Giants on both sides, were not idle, but did their uttermost endeavours, the one to possess, and the other to defend the wall, which indeed was so well guarded by so many valiant and magnanimous Knights, that indeed the flower of all Chivalry was there present, and therefore the Moat which encompassed the City, was in a manner filled with the blood and dead bodies of the assailants; which the Sultan perceiving, and knowing that his presence was required, and indeed more necessary in another place, he caused his Forces to retreat, which he could hardly effect, in regard of the desperateness of the Fight in all places, at last he withdrew his Forces, and finding that he had gained nothing, but that this Onset had cost him the lose of fifty thousand men, he resolved to departed that night, and retire to Persepolis.  
Those in the City seeing their enemies withdrawn, in good order returned to their several Quarters, where they greatly rejoiced in their good fortune: The Emperor and his Son with all the rest of those courageous Knights, resolving the next day to issue out of the City, and set upon their enemies in the open field: but when the next morning was come, and they were ready to put this their resolution in execution, they found that all their enemies were departed, having taken the benefit of the night for that purpose, wherefore they went and disarmed themselves, and then went again to counsel, where they resolved to do as followeth.   

CHAP. III.  
How Don Bellaneo the Emperor, and the rest of the Knights and Forces followed the Sultan to Persepolis, and that which happened there.  
THe Emperor Don Bellaneo, and the rest of the Knights being entered into council, it was concluded that every one should provide himself to departed from that City, and follow the Sultan: They very well knowing that the Forces of the Emperor, under the command of Don Clarineo, being arrived at Persepolis, and the Sultan being informed thereof, was the cause of his so sudden departure, wherefore Don Alfiron, the Emperor, Don Bellianis, & the rest of the Knights, went immediately to put their Forces in readiness; which when they had done, they came to the Court to the Ladies, to take their farewell of them.  
The Princess Persiana was much troubled and perplexed, that she should so soon leave her husband the Duke, and was greatly discontented that all this war was occasioned through her Marriage with the Duke, whereby the lives of so many brave Knights were put into continual jeopardy, wherefore she besought the Duke her Husband, Don Bellaneo, and his son Don Bellianis, to use their uttermost endeavours to reconcile this difference between her husband and her Father, without the effusion of any more blood, which they promised to endeavour.  
The Princess Aurora was likewise much troubled that her affairs was thus hindered by these Wars, but her discontent was the greater in that Don Brianel and she must part; wherefore she applied herself to Don Bellianis, and calling him Her Deliverer, desired him to make all the haste he could possible in his return thither, that he might put her in possession of her Kingdom; which he promised to do, but she not satisfied with this, desired that some one of his companions might be left in that City for the guard thereof. He thereupon resolved to give her all the pleasure he could, told her that he would so order it, that Don Brianel should be left behind for that purpose, at the naming of whom she blushed, and returned him thanks therefore. So he took his leave of her, and of the two Damsels that belonged to the Princess Florisbella, and departed to his Father, and the rest of the Knights, telling them what he had promised to the Princess Aurora, and that it was necessary to leave Don Brianel for guard of the City, which was accordingly done. Thus these brave Warriors left the City in guard of Don Brianel and ten thousand men, and marched onward to Persepolis with sixty thousand men.  
The Emperor and his company with easy matches, at length arrived near Persepolis, where they found Don Clarineo with all his Forces ready to receive them, who informed them that the night before, the Sultan and his Son, with all the rest of the Army arrived there, and with the loss of many men had entered the City.  
Thus these Forces being united, made a very considerable Army, and therefore Duke Alfiron did not question but he should in short time compel the Sultan his Father in Law to consent to his Marriage, and therefore he desired that the rest of the Knights would give him leave to write to the Sultan, to know his mind whether he would be for peace or war: To which they consented, and he writ to him accordingly, and sent it by one of his Knights, who coming to the gates of the City, was questioned what he was, and what he would have? Who replied, That he came to speak with the Sultan from his Lord the Duke Alfiron, and the rest of the Knights in his company; whereupon the Sultan being advertised hereof, commanded that he should be brought before him, which was done accordingly, and he coming unto the great Hall of the Souldan's Palace, made his due reverence to him, and to his Son the Knight of the Images, and the rest of those high Personages there assembled, and delivered his Letter to the Sultan; who gave the same to his Secretary, who opening the Seal, found therein written as followeth.  
The Letter of the Duke of Alfiron, to the Sultan of Persia.  
MOst Mighty Sir, it is not unknown to your Highness, the great love and affection that I have for a long time bore to the most incomparable Princess Persiana your Daughter, and how that I have always been ready to do all reasonable things to testify to her my Love, and to yourself my service: but so it is, that your Highness being blinded with revenge on Don Belleano the Emperor of Greece, did decree, That whosoever should vanquish and kill the said Emperor, should not only have your Highness' Daughter to wife, but half your Highness Dominions with her, which was proudly and indiscreetly undertaken by Don Gallaneo of Antioch, who though he attempted it, could never bring the same to pass, but was forced to return to your Court, and there falsely reported that he had effected your Commands, which though it was altogether untrue; yet he expected your Daughter as a Guerdon of his merit: accordingly your Highness (though much against the good will, and liking of your said Daughter) caused them to be Married; but he for his other wicked do was justly slain, and the Knight of the Golden Image and his companions, vindicated her credit and mine, as to your Highness is fully known: but such was the continual anger of your Highness, that contrary to the word of so great a Personage, you kept me in prison till both myself, and your Daughter were released by means of the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty, and many other Knights, who with your Daughters free consent caused us to be lawfully Married, as in justice we ought, whereupon your Highness hath since still followed us, with all the violence possible, endeavouring to destroy us (but the Gods be praised) we have hitherto valiantly defended ourselves from all your Forces, and question not still to do. But however our inclination to peace is such, that we humbly and hearty desire it, and that you will give us your Royal word for the same, in expectation of which, or of such other Answer, as you shall send, I rest  
Your Son and Subject, Duke Alfiron.  
This Letter being read, the Sultan was much perplexed, that any one should in so open a manner declare his unjust actions, and charge him with unjustice; told the messenger that he might departed, and the next day he would send an Answer by a messenger of his own.  
The Knight being gone, the Sultan and his Son entered into consultation, what was necessary to be done, and the Knight of the Images knowing that the Emperor of Greece, and his Son Don Bellianis, and many of their kindred, were in the Camp of Duke Alfiron, for they had learned so much by some prisoners they had taken of the Emperor's Army, they therefore resolved to be revenged of all their wrongs in general, and that they might the more easily bring their determination to pass, they concluded that the Knight of the Images, the two brothers Caroliano and Boraldo, and Gramalis of Thrace, should enter in Combat with the Emperor of Greece, his Son Don Bellianis, Duke Alfiron, and any other Knight of their Army: and in order to this their resolution, the Sultan writ a Letter, and sent it to the Camp according as he had promised.  
The messenger that carried the Answer of the Sultan arriving at the Camp, was conducted to the Tent of the Emperor, where he and the rest of the Commanders being assembled, he delivered the Cartel to Duke Alfiron, who immediately causing the same to be opened, they read as followeth.  
The Letter of the Sultan, to Duke Alfiron and his Companions.  
I Know not what reason thou hadst to contradict or hinder our will in the marriage of our Daughter to Don Gallaneo, or any other to whom it was our pleasure to bestow her, but that thou wouldst show thyself false to our Imperial Crown and Dignity, in taking part with our greatest enemies, and those whom we have the greatest cause to hate, such as is the Emperor of Greece and his Son, and many of the Knights of their lineage, by whose help and assistance thou hast falsely stolen away our Daughter, and dost still unjustly detain her, and with whose help thou endeavorest to destroy this our Empire, contrary to thy Allegiance; Therefore we let thee to understand that our pleasure is, that thou either presently send us our daughter, and assist us in the destruction of those Christians our mortal enemies, or prepare thyself to be chastised according to thy demerits: but if thou thyself, and they are still so hardy to resist us, we have given leave to our noble Son Perianeo, our Cousins Caroliana and Boraldo, and Gramalis of Thrace, to meet thee and the said Emperor and his Son, and any other Knight you shall choose to mortal Combat, promising that our Army shall not, during the Combat hinder you, and we expect your performance of the same conditions. This, if you will do, we shall be ready to perform tomorrow before our City gates, this is all at present from.  
Your Lord, the Sultan.  
Great was the amazement of the Duke Alfiron, and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty, and the rest of the Pagan Knights, when they understood that the Emperor of Greece, and his Son and kinsmen, were those who they had so long entertained amongst them, but they were soon satisfied when the Emperor Don Bellaneo arose from his seat, and spoke as followeth.  
KIngs of Armenia and Tessifanty, and Duke Alfiron, with all the rest of your Companions, it cannot be unknown to you how unjustly the Sultan your Master, has endeavoured oftentimes to take away my life, as the undertaking of Don Gallaneo doth sufficiently testify, and I do not conceive but any of you being so wronged, would use his utmost endeavours to revenge himself: in order to which I came from Constantinople, accompanied with these Forces, but they have done little yet in prosecution of my revenge. As for my Son, he came not hither to injure the Sultan, but to do justice to the Princess of Aurora (who is truly Princess of Antioch) and to destroy that Usurper Don Gallaneo, who usurped the same. Since our arrival, many occasions have presented themselves, whereby we have lost much blood in your Cause, and have wronged none of you, and do resolve still to continue constant to you, till we shall cause the Emperor to do you justice, and that shall be our satisfaction; therefore resolve yourselves what Answer to return him, for I and my Son will undertake the Combat.  
After the Emperor had finished his Speech, the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty thanked him, and his Son, and the rest of the Knights, for what they had said and done, and resolved, that since the cause at present was but to bring the Sultan to do justice, that they would still continue with them and force him to do it, or venture their lives and fortunes in the compelling him thereto. And Duke Alfiron, who was one of the persons that was challenged, answered, That he was of the same opinion with them, and thanked the Emperor, his Don, and the rest, for the assistance they had given him, and told them that he was willing to accept the Combat propounded, whereupon Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia desired that he might be the other Combatant, which was granted; and the Messenger was sent to the Sultan to signify the same accordingly.   

CHAP. IU.  
Of the Combat between the Eight Knights, and of the end thereof.  
NO sooner had the Golden Charioteér of Heaven set forward on his daily journey, to illuminate the world with the refulgent Beams of his Countenance, but all our Combatants prepared themselves for the Combat. Don Bellianis of Greece, in whose heart was not only revenge but jealousy, desired that he might combat with his Rival Perianeo Knight of the Images. The good Emperor his Father resolved to try the Valour of Gramalis of Thrace, and Duke Alfiron and Contumeliano desired to undertake the two Brothers Caroliano and Boraldo.  
Thus every one having made choice with whom to fight, resolved to overcome or die in the place, and they only expected the coming of the Challengers out of the City. About ten of the Clock before Noon, the Sultan with a Guard of Forty thousand Knights issued out of one of the Gates with the Champions, ready for the Combat. The Sultan being seated in a place appointed for that purpose, and the Guard placed without one side of the Lists, the Challengers with the sound of Drums and Trumpets entered the same, where they had not long continued, but the Defendants likewise entered, and the Guard on their side being placed on another side of the Lists: the Sultan commanded the Signal of the Fight to be given by the Trumpets, at whose sound the Knights with armed fury made against each other in such sort, that they rather seemed so many sudden flashes of Lightning, breaking through the airy passage of the Heaven, than men and horse met in the midst of the field with so mighty encounters, as if so many pieces of Ordnance had been discharged. Don Bellianis thinking himself concerned more than ordinary, encountered the Knight of the Images so violently, that he caused him to lay hold on his horse neck to save himself from falling, and with the shock that he received, be lost both his stirrups: but they both soon recovered themselves, and turning about, with a brave grace and courage drew their Swords, and gave one another such strong and mighty blows, that their pure cutting Sw●rds soon made the blood to appear through their Armour.  
The Emperor and Gramalis of Thrace encountered each other so furiously, that the Emperor threw Gramalis on the ground, and disabled his horse, and received so great a shock himself that he lost both his stirrups, but he recovered himself, and drawing his Sword went to meet his Adversary, who was coming to him on foot; which he seeing, likewise dismounted himself, and came on foot likewise valiantly to meet him: but Gramalis being more ready than the Emperor, gave him so mighty a blow on the Helmet, that it astonished him, which made his rage to kindle in his breast, that the very fire sparkled in his eyes, and like a hot chafed Boar or hungry Lion bend to his prey, wounded Gramalis that had struck him with so puissant a blow on the Helmet, that he cut it in two as if it had been of Paste-board, s●rely wounding his head, resting so astonished, that he knew not whether he was alive or dead Gramalis in short time recovered himself, and seeing what danger he was in by reason of one blow received from his enemy, was greatly abashed, so that covering himself with his Shield, he gave the Emperor many wounds; which he feeling, and resolving to be revenged of, gave his enemy so great a blow on the Shield, that he cut it in two pieces, and wounded him so sorely on the head and arm, that be in short time fell to the ground: which the Emperor seeing he left him, and went to Duke Alfiron who wanted his assistance.  
Alfiron and Contumeliano encountering the two Brothers, gave to each other so marvellous encounters, that they all measured their lengths on the earth: but like valiant Knights they soon got on their feet and began an excellent Combat, which continued a long time without any great advantage; but in the end Caroliano, with whom Alfiron fought, gave him so great a blow on the head, that he cut the Laces of his Helmet, and somewhat wounded his head; but Alfiron resolving to revenge himself, gave Caroliano so mighty a blow on the Helmet, that it much astonished him, and passing from thence wounded his shoulder very sorely: but the blow having found so great resistance, his Sword broke in two pieces; whereupon Caroliano though sorely wounded, seeing his Adversary without Helmet or Sword, went forward with a resolution that one blow should put an end to the Combat: but just as he went to perform what be intended, the Emperor met him and rescued Alfiron, who seeing the desperateness of his condition, being without a sword, espied that of Gramalis lying by him, suddenly took it up, and went to receive his enemy, who was now fight with the Emperor. Contumeliano and his enemy were not idle, but did their utmost devoirs like good Knights, to endanger each other, so that the ground where they stood was died with the blood that came from the great number of wounds they received.  
This Battle had continued eight hours, and neither of the two Knights, Don Bellianis nor Perianeo, shown any kind of weariness; and though they were much wounded, yet continued they as vigorous and strong as at the beginning. Don Bellianis being much enraged hereat, did his utmost endeavour to put his enemy out of breath, which he did perform by his quickness and multitude of strokes which he gave him, so that in the end his enemy could not hurt him, and did nothing but defend himself. But Perianeo being enraged that he was so likely to be overcome, resolved to put all his strength to one blow, which he did in such sort, that striking Don Bellianis on the Helmet, he put him out of all remembrance, and his horse being somewhat wounded, ran about the field with him. So soon as he came to himself, and found in what condition he was, and that his enemy pursued him to take away his life, he caught hold on his Sword which hung to his Wrist with a Chain, and being enraged far more than any Bull or Lion, he lifted up his Sword and gave his enemy so great a blow on the thigh, that he cut him to the hard bone, from which wound issued much blood; and redoubled his stroke in such manner on his Adversaries Helm, that he beat him quite from his horse without any sense or understanding: and looking about him, saw the Duke Alfiron likewise on the ground with one blow he had received from Caroliano on the head, where he had nothing to defend it: But the Emperor soon revenged this wrong, for he gave Caroliano so mighty a blow on the head, that he laid him on the earth. Contumeliano and his adversary Boraldo were both grown very faint, and Contumeliano was at last forced to retire. Don Bellianis perceiving how the day was likely to be their own, dismounted from his horse with a resolution to kill Don Perianeo, if he were not dead already: but on an instant there happened a great flash of Lightning and Thunder, and there issued from a Cloud a Chariot of Fire drawn by six Griffi●ns, and in the Chariot there was an old man, who with the help of a Dwarf, took up the bodies of Perianeo and Gramalis of Thrace, and placing them in the Chariot mounted therein himself, immediately ascended the Skies, leaving behind him a great fire and smoke; which being gone, there appeared a Pillar of Marble, on which was engraven in brass these words following:  
Sultan, it is necessary for the preservation of the life of thy dear Son, and his Companion, to carry them to such a place as I have provided: but assure thyself that they shall be both healed of their wounds, and the young Siconian Lion shall make large amends for the loss of his Father, delivering thee and him from the Paw of the Grecian Whelp: in the mean time rest contented, for when thou art in the greatest danger of thy life, thou shalt be delivered.  
This Pillar and the Prophecy thereon, was beheld and read by many: and Don Bellianis and his Father went to Duke Alfiron, and took him, he being in a swoon and sorely wounded, and delivered him to some who carried him to a Tent: and both the Knights Contumeliano and Boraldo with weakness and loss of blood having long wrestled together, fell down in a Trance; but Caroliano was quite killed with the blow he received from the Emperor. The field being thus cleared of the dead and wounded, the Sultan came from his Seat to see what was engraven on the Pillar; which when he had read, it immediately vanished away.  
Thus this Combat being finished, the Sultan with all his Guard returned to the City in great sorrow, carrying with them Boraldo much wounded, and the dead body of Caroliano: and the Emperor and his Son returned to their Tents with the wounded body of Contumeliano, Alfiron being sent before.   

CHAP. V.  
How the Sultan of Persia and the Emperor of Greece concluded on a Peace, and that which happened afterward.  
THe Sultan of Persia was extremely discontented for the loss of his Son and Gramalis of Thrace, but the Inscription on the Marble Pillar somewhat satisfied him: but when he had considered the end of the Combat, the death of Caroliano, and the desperate estate of Boraldo, and how that all the Knights on the other part were alive, and but two of them any thing hurt with their wounds, he resolved with himself on Peace, considering that he knew not what was become of his Son, and therefore it was very necessary for him to take care of the welfare of his Daughter.  
The Letter of the Sultan of Persia, to Duke Alfiron.  
DUKE, We greet thee well: For as much as the lives of many valiant Knights have been lost in the late Controversy between Me and Thee, which hath been great grief of heart to me for the loss of so many of our Subjects, whose lives we ought to conserve; And to the end that a period may be put to this bloody War, we advise thee forthwith to send our Daughter Persiana to our presence, that we may understand from her own mouth, whether she be contented to receive thee for her Husband; which if we find she be willing to do, we promise thee upon our Imperial Word to give her to thee accordingly, and with her such a sufficient Dower, as thou thyself shalt be well contented. And likewise we on our Royal Word promise, that so soon as the Emperor of Greece will send away his Forces, that we will Disband ours, and make such Peace with him as shall be thought convenient. And we do further promise, that we will not only forgive thee and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty all the wrong thou and they have done us by this late Rebellion, but also give such Writing signifying the same under our Hand and Seal, as shall be thought fitting; Therefore fail not forthwith to send us our Daughter, that we may put and end to this unhappy Difference.  
Signed, The SULTAN.  
After these great Personages had heard the Determination of the Sultan, there was none of them that rested discontented, for these Wars had held them a long time from prosecuting their other Adventures. And therefore Don Bellianis being more than ordinary desirous of Peace, that he might once more go visit his incomparable Lady the Princess Florisbella, arose and spoke as followeth.  
Most Renowned Knights, I see no cause why we should not all conclude with Peace, since the Sultan hath sent us such fair Propositions, wherefore my opinion is, that the Princess Persiana be forthwith sent for, that the Sultan may receive the satisfaction he desires, which I am confident she will give him: And since the Sultan is so reasonable, I am fully satisfied; for my only business was to restore the Princess Aurora to her kingdom of Antioch, which was usurped by Don Galleneo, who since he is dead, we have gotten possession of it. I am confident we shall persuade the Sultan to confirm her in the possession of the same, and that he will give us all the satisfaction we shall desire.  
After this Speech was ended, there was not one of the company but rested contented, and thereupon a party of five thousand Horse was immediately dispatched away under the Conduct of Don Gorion, Brother to Duke Alfiron, to conduct the Princess thither: and the Messenger of the Sultan was sent back with another Knight of the Duke Alfirons part, to signify to the Sultan, that all that he desired on behalf of his Master, and the rest of the Kings and Princes, should be performed to his own satisfaction; which Message being delivered to the Sultan, greatly contented him.   

CHAP. VI  
How Don Gorion arriving at the City of Bollera, delivered his Message to Don Brianel, and how the Princess Persiana and Aurora left the City to travel to the Camp.  
Done Gorion and those who went in his company, made so much haste, that in a short time they arrived at the City of Bollera, where they were soon admitted to enter, and arriving at the Palace were quickly permitted to come into the presence of Don Brianel, who in the absence of the Duke was Governor of the City. Don Gorion then in short gave an Account to Don Brianel of the success of the War, and how at last they had received a Letter from the Sultan, wherein he signified his desire of Peace, and that there was nothing wanting for the consummation thereof, but the presence of the Princess Persiana.  
Don Brianel was very well satisfied with this Message, and went immediately to the two Princesses to certify them thereof; which when they heard, they were both very well contented: the Princess Persiana, in that her mind was wholly accomplished; and the Princess Aurora, in that she now hoped ere long to be fully settled in her Kingdom: wherefore they both prepared themselves to departed the next morning, and accordingly commanded their Damsels to get all things ready.  
Don Brianel this evening sought for an opportunity to discourse with his Lady the Princess Aurora, and thereupon coming into her Lodging to know what Commands she would give him against the next day, he found her all alone, wherefore resolving not to let stip this opportunity, he began to her as followeth.  
Madam, It is now many months since I had the happiness first to see you, ever since which time I have had a desire to serve you, and my actions in hazarding my life for the recovering of your Kingdom, hath given you some testimony thereof: And Madam, were I capable of Reducing all the Kingdoms in the world to my Obedience, I should willingly surrender them with myself, to be disposed of by you; therefore Dear Madam, since my love is so great, I beseech you vouchsafe me yours, whereby I may be eternally blessed.  
When he had finished this Speech, fetching a great sigh, he held his peace: and she who as earnestly loved him as he did her, replied to him:  
Sir Knight, I have understood your love to me, and therefore have formerly reposed so much trust to you, as I never did to any other; for to you alone I committed the disposal of my Kingdom, and for the good you did me there, I hearty thank you. Assure yourself that so soon as I shall be peaceably settled therein, I shall dispose my Affairs in such order, that I shall do all things to your content and liking: and assure yourself, that none other living shall enjoy my person and kingdom but yourself.  
At the ending of this Spéeth, she blushed extremely that she had been so free in discovering the thoughts of her heart: but Don Brianel was extremely satisfied herewith, and not being able to speak with the excess of joy that he was in, he fell on his knees, and straight embracing her legs, he very amorously kissed her fair hands, and there at her desire he arose and gave her many amorous kisses and kind embraces, promising for ever to be her true Knight: and she promised no less to him, that she would not fail to be always his, and in token of her love, she gave him a Scarf embroidered with Gold, where in Letters of Gold was her Name; which he thankfully received, and promised never to leave off wearing the same, till he had the free enjoyment of her person in marriage. And hereupon they broke off their friendly and amorous Discourse, taking a farewell of each other, he returning to put all things in readiness for the next days Expedition and she retiring herself into her Closet, to contemplate what she had done.  
Thus every body employed themselves in somewhat for the next days journey, till it was time to go to rest: but the two Lovers Don Brianel and Aurora could sleep but little that night for the content they had received in the evenings Conference, and therefore they were the first that did rise, by whose example all the rest soon rise and made themselves ready. Don Gorion and Don Brianel summoned the Knights and Magistrates of the City together, to whom they declared the will of thei● 〈◊〉 Alfiron. And leaving a sufficient Guard in the City, 〈◊〉 went to the Palace, where they found the Princess' 〈◊〉 diness to departed. Chariots being brought for them, they ●…ly mounted therein, and so accompanied with several Da●●●… and a Guard of ten thousand Knights, they departed from the City, and took the right way for Persepolis.   

CHAP. VII.  
How Don Brianel and Don Gorion arrived at the Camp of the Emperor of Greece, and how the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana presented themselves before the Sultan.  
WIth much joy and pleasure traveled this company, especially the Ladies, the one being in company of her most beloved Lord, and the other going to her loving Husband: but the joy of Don Brianel was extraordinary, for the favours he had received at the hands of the Princess, and as a testimony of his joy he wore the Scarf which she had given him on his arm.  
Thus traveled they with much content, till at length they met some of the Knights of the Emperor's Army, who were come on purpose to meet them: and then some were sent back to signify to the Emperor and the rest of the Princes, the Approach of those Princesses; which they no sooner understood, but they went out to meet them. Two leagues from the Camp they were met by the Emperor, Don Bellianis, the Duke Alfiron, the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty, and all those other most Renowned Princes and States, who coming near them, dismounted from their horses to salute them. The Princesses seeing that, descended from their Chariots and kindly received them: Then two stately Palfreys were brought whereon the two Princesses were mounted, and Don Bellianis took hold of the Reins of the Princess Aurora's Palfrey, and the Emperor himself did the same for Persiana.  
Don Bellianis during the remainder of their journey, asked the Princess Aurora whether she had received any content in the company of Don Brianel? For, saith he, I see by his countenance that he is very much pleased, and he showeth very gloriously with the Favour that he hath tied to his arm, and therefore I desire to know what Mistress he hath gotten since our departure. To which Discourse the Princess replied: Sir Knight, the content that I have received in his company cannot choose but be much, in respect of the service that he hath already done me, in helping to restore me to my Kingdom, and therefore in token of my gratitude, I have given him that Scarf as a small Token of my Favour to him.  
In such like communication spent they their time, till they arrived at the Camp, where they alighted and were received with great joy, signified by the s●und of Drums, Trumpets, and Clarions: The Princesses Persiana and Aurora were conducted to a Tent for that purpose provided, where they both lodged together: the Duke Alfiron being contented not to lie with his beloved Princess, till she should be given him by her Father, which he hoped would be done the next morning. Night being come, every one repaired to their several Lodgings, and there took their ordinary repose, only Don Bellianis was much troubled that he was still kept there, and hindered from visiting his Princess Florisbella, and besides he knew not how to go to her, for his Father expected upon the Conclusion of the Peace, that he would return with him to Constantinople.  
In these meditations he spent most part of the night, and when morning came he arose and dispatched a Messenger into the City, to certify the Sultan of his Daughter's Arrival, and to know his pleasure what should be done. To which the Sultan returned answer, That he expected her and the Duke to come to his presence that day, in company of what other Knights they pleased.  
The Duke and Princess being certified hereof, prepared themselves for that purpose, and about Noon, only accompanied with the Princess Aurora, Don Bellianis, and Don Brianel, they entered the City, and came into the presence of the Sultan, who was seated on a Throne, and his great Lords about him. The Princess Persiana and the Duke humbled themselves on their knees, and she humbly desired her Father to forgive her rashness, for it was only true love that caused her to do the same, and promised him that if he would deign to pardon that great fault, she would in all things continue his obedient Daughter during life, and concluding her Speech, she shed many tears: To which the Sultan replied, That her disobedience to his Commands, had occasioned the loss of the lives of many of his Subjects, and that therefore she might expect the Gods to be continually angered with all her undertake; but as for his part, seeing she had made so free a Confession of her fault, he did freely forgive her, and then arising from his Throne, he came down and took her by the hand, and raised her from the ground, and then caused the Duke Alfiron to arise, to whom he gave her, wishing the Gods to bless them.  
Thus this being done to the content of all that were present, the Sultan commanded the Tables to be covered, and desired the strangers to sit down to Dinner, promising in the Afternoon to give them satisfaction in order to a general Peace.   

CHAP. VIII.  
How the Wars were ended between the Sultan and the Emperor, and a Peace concluded for ten years.  
NO sooner was Dinner ended, but the Sultan entering into his Council Chamber, sent for Don Bellianis and Don Brianel, and told them, that since he was satisfied in his Daughter's Marriage, which had been the greatest cause of these Wars, it should be at their own dispose whether they would have Peace or War.  
The Sultan having understood formerly of the Affairs of that Kingdom, and that it was now in the possession of her Deputies, granted the Request of Don Bellianis, on condition that She and her Heirs would for the future pay the accustomed Tribute, the which she on her part promised to perform. The next thing that was propounded, was Peace between the Emperor and the Sultan, which the Sultan consented to hold firmly for ten years. And to conclude all, promised a free Pardon to the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty, who were his Tributaries. Whereupon Don Bellianis and Don Brianel departed from the Sultan to carry this News to the Camp, where the Chief being assembled joyfully received the News, and for that night made continual Bonfires, so that both in the City and Camp it was all night as light as day.  
The next morning early a Messenger arrived in the Camp, to give an Invitation to the Emperor and the rest of those great Lords, to come into the City to dine with the Sultan: which Invitation was accepted of, and accordingly about Eleven of the Clock they all set forwards and so entered the City, being attended with great Ceremonies and Pomp by many of the Souldan's Knights. As soon as they came near the Palace, the Sultan had notice thereof and came to receive them, and although till now they had been the greatest enemies in all the world, yet the Sultan and the Emperor embraced one another with much freedom and amity: And thus the Sultan received all the rest of the principal Knights, and so conducted them into the Great Hall of the Palace, where all things were provided for Dinner in most sumptuous manner: which being ended, the Sultan and Emperor ratified and confirmed the Peace which had been before concluded on: And to signify his love to Duke Alfiron, he then gave unto him the Kingdom of Shyraz, which was a place under his subjection and belonged to his Empire, and then the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana his wife were immediately owned by all for King and Queen of Shyraz: Nothing was now wanting in the Court of Persia to give it its full lustre, but the presence of the Prince Perianeo, whose absence much discontented the Sultan.  
All things being thus fortunately concluded, the Sultan disbanded his Army, and the Emperor sent his away by Sea, under the command of Sabian of Trebanto, who accordingly embarked himself, and within ten days departed: there was nothing now wanting, but to put the two Princesses in possession of their Kingdoms, the Princess Aurora into her Kingdom of Antioch, and the Princess Persiana and her husband into possession of the Kingdom of Shyraz, for which purpose he writ Letters to the present Governor to give them possession thereof; the Princess Aurora desired the company of some Knights to go with her; the first that offered his service was Don Brianel, and then Don Clarineo of Spain, and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly, because they had formerly been there, desired to attend her, and so did Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia, and Florispiano of Swevia his Cousin, these all chose to attend the Princess Aurora: On the other side Don Bellianis desired his Father to permit him to attend the Princess Persiana and her Husband to Shyraz, and he chose rather to go thither, because it was nearest to Babylon, where his beloved Princess did remain, and to which place he intended to go. His Father intending to carry him home with him, hardly consented to this separation, but at length at the entreaty of the Princess and her Husband, he was content, provided his Son engaged to return home again in six months, which he consented to do. They that accompanied the Princess besides, were the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty, so that there was not any left to accompany the Emperor home, but Arsileo Prince of Hungary, and Don Gorino was sent back to the City of Bollera, to signify the conclusion of the Peace. Thus all were appointed to travel, only Boraldo, Don Fermosel, and Crisalaneo who stayed with the Sultan. Things being thus concluded, every person after they had taken leave of the Sultan, within two days after departed.   

CHAP. IX.  
How the Princess Aurora and Don Brianel, with the rest of their Company, arrived at Antioch, and what happened to them there.  
That which the Queen took first into her consideration, was the ordering of her household, and the first Officer she made was the Controller thereof, which Office she gave to Don Brianel, intending ere long to make him Controller of her person. This joy continued many days, and many were the jousts and Tournaments that were exercised to delight the queen, in which exercise the Knights that accompanied her thither, still bore away the prize, however the Count Gariano demeaned himself like a valiant and hardy knight, maintaining the jousts for one day against all Knights-adventurers, in which time he dismounted above twenty Knights.  
The Queen understanding one day that Don Clarineo, and Don Lucidamore, Don Contumeliano, and Fliorispiano, intended to leave her Court, and to go seek out adventures else where, resolved before their departure to consummate her marriage with Don Brianel, to whom she communicated the matter, and he had demeaned himself so courteously, that he questioned not but that it would be to the general satisfaction of her Nobility, and therefore knowing the mind of the Princess, he discovered it to Damartino, and Gariano, and several others of the Nobility, and the next day the Queen being in Counsel, one of her Nobility propounded a husband to her, which proposition was no sooner made, but the general debate of the Counsel was of that matter, and after several propositions, Don Brianel was by several of his friends propounded, and indeed for the restoration of the Princess, was so far had into consideration, that he was by common consent propounded for a fit Husband for their Queen; who no sooner had the proposition made her, but she willingly assented thereto, and presently orders were given for the solemnisation of the Marriage, which was intended to be kept within a fortnight after. This news gave great satisfaction and content to Don Clarineo, and Don Lucidamore, that their Cousin had so great good fortune, to be wedded to so virtuous a Princess, and therefore notwithstanding their former resolutions to departed, they and Contumeliano and Fliorispiano resolved to stay, and assist at the Solemnisation of those Ceremonies, where we will leave them in great content, to treat of other matters.   

CHAP. X.  
How the Princes Perianeo of Persia, and Gramalis of Thrace, were carried into the Desert of Death, and of that which happened to them there.  
THe Sage Fristone made such haste through the air with the wounded bodies of Perianeo and Gramalis, that in short time they arrived at the end of their journey, where being arrived, the Sage Fristone caused them (who were all this while in a Trance) to be taken out of the Chariot, and placed in beds in two several Rooms, and then commanded several Damsels to attend the end of their fainting, which they accordingly did: the Prince Perianeo was the first that came to himself, when opening his eyes and looking about him, he fetched a great groan, the Damsel who were left to attend him, hearing thereof, presently came to him, and seeing his eyes open, they presently gave him something to drink out of a Vial, which he took, and then with a weak voice asked them in what place he was? They desired him to rest satisfied for the present, and he should know more of that hereafter, and in the mean time they desired him to permit them to dress his wounds, to which he consented, and they presently being very skilful in that mystery, applied such Remedies that they assured him that in few days he should be able to walk about his Chamber; and they further desired him for the present to dispose himself for rest, which he did accordingly, and they departed to inform the Sage Fristone thereof, who was marvellously well satisfied in what they had done.  
Gramalis continued in his swooning fit twelve hours longer than Perianeo, but so soon as he had recovered any sense, he cried out, By the Gods I will soon be revenged of this blow, and therewith endeavoured to rise from his bed, but could not through loss of blood, but fell down again: whereupon they who were left to attend him, gave him a Cordial, and then dressed his wounds without any speaking to him. Perianeo after he had taken a sleep of about six hours awaked, and seeing no body near him, he drew one of the Curtains of his bed, and perceived a Candle, by the light of which he deemed that he was in a large Chamber all hung with black, and that the Bed and Furniture was all of black, and that there was no other light in the Room, but what that one Candle afforded, wherefore finding his wounds to be b●und up, and remembering that he had had some company, endeavoured to arise, but through faintness could not; then he called to mind the Battle in which he was lately engaged, and remembered that he had well nigh overcome his adversary, but remembered nothing of the two last blows that he had received which had brought him into this condition. Thus lay he musing and wondering with himself what place he was in, sometime believing all that he saw to be only fancy, and another while supposing himself to be in his Father's Court laid out for dead in some Chamber there: and this he was persuaded to by reason of the blackness of every thing about him.  
At length two Damsels entered the Room at a door placed in a corner thereof, they were both habited in black, the one carried a Candle in her hand, and the other followed her with a Box wherein were Ointments and Plasters: coming to the Bedside they found him awake, and in pretty good condition. He seeing them continue their silence, began thus to them: Ladies, I have received one kindness from you already, for which I render you thanks, and desire you to bind me to you for another, which is, that you will tell me in what place I am, and how I came hither  
The Ladies hearing him speak with so great moderation, gave him this Answer: Sir Knight, how you came hither we know not, but yesterday you were brought in hither by the Lord of this place, whose name is Fristone, and delivered to our keeping, telling us that we must apply these Medicines to your wounds, showing us likewise that you were such a person as was very well able to requite what kindness we should afford you: As for the name of this place we cannot tell you, for it is not long since we were brought hither by an adventure, of which we shall tell you more hereafter.  
Thus after they had ended their discourse, they desired him to permit them to search his wounds, which he consented to, and they, after they had applied remedies to his wounds, departed, leaving him somewhat better satisfied than he was.  
Thus these two Knights continued in this place several days, till at length they were so well recovered of their wounds, that they could walk about their Chambers. All this while was Fristone in his study, turning over many Books to find out what should be the fortune of the Prince Perianeo, and finding that when ever he should meet with Don Bellianis, his life would be much endangered: and well knowing that the Prince would endeavour to go to Babylon, if he were out of his possession, and that there he would meet with Don Bellianis, he resolved to prevent that Meeting: wherefore one day as Perianeo was walking in his Chamber, the sage Fristone entered to him, and told him that he was very glad of his so sudden amendment in his health, to which Perianeo knowing him, replied:  
Reverend Father, many have been the obligations wherein you have bound your poor Knight, but this last hath been the most considerable, in that you have given help and assistance to me when I was not capable of helping myself: and good father, I have now but one request to you which I pray you to grant me, which is that you will tell me by what adventure I came hither, and what was the issue of the Combat.  
To which discourse Fristone thus answered, Sir Knight, it was not of a long time unknown to me of the Battle that you and your friends should undertake against the Emperor of Greece, his son, and friends, and of the danger that you should undergo therein, which I endeavoured to prevent by my Art, but your enemy Don Bellianis by reason of a Sword and Armour which he hath lately won, cannot be hindered from the performance of any adventure, notwithstanding all the art of incantations that I can use, wherefore finding it in vain to attempt any thing by art to hurt him, I therefore applied myself to help you when there should be occasion, and understanding that your life, and that of two of your friends would be in great danger, and knowing that by my art I should be able to help yourself and one other of your friends, I therefore provided me a Chariot, in which I mounted the air at such time as you and your friends were entered the Combat, and arrived at the place of your fight, just as it had like to have been unfortunately finished; for Don Bellianis was just then about to deprive you of your precious life, and then he recounted to him, how he found him in the field in a Trance, and how that Gramalis of Thrace, and Caroliano being in as desperate a condition as himself, he chose Gramalis and left the other, and brought both himself and Gramalis to that his habitation, where he had ordered the matter so well, that they were in pretty good condition.  
Perianeo much wondering at this adventure, said: But good father, how will the Sultan my Father be satisfied with my condition? Then Fristone told him of the Pillar he left there, and the inscription thereon, which had given satisfaction to him, and therefore advised him to rest contented; and so taking him by the hand he led him out of that Chamber into another adjoining, which was as dark as his own, and there they found Gramalis of Thrace walking about: Perianeo was not so much amazed to see him, as Gramalis was surprised to see the Prince enter his Chamber, for he knew not in the least where he was; for his wounds being somewhat more desperate than Perianeo's, Fristone had commanded those that attended him, not to use any discourse with him, lest that should prejudice his health. They being thus met, kindly saluted each other, and then Perianeo recounted to Gramalis the manner how they were brought thither, the danger they had been in, and the care of which Fristone had taken of their healths, for which they both kindly returned him thanks. Thus these two friends being together, Fristone left them in loving communication, and went to take order about his other affairs.  
They had not long walked together, but the two Damsels that had attended them in their sickness, came in to them, and brought with them several Comfits and preserved Fruits and Wines, wherewith they covered a Table and caused the two Knights to sit down to ear, which they did, and then the Table being removed, Perianeo taking one of the Damsels by the hand, led her to the Bedside where he thus spoke to her.  
Lady, my condition hath been so low of late, that I have been very much obliged to your care and pains, that I am now in so good a plight, for which your great care I render you all humble and hearty thanks, assuring you that when ever you have occasion to use me, you shall find that there shall be nothing so difficult, but I will be ready to undertake it with exceeding great pleasure, so that I may serve you therein, and therefore Lady I beseech you inform me of your condition, and the place where I now remain. The Damsel perceiving that he had concluded, thus answered him: Sir Knight, I humbly thank you for your acceptance of my mean and weak endeavours, and am glad that any thing that I can do will give you any pleasure, and to the end that I may satisfy your desires, know Sir, that I belong to an honourable Princess called Merediana sole daughter and heir to the valiant King Gorgiana of Sotia, who living at home with her father, was taken out of her Court one day by the Sage Fristone, who desired her father to spare her, to put an end to an Adventure that could not be finished without her presence: her father well knowing the Sage Fristone to be his friend, consented to her departure, and so she taking six of her Damsels with her, whereof I and my companion are two, we traveled towards Babylon, where when we arrived, the sage Fristone told us that his design was to get the beauteous Princess Florisbella into his custody, whereby he might pleasure a Knight his very good friend; which adventure he had accomplished, but that there arrived at that instant a Knight armed with a rich armour, beset with Basilisks, who hindered our attempt: then told she the Prince the whole manner of his adventure, as it is at large set down in the 42 Chapter of the first part of this History, and then she thus proceeded: We being thus hindered from finishing this adventure, were immediately carried through the air till we arrived at an Island, where when we came down, we found it to be the most pleasant place in the whole world, for it was adorned with a most delightsome Palace, and all manner of Gardens and Walks so delicious, that we having been there above six months, are not sensible of my inclemency in the air, but it still continues as pleasant if it were the month of May, and it is now about a fortnight since the sage Fristone coming thither, requested our Mistress to give us leave to go with him for a few days, promising that she should receive much satisfaction in our journey, and that we should speedily return: and as for the place where now we are, we know other of it but that it is called the Desert of Death, and indeed it may properly enough be termed so, for I never was in any place so dolesome and melancholy as this is, there being no other light coming into this place but what a candle produeth, and the fields, which are but few, look as if no Grass nor any other Herb had ever grown there, and there are no trees but Yew grow here. This Sir Knight, is all that I can tell you of this adventure.  
Gramalis of Thrace had likewise been attentive to this discourse, and they did both much marvel at the strangeness of the Damsels recital, but Perianeo asked the Damsel how far off it was to that pleasant Island where her Lady remained, and what company was with her? To which she answered, That it could not be very far to that Island, for they were but three hours in coming from thence, and that their Princess was only accompanied with a Lady named Altea, who they found there, and which was very fair and beautiful, and the four Giants who kept the Palace as a guard, besides the Damsels who waited on the two Ladies, and two old women who provided all manner of provision Thus these two Damsels having finished their discourse, they took their leaves of the two Knights and departed.   

CHAP. XI.  
How the two Princes Perianeo of Persia, and Gramalis of Thrace, being thoroughly cured of their wounds, and walking in the Desert of Death, came to the water side, and finding a Bark went into her, which carried them immediately to the Pleasant Island, and of that which happened to them there.  
If thou art so valiant as to undertake the entrance into this Castle, blow this horn, and prepare thyself to be received.  
This Inscription they had no sooner read, but they resolved to try the adventure, and therefore they cast lots who should first begin: The lot sell upon Gramalis, and therefore Perianeo going somewhat out of the way, left Gramalis to undertake the adventure. He had no sooner blown the horn which hung by the Tablet, but two gates opened, and there issued out from thence a huge and monstrous Giant, armed at all points, with a great Iron Mace in his hand, who seeing the Knight before him, said: Presumptuous villain, how darest thou unarmed undertake so great an enterprise, as to disturb the quiet of this place?  
To which Gramalis answered, Trouble not thyself at my being unarmed, but if I must combat thee before I gain my entrance, prepare thyself to the Battle, and defend thyself: at which words the Giant lifted up the Mace, and came forward thinking with one blow to end the Battle, but Gramalis quickly avoiding the stroke of the Mace with his Hunting-spear, wounded the Giant in the Thigh, and at the next stroke gave him so great a blow on the arm, that he could not draw out his spear, but was forced to leave it sticking there: whilst the Giant drew the Spear from his arm, Don Gramalis drew his Sword, and went to finish the combat: but the enraged Giant did hit the Knight so great a blow on the shoulder, that he sorely bruised him, whereat Gramalis being greatly enraged, gave the Giant so great a blow on the other arm, that he let fall his Mace and roared like a Bull, and with the quantity of blood he lost, fell down: at which a Dwarf that was placed on the top of the Tower, blew a horn, and immediately another Giant came forth, more deformed and horrible than the first, who resolved to revenge the wrong of his fellow and therefore soon made up to Gramalis and assaulted him most fiercely, giving him many wounds, so that in the end Gramalis through the want of blood, and the pain he felt in his side, fainted and fell down. At which the Giant went forwards to kill him, but Perianeo soon prevented him, assaulting him in such marvellous manner, that he made him keep company with his fellow on the ground; at which the Dwarf once more sounded his horn, and then there issued two Giants of a very great size, who carried great Maces on their shoulders, and cutting Falchions at their sides, and without any discourse they both fell upon the Prince, and gave him many weighty blows, which he received on his Spear; but in the end that being broken he drew his sword, and valiantly defended himself, still avoiding their blows, and dammaging his adversaries, so that they seeing that they only beat the air, or the ground, were much enraged and came near to him to destroy him, but he nimbly slepping within them, made them loss their blows, and he hit one of them on the leg so great a blow, that he made a great wound, and the Giant not being able to stand, fell on the earth, whereupon the other Giant his companion seeing that if he continued that manner of fight, he should remain vanquished as well as his companions, he threw away his Mace, and ran with great eagerness on the Knight, thinking to catch him in his arms, and there to squeeze him in pieces: but he being very strong, sorely wounded the Giant before he got within him, and then wrestled so with him, that they both fell to the earth, the Giant holding Perianeo close in his arms; but he remembering that he had a dagger in his pocket, quickly drew the same and stabbed him in three or four places in such manner, that he let go his hold, whereat Perianeo got on his feet, though sorely wounded, and approached to the Gates of the Castle, which being open he entered, and walking through a great Hall he went into a Parlour, the most beautiful in the world, where he saw two Ladies who were placed above the rest, and about twelve Damsels attending on them, to whom he said:  
Divine Beauties, for no less can I estéem of you, Providence having brought me on shore on this land, I made hold, arriving at this Castle to enter therein, but I was hindered by several whom I suppose were left to guard the same, whom I have so ordered in combat, that I remain the victor, and therefore I make bold to approach your presence, humbly craving your pardon, and desiring to know of you whether there be any thing further to be done whereby I may do you any service, and whither what I have already done be not prejudicial to you.  
To which speech one of the Ladies replied, That indeed the Giants were placed there as Guardians of that place, but since by his invincible valour they were subdued, he was as welcome as themselves, and all things there was free to his disposal: at which speech he rested satisfied, only he desired that he wounded might be taken care of, and more especially a Knight who was wounded, and a friend of his: At which discourse several of the Damsels went out with him, where they found the Giants and the Knight still lying on the ground, wherefore he helped to convey them to Beds, and the Damsels applied such Plasters and Medicines to their wounds, that in short time they were cured of the same.  
Being cured, the Giants and Knights remained loving friends, resolving to assist each other, and the Knights had no desire to go from that place, for the Ladies whom they saw were the two Princesses Meridiana and Altea, who took very great good liking to the two Knights Perianeo and Gramalis, who loved them as well, so that in the end their friendship arrived to that height, that they resolved never to leave one another all days of their lives: and the Prince Perianeo was so amorous of the Princess Meridiana, that he quite forget the Princess Florisbella, and she no less loved him, so that at length he enjoyed the Princess as fully as if she had been his Wife, and she permitted him to crop that Maiden-flower, and enter that Virgin Zone, which had cost the lives of many valorous Knights.  
On the other side Gramalis of Thrace and the Princess Altea loved each other with as  an affection, and she permitted him to be Lord of her body, and to take such fruit from thence as pleased him best.  
Thus these two Ladies and Knights lived together in all manner of delight, and the two Knights plied themselves so well in their Nocturnal Embraces, that both the Princesses were with Child, which was great joy and content to them all: in which pleasure we shall leave them, and return to give you an account of other Adventures.   

CHAP. XII.  
How the Princess Persiana and her Husband Duke Alfiron were conducted to Shyraz by Don Bellianis of Greece, and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty, where by the way they met with an Adventure.  
THus having left these two Princes and Ladies in all content and pleasure, let us return to the Princess Persiana and the Company that attended on her, who traveled many days without happening on any Adventure: at length Don Bellianis being very pensive, traveled one day before the rest of the company, and being very melancholy for the thought of his dear Mistress the Princess Florisbella, on a sudden he heard a voice call to him, saying, Sir Knight, I beseech you tell me where is the next City, that I may go quickly to it and procure some aid to some persons of great quality that stand in need of help. Don Bellianis giving attention to this discourse, and seeing it was a Lady that spoke to him, he thus replied: Fair Lady, if you be not in extreme great haste, I beseech you relate to me the occasion of your travel, it is possible that I may furnish you with that assistance you expect. Ah Sir Knight, replied the Lady, it is not in the power of any one particular Knight to effect that which must be done; therefore good Sir either answer me the question, or permit me to go forwards. Lady, said Don Bellianis, not far from hence there is much company coming who will be with us presently, therefore I pray relate to me your business while they come to us, and then I shall furnish you with such help as shall be needful. The Lady understanding that he spoke nothing but reason, thus replied: Know then, Sir Knight, that I belong to the virtuous Princess Mattarosa, Daughter to the King of Numidia, and Niece to the Sultan of Babylon: this Princess hath for many years lived at the Court of the Sultan her Uncle, in the company of the Princess Florisbella her Cousin, but of late her Father being grown old, and desirous to dispose of her in marriage before he died, sent her Brother Baltasano to the Court of the Sultan to bring his Sister to him: Baltasano after he had continued some time in the Court of the Sultan, desired leave to departed with his Sister to her Father that expected them; to which it was a long time ere he could get the Souldan's consent, in regard of the great love that hath been between her and his daughter Florisbella. About two months since there was great jousts and Tournaments held at the Souldan's Court in honour of his Coronation Day: at which time many strange Knights and Giants repaired thither to do their utmost devoirs, amongst the rest that came, there was one Giant called Altifer the Proud, Lord of an Island in the Sea, and his two Brothers, and forty Knights. This Giant beholding my Mistress the Princess Mattarosa, began to affect her, and performed some things for her honour, hoping thereby to get her good will: but she who always hated him, as well for the deformity of his mind as body, would by no means consent to come into his company, much less to receive him as a Servant, and he having desired her of her Uncle the Sultan, and her Brother, who both refused him, went away with all his company in much discontent, resolving to put in practise some treasonable action that he might obtain her.  
Our Princess and her Brother, who suspected no such treason, some time after he was gone, having taken leave of the Sultan and the Prindess Florisbella, departed in the company of twenty Knights for their Guard: but we had not traveled above two days when this Traitor Altifer with all his company set upon us, slew many of our Knights, and took the Princess and her Brother prisoners. I seeing that they were taken, fled from them, and have followed them these three days to see still where they lodged at night, and endeavouring to find some help to relieve them, and Sir Knight, this is the last day before they will embark themselves for the Island whereof he is Chief, and then all the means that I can use, will be ineffectual for their Release. This Sir Knight, is the substance of my Message, and therefore pray fail not to give me the best directions you can.  
Don Bellianis having heard this Discourse, and considering that in relieving the Princess Mattarosa, he should do his Princess her Cousin a considerable service, resolved to undertake it, and therefore the Company being now come up to him, he went to the Princess Persiana and her Husband, and recounted to them the Damsels discourse, and told them that he must beg leave of them to go and relieve the Princess and her Brother, promising them to return with all speed possible, as soon as he had effected his Enterprise.  
They not only consented to his departure, but also gave him leave to take what company of Knights he desired: but he choosing only twenty of the most hardy, left the rest to conduct them to Shyraz, and so he took his leave and departed with the Damsel, who seeing her journey turn to so good account, was very thankful, and road on apace to assist her Princess.   

CHAP. XIII.  
How Don Bellianis went with the Damsel of the Princess Mattarosa, to relieve her out of the hands of the Giant Altifer and his Company: And how he and his Company overcame the Giant and his two Brethren and Company, and Released the Princess and her Brother Baltasano: And how she knew him to be the Knight of the Golden Image, and how she and her Brother left him, to departed towards Babylon.  
IT was yet but early in the morning when Don Bellianis and his Company parted, and therefore we will leave them in their journey towards Shyraz, to tell you what befell Don Bellianis, who traveled so long with the Damsel that at last they arrived in sight of a Castle seated on a Rock, which when the Damsel espied, she said, Sir Knight, this is the Castle where the Giants and the other company lodged this night, and I believe they are not as yet come out of it, because he that is Lord of this Castle is of kindred to the Giant Altifer, and therefore I pray let us attend herefor their coming forth. Don Bellianis therefore advising with himself, left two of his knights to attend there, whilst he and the rest traveled on the way the Giants were to take, and there they hide themselves in a thicket of Trees.  
It was not fully an hour before the two Knights came galloping a main to Don Bellianis, informing him that the Giants and their company were come out of the Castle, and were coming thither-wards with the prisoners. The Prince Baltasano they tied on a horse with his hands behind him, and so they did to about twelve Knights more that were prisoners, and the Princess Mattarosa and several of her Damsels, were carried before certain Knights on horseback, and did make great lamentation.  
The Knights did likewise advise Don Bellianis not to set on the Giants and their company as yet, for that the Giant of the Castle where they lay was come out with them, with above twenty Knights to bear them company a little way, and therefore it was best to forbear setting on them till they were gone: To this advise Don Bellianis could hardly be persuaded, so earnest was his desire to do some signal Service for his Lady the Princess Florisbella; but in the end he was overruled by the Damsel, and promised to attend their parting for an hour or two, and if they did not by that time leave one another, that he would set upon them all. And in this resolution he marched forwards, commanding the two Knights to go back and give him notice of what should happen, which was done aecordingly. Thus did Don Bellianis march on for one hour in great expectation, till at length the two Knights came to him to inform him that now was the time, for the Giant's kinsman was departed, and there was not above thirty five Knights and three Giants, and ten of the Knights were employed in guarding of the prisoners that were with them.  
Never was Don Bellianis so well pleased in all his life as he was at this instant, and therefore commanding all his Knights to be in a readiness, he turned back his horse, and went to meet the Giants and their Company. Don Bellianis had not rid far before he met with them, the two Giant's brothers to Altifer, riding before the rest on great Horses, and with Iron Maces hanging at their Sadle-bows. Our Knights went strait up to them, and some of the Princess' Damsels making a lamentation, Don Bellianis enquired what was the cause why they forced Ladies to go with them against their wills? To which one of the Giants proudly answered, It were best for you, Sir Knight, to keep on your way, and not to meddle with the affairs of others, not being called thereto. To which he answered, That he and all other Knights were bound to inquire into the affairs of distressed Ladies, and to relieve them to their power Whereupon one of the Giants laid hold on his Mace, thinking to dash him to pieces, but he turning his horse on one side, couched his lance and run so fiercely on the other Giant, that he forced him to measure his length on the earth, at whose example all the rest of the company did the like, and they performed their parts so well, that sixtéen Knights and two Giants were dismounted, and six were slain out right.  
The Giant Altifer seeing himself so beset, presently couched his lance and did some mischief: But Don Bellianis soon hindered him from proceeding, for he reached him such a stroke that he made his horse bend his knees to the ground, and his Master catch hold of his horse neck to keep himself from falling, and then crying Florisbella, and Victory, he gave two such mighty strokes to two Knights that stood in his way, that he sent them tumbling to the earth, and then coming to the Prince Baltasano, be immediately unbound him, and gave him a Sword, by whose example the rest of his Knights released the rest of the prisoners, and then began the fight to be most bloody.  
The Giant Altifer, and his two brothers seeing the valour of that one Knight, resolved to set upon him, and so they all three came with the same resolution, but he quickly seeing the danger he was likely to run into, if he did not dispatch, gave one of them so powerful a blow, that he cut off his Arm, and forced him to let his Mace fall to the ground.  
The two brothers seeing this, came with both their Maces at once, intending to beat him to pieces; but Baltasano who he had unbound having gotten a Sword, Buckler and Helmet, received one of them, and gave him in return so puissant a stroke, that he cut off one of his arms and wounded him in the shoulder: the enraged Giants did all they could to revenge the wounds they had received, and Altifer himself seeing that he was likely to loss his Mistress, left the combat, and coming to the Knight that had the Princess in guard before him, and took her and set her on his own horse before him, and did ride away with all the speed possible: at which action the Damsels gave a great scréetch, which Don Bellianis hearing much wondered, and leaving the fight, turned himself about: but he had no sooner perceived the cause, but like lightning he made haste after him, and being very well mounted, he soon overtook him, which the Giant seeing, he let fall the Lady, and turned about to encounter Don Bellianis, being glad that he had gotten him alone, and Don Bellianis was no less glad than he, not only for that, but also in regard that he had let go the Princess, fearing much that if he had held her still she might have been hurt in the combat. Thus these two Combatants equally resolved, assaulted each other, and gave and received many wounds; but Don Bellianis whose valour was not to be equalled by any Giant or Knight, resolving now in the presence of his Lady's kinswoman to show the utmost effects thereof, gave the Giant two such mighty blows, that with the one he cut off his leg, and with the other he quite killed him.  
The Princess all this while beholding the combat, and seeing the mighty blows Don Bellianis gave the Giant, could not imagine who it should be, and that so much worth and strength should remain in one single Knight, but well viewing his arms, she remembered him to be the Knight of the Basilisks, who had done such brave acts at Babylon for the relief of her Cousin the Princess Florisbella, and viewing her Picture on his shield, she immediately cried out, Ah worthy Knight! pattern of all true Valour and Magnanimity, much am I bound to you for your great aid and assistance, and many thanks have I cause to render you for this so mighty deliverance in this my most extreme necessity: Having thus said, she came near him to kiss his hands, but he refused that and kindly embracing her, said: Madam, it is time for us to return back to see in what condition the Prince your brother is, and if occasion be to lend him my assistance: wherefore he caused her to mount on the Giant's horse, and he mounting on his own, set forwards towards the place of the combat; in which time she again thanked him for the aid he had afforded her, promising him to do him all the affairs of love or friendship that she could, if he would please to come to the Sultan of Babylon's Paace as he had formerly promised, telling him that she was now resolved to return back thither, and assuring him that the Princess Florisbella her Cousin had an extraordinary estéem for him, and expected his coming: and she assured him, that she would endeavour to increase her good affection towards him.  
Much joyed was Don Bellianis at this discourse, and thus they arrived at the place of combat, where the two Giants and all their Knights were either slain or vanquished: Thus was this fight happily ended to the eternal honour of Don Bellianis.  
The Damsels of the Princess presently applied some remedies to the wounds of Don Bellianis his Knights, and then every one mounting his horse, they rid on: the Prince Baltasano was very thankful for this assistance, and promised Don Bellianis an eternal friendship; thus they road on together sometime, till at length the Princess her brother were resolved not to proceed in their journey with so slight a guard, but to go back to Babylon, to which place they invited Don Bellianis, who made his excuses for the present, promising them that within a month he would not fail to wait upon them there: and thus after many several discourses, they coming to a way that went towards Babylon, they took their leaves of Don Bellianis, and parted thither-wards, leaving him and his Knights to travel to the City of Shyraz to meet with the Princess Persiana, and Duke Alfiron.   

CHAP. XIV.  
How Don Bellianis and his Knights overtook the Princess Persiana, Duke Alfiron, and the rest of the Company, and how they all entered into the City of Shyraz.  
Done Bellianis and his Knights traveled so fast, that within three hours after they overtook their company, for the Princess and her Husband made but easy marches, and had stayed at a Town not far off to dinner: When Don Bellianis came before the Duke and the Princess, they asked him how he had sped in his Enterprise? whereupon he gave them such an account, that they rested very well satisfied: they were now come within two leagues of Shyraz, and many of the Nobility had already come to them to give them the welcome, which they thankfully received.  
After they had passed the Tapyrian Mountains, they came to a great River called Bradamir, which watereth the City, and afterwards falleth into the Persian Gulf with twenty miles circling about on the land: when they came near the City, it was the pleasantest thing in the world to behold, so stately a Building, twenty stately Temples appeared at one time, and the Palace with its lofty Towers made an extraordinary splendour in the eyes of the spectators. Infinite was the resort of the Plebeians that came out to behold their New King and Queen, and when they were a mile off from the City, the Chief Magistrates came out to do their homage to the King and Queen, and in this manner they entered the City, which is one of most ancient and famous throughout all that part of the World. Here Art Magic was first hatched. Here Nimrod, after the Confusion of Babel, lived and was buried. Here Cyrus the most excellent of Heathen Princes was born, and all but his head entombed. Here the Great Alexander glutted his ambition and drunkenness. Here the first Sibylla sung our Saviors Incarnation. Hence the Magis are thought to set forth toward Bethelem, and here many Kings have swayed their Sceptres: in fine, it is a place defended by nature, enriched by trade, by art made lovely, the Vineyards, Gardens, Cypresses, and Temples, ravish the eye, and smell in every part sweet and delightful.  
These excellent persons were received into this most delightsome place, with a great deal of solemnity and joy, and in all the principal places of that City, and all other places of the nation, they were immediately Proclaimed King and Queen of Shyra z, Lar, and Jaarown, Lord and Lady of Ormis, Maqueroon, Kermoen, Chusestam, Sigestan, and Farsestan, Prince and Princess of the Gulf of Persia, and of the Isles there. These were the titles, and great was the joy and acclamations of all that vast kingdom, which reaches above six hundred miles round about. If I should recite to you the many shows, pageants, and triumphant arches that were built, and the several congratulatory Speeches that were that day made to their new King and Queen, I should as much weary you with the reading, and myself with the writing thereof, as they were that day wearied with the hearing of them, and indeed they were so tedious, that although they came to the City by two of the clock afternoon, yet was it nine of the clock at night before they came to the palace: whither they being arrived, they dismissed most of their subjects, and being much wearied they went to take their ordinary repose, which through weariness every one enjoyed, except Don Bellianis whose desires were wholly fixed on the incomparable Florisbella, from whose presence he had been so long absent, that he was in great doubt of his reception into her service, but the promise that day made him by the Princess Mattarosa, did somewhat consolate his disturbed fancy. Thus spent he the whole night in continued contemplations till day appearing, he risen and went to salute the King and Queen, and humbly besought them since he had seen them safely received into their kingdom, they would be pleased to give him leave to departed about his more weighty affairs. This discourse much troubled them, hoping that they should enjoy his company for a longer season, but since he was so desire us to be gone, they prayed him that he would do them so much honour as to stay ten days longer, in which time they intended to be Crowned.  
Don Bellianis not well knowing how to deny any thing to persons so, bliging, consented to this Request, provided that as soon as the Solemnity was ended, they would no longer desire to detain him from his other Adventures: To which they both engaged themselves, and thereupon that day the King issued forth his Commands to all persons concerned to repair to the Court on that day seven-night, to assist at the Ceremonies which were accustomed at the Coronation, with free liberty for all Knights, as well Christians as Pagans, to go and come at the same time, and during their stay to show their Valour and Manhood in Tilting, jousting, and all other Knighty Exercises. This Proclamation being sent abroad occasioned many knights to resort to the Court, so that by the time prefixed for the Triumph, as well the fields adjoining to the City, as the City itself, was filled with Knights, so that it was a most delectable sight to behold, and most delicious to hear the sound of so many Warlike Instruments as was at that time heard. And the King caused certain Earls to be made on the outside of the City, within which the Knights were to Tilt and perform their Deeds of Knighthood, and caused a Throne to be placed there for himself and his Queen, and Seats for the rest of the Nobility, where they might sit and see the Tournaments: and he further ordained twenty Knights of his own, who were commanded by one Don Lorino Son to his Brother Don Gorino, a young and hardy Knight, to resist all strange Knights.  
These things being thus ordained, all people waited with a great deal of impatience, till the appointed day for the Solemnity of the Conoration was come; which day being now come, there happened that which shall be declared in the chapter following.   

CHAP. XV.  
How the Day of the Coronation being come, there entered into the Court a Knight, who termed himself to be The Knight of the Island of Pearls, and demanded the Kingdom of Shyraz as his right, and offered to defend his Title in single Combat against any one Knight; which Combat Don Bellianis undertook, and vanquished him, and of his departure for Babylon.  
THe Kingdom of Shyraz, whereof the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana were now in possession, had for many years belonged to the Sultan of Persia, Father to the Princess, who had given the same to his Daughter, as hath already been declared: but we have not yet told you how the Sultan of Persia came by the same.  
So it was, that the Father of this Sultan only had tribute for the same of one Gozmin, a valiant Knight, but the said Gozmin for some traitorous enterprise was dispossessed of the same: He being executed, and his sons for ever disenabled to possess the same, for a just reward of their father's treason, and then the Sultan took the same into his own possession, and ever after that took the immediate Profits thereof to his own use, only appointing a Governor there, whom he placed and displaced as often as he thought fit, and in this condition he left it to his Son when he died, who (as I told you) gave it freely to his Son in Law Duke Alfiron, as a Portion with his Daughter. Now this Gozmin left two Sons behind him, both valiant and stout Knights, the eldest whereof lived in an Island in the Persian Gulf, called The Island of Pearls.  
The day being come wherein this great Ceremony of Crowning the King and Queen was to be performed, every one arose early either to assist at, or behold the Ceremony: The King and Queen being ready, mounted in a Triumphant Chariot, and by four unicorns were drawn to the great Temple, where they being arrived mounted on a Scaffold prepared to that purpose, and then the Chief Flamen of the City, after the ordinary Ceremonies, placed two Crowns of Gold, enriched with many precious Stones of inestimable value on their heads, praying to the Gods to bless them with perpetual blessings, and blessing all their friends, and true and loyal Subjects, and cursing all such as were, or should be their enemies. This Ceremony being performed, they both descended from their Thrones, and walking through the Temple remounted their Chariot, riding therein through the City with their Crowns on to the Court, where they were no sooner arrived, but the Tables were spread with all manner of delicious Viands that the Country could afford, many Healths going round the Table for the prosperity of the King and Queen. After Dinner was ended, before any person did arise from Table, the Herald at Arms (according to custom did, after the sound of an innumerable company of Trumpets) again proclaim the said Duke and Princess to be King and Queen of Shyraz, Larr and Jaarown, Lord and Lady of Ormus, Maqueroone, Kermoen, Chusestan, Sigestan and Farfestan, Prince and Princess of the Gulf of Persia, and of the Isles there.  
These words he pronounced twice, and at the end of every such Proclamation he said, if any one had any right to the same, or any part thereof, he bid them come forth and declare the same. This had been done twice, and the Herald was about to begin the third time, when a Knight armed in an azure Armour, commanded him to hold his peace; which he obeyed, and then the Knight going up to the place, where the King and Queen sat, spoke as followeth.  
Duke Alfiron, for by no other name shall I own you: It is not unknown to most of the people here present, that my Title to this Crown of Shyraz, and all the Territories thereto belonging, is just and good, when they shall know that I am Son to the famous Gozmin, sometimes King of this place, I had long since expected that the Sultan would have restored me to my undoubted right, but since I see that he hath been so unjust as to give it away, I am to tell thee, that if thou wilt enjoy it, I must first be dead; and therefore I will thee presently to appoint at thy Champion to defend thy Title, and to enter into the Lists with me immediately, not questioning but the Gods will so far do me justice, that I shall be enabled to destroy thy Champion.  
Having thus said, he held his peace: This Speech gave a wonderful astonishment to all the persons there present, and gave the King and Queen a sensible trouble to be thus interrupted in the midst of their Solemnity. The King answered, That he was so well satisfied in the justice of the Quarrel, that he was ready himself to enter the Field to vindicate his Right, but the Queen dissuaded him therefrom, not questioning but that they should find some other Champion.  
Many Knights presently arose, and desired the King and Queen that they might have the Honour of the Combat, but the King was resolved not to venture his Title in the hands of any, but such a one as he should be very confident of his worth. Don Bellianis thinking himself obliged to do somewhat, was resolved to undertake the Combat, and therefore arising from his seat, desired the King and Queen to admit him to be their Champion, and to put the trial of their Cause into his hands. The King would willingly have excused it, by reason of the many Obligations which he had already received from him: but Don Bellianis who was resolved not to be denied, pressed them so hard, that at length they condescended. Whereupon he desired that the Combat might presently be performed. To which the other Knight willingly consented, and the place intended for the jousts, was the place appointed for the Combat; to which place every one presently repaired, much wondering at the presumption of the Knight of the Island of Pearls, for so he was called, and was known to be the best Knight in all that Country.  
Don Bellianis having Armed himself, presently repaired to the place appointed for the Combat, where when he came, be found the Knight of the Island of Pearls, and the King and Queen, and most of the Nobility seated near the Lists, to behold this Combat. Both the Combatants were armed with very good Armour. Don Bellianis being armed with that famous Armour enriched with Basilisks, and his Shield whereon was the Picture of the Princess Florisbella, and mounted on an excellent Horse. The other Knight was as well armed and mounted, when taking each of them a Lance, at the sound of the Trumpets they couched their Lances, and Don Bellianis with the great desire he had to hit his enemy, miss his encounter: but the other Knight did not so, but hit his enemy so firmly on the Shield, that Don Bellianis lost both his Stirrups; whereat he was so extremely enraged, that throwing away his Lance without making any use thereof, he drew his Sword, which his enemy likewise did, and gave Don Bellianis a mighty blow on the Helm.  
The Knight of the Island of Pearls having given his enemy two such notable strokes without receiving any, did certainly assure himself of the better of the Combat: but was quickly of another mind, when Don Bellianis being throughly enraged, lifting up his Sword, gave the Knight so mighty a blow, that he tumbled him down from his Horse: But he soon recovered his Legs and Sword, and went on to kill the horse of his enemy; which Don Bellianis seeing, he quickly dismounted and assaulted his enemy with many strokes, which were returned with great strength. During the time of this Combat with the Knights, their Horses began a fierce Combat, for they ran violently against one another, and lifting up their fore feet wounded each other, and what that could not do, they performed with their tooth, biting one another in marvellous manner, to the great astonishment of the Beholders. Thus continued they a good while, but in the end Don Bellianis his Horse caused the other to run away, which was taken notice of to be a good Omen to his Master, who in the mean time was not idle: But resolving so soon as this Combat was finished to be gone, therefore he did his utmost endeavour to vanquish his enemy, whom he had so wounded in several places, that it was impossible for him to continue much longer. But Don Bellianis being much vexed at the rediousness of the Fight, lifting his Sword very high, gave the Knight so great a stroke on the Helm, that he cut it in pieces, and wounded his head in such manner that he fell to the earth, when presently setting the point of his Sword to his Breast, be asked him if he would acknowledge the King and Queen to be his lawful Sovereigns? To which the Knight replied, He would never consent to any such thing during his life. Whereupon Don Bellianis without any more ado, immediately cut off his Head, and then he went to the Herald, and commanded him to go forward with his Proclamation, which he accordingly did in open field, with the general acclamations of many thousands of people who were there present.  
Thus this Combat being ended, Don Bellianis went to the King and Queen, and desired them to give him leave to departed immediately, which they were very unwilling to do, but he telling them that he was confident that they would have no further service to employ him in, and that he would ere long return and visit them, they consented to his departure: but the King was very desirous for him to take some number of knights along with him, which he wholly refused: But the Queen offered him a Dwarf which she brought with her from her Father's Court, whose service for the Queen's sake he accepted, and so he presently departed on his journey, in company of his own Dwarf and that which the Queen gave him, and they attended with all their Train, retired to the Palace.   

CHAP. XVI.  
How Don Bellianis travelling to Babylon, met with a Damsel that was sent to find him; and how he returned with her to the Souldan's Palace.  
WIth great joy and Content traveled the worthy Don Bel●ianis towards Babylon, being very earnestly desirous to arrive in the presence of his Lady, and in this manner he traveled two days without happening on any Adventure. The third day being mounted on Horseback early in the morning, he had not rid above an hour, contemplating on the divine Perfections of his most excellent Lady, and ruminating in his thoughts what service he should do that he might pretend to somewhat of her favour, and wishing for some extraordinary Adventure, that he might show forth his worth, at length he met with a Lady attended with two Knights, who came riding on amain: They no sooner saw him, but the Lady (who knew Don Bellianis by his Armour and Shield) immediately with excess of joy eryed out, Oh most fortunate I that have so soon finished my journey, by meeting with the most Magnanim us and Valiant Knight that ever drew Sword, and that at such a time when there is the greatest need in the world!  
At which words the Knight of the Golden Image much wondered, not knowing how he should be discovered in so strange a Country: But the Lady soon satisfied him of that doubt, by telling him that she belonged to the Princess Mattarosa, and was one of those that was with her Mistress released from the power of the Giant Altifer and his Companions, by the strength and power of his invincible arm.  
Don Bellianis much wondering to see her, courteously asked her in what health her Lady was, and the cause of her travel? To this, Sir Knight, replied she, I shall give you an answer, on condition that you forthwith go along with me to Babylon, and there present yourself to my Mistress and the Princess Florisbella, and there receive such Orders from them as they shall give, to which Request he readily consented; wherefore they setting forwards on their journey, the Lady began her Discourse as followeth.  
Know then most valiant and redoubted Knight, that never since the Walls of Babylon was built by the brave Semiramis, was greater sorrow within that City than there is now, and never was there greater cause of mourning; for it is not a week since one of the greatest pieces of Treachery was committed that ever was heard of.  
One day the Sultan, our Dread Lord, accompanied by his Empress Silviana, the Princess Florisbella, the Princess Mattarosa my Mistress, and many other great Personages, having been a Hunting, were met by a grave old Man and two Damsels, they were all three drawn in a Chariot, and coming near our company, they all made the most pitiful complaint in the world: The Sultan taking compassion on them, demanded what was the cause of their so great Complaint: To which speech the old man replied, that he being travelling to Babylon with those two Damsels and his Daughter, two Knights seeing his Daughter of admirable beauty, desired her company to abuse her, which she not consenting to, they endeavoured to force her, and in the end notwithstanding all the resistance they could make, they drew her out of the Chariot, intending to execute their lusts upon her: but she resolving rather to die than lose her honour, so long resisted them, that one of them must inhumanely drew his Sword, and gave her so great a wound on the head, that she immediately fell as dead to the ground; which they seeing, immediately mounted their horses and departed, leaving my poor daughter stretched along the grass struggling for life: In this manner we all remained, making exceeding lamentations, when an old matron coming by, and being told the occasion of our complaint, commanded us to bind up the wound, and lay her in the Chariot, telling us that she was not to be cured, but by one single touch of the fairest hand in the world, now sir, we are going to Babylon, to see if we can find the person that shall cure this Lady.  
The Sultan and his Daughter having heard this discourse, and seeing the Lady lie stretched along in the Chariot, presently were desirous to see where the wound was given, for which cause they both entered the Chariot, at which time the old man whipped his horses to make them go on, but they stirred not one jot; at which he much wondered, and the Princess coming to the body of the extended Lady, and touching her wound, she presently lifted up her head, and opening her eyes hearty thanked the Princess for her cure, for by her touching the wound she was immediately cured. Much did the old man wonder, that notwithstanding all he could do to the horses that drew the Chariot, he could not get them to move one foot, but they stood as if their feet had been fixed to the ground: and as much was the Princess, and the rest of the company pleased with the finishing of that adventure, and therefore the Princess seeing there was nothing else to be done, descended from the Chariot, which she had no sooner done, but the horses that drew it immediately fell a running in a very violent manner, not giving the Emperor leave to come out; which the Ladies and Knights seeing, were greatly abashed thereat, and the Empress commanded many of the Knights who were best mounted, to f●llow the Chariot and bring back the Sultan, but all their haste availed them nothing, for the horses that drew the Chariot, ran with incredible swiftness, till they who pursued them quite lost sight thereof. Great was the lamentations and sorrow of the Empress, the Princess her Daughter, and all the rest of the spectators, not knowing what was become of the Sultan, but they still hoped that some of the Knights would overtake the Chariot, but though all the company stayed there six hours, and all the Knights were returned, yet no news was brought of the Sultan, only that the Chariot was gone out of their sight.  
Great was the sorrow of the Empress and her Daughter, and all the rest of the company, but it growing late they were forced to go back to the City in much dolour; by the way as they went a Damsel came, and meeting the Empress gave her a Letter, and immediately departed, which she greatly wondering at, caused the same to be immediately broken open, wherein was read as followeth.  
The Letter of Bellona to the Empress Silviana.  
MAdam, although it hath for many years been my greatest study and care to do all that I might for the preservation of you and your family, yet this late adventure could not be helped by me, and had not your Daughter been possessed of the Ring, which she sometime since received at the hands of the Knight of the Basilisks, she had fallen into greater danger of her person, then is now be fallen her Father, who is carried to such a place that it is impossible to release him, but by the best Knight in the world. Therefore Madam, rest yourself contented, and be assured that he who gave your Daughter the Ring, is most capable of finishing this adventure. It will not be long before he arrives at your Court, and then if he travels to the Caspian Sea, he may give you and himself the satisfaction you desire.  
Subscribed, Bellona.  
Much content and satisfaction did this Letter give to the Empress, and much more to her Daughter, considering the good she had received by your means, when she accepted of the King; and in this satisfaction they entered the City, and went to the Palace, where they presently fell into consultation about what was necessary to be done: Some were of advice to expect your coming to the Court, according to the tenor of the Letter from Bellona, but the Empress and her Daughter were too impatient to attend your coming, and therefore the Princess Mattarosa having sometime before that given them an account how you had rescued her, they were very desirous to know which way you took when you parted from her: To which question she quickly answered, that you were then gone to Shyraz, but intended not to stay there long, wherefore they immediately hearing that I knew you by your Armour, commanded me, in company of these two Knights, to seek you out: and this Sir Knight, was the occasion of my journey.  
Don Bellianis rested much perplexed and amazed at the discourse he had heard; perplexed, that his Lady was in so great sorrow, but withal he was very glad that fortune still pointed out something for him to do, whereby he might in part express the zealous love and affection which he had towards his Princess, not esteeming any thing that he could do, though with the extremest hazard of his life, a sufficient merit for the least favour that he should receive at the hands of his Lady. This discourse had held them a good part of the way, and they being come near Babylon, they resolved to reach thither that night, wherefore they made the greatest haste they could, so that before Sunset they arrived in the City, and road presently to the Court, where they were received by the Empress and her Daughter, and other great personages, as shall be related to you in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. XVII.  
How Don Bellianis arrived at the Sultan of Babylon's Palace, and how he was received by the Empress and Ladies, and of his discourse with the Princess Florisbella and Mattarosa.  
BEfore I tell you how Don Bellianis was entertained at the Palace, it will be necessary to tell you what was become of the Sultan. The sage Fristone, friend to Perianeo, and enemy to Don Bellianis, being desirous to use the utmost of his Art to pleasure Perianeo, and knowing of the great love that he bore to the Princess Florisbella, did, as was related to you in the first Book of this History, endeavour by means of the enchanted Tent, to get her into his possession, but hindered of his purposes by the sudden arrival of Don Bellianis, who by means of the Enchanted Sword and Armour that he had on, finished that Adventure to the disgrace and trouble of Fristone, he being himself wounded, his Tent vanishing away, and the Princess Florisbella saved: This misfortune vexed him so much, that he endeavoured all that he could to be revenged, and therefore knowing that Don Bellianis would about this time come to Babylon, and be very likely to win the Princess, resolved to prevent him, and therefore caused that Chariot to be provided, and all the other things which met the Sultan, as is declared in the foregoing chapter, hoping to get her into the Chariot, and then assuring himself that when he lashed the horses, they would run so fast, that he needed not fear to be overtaken: Being thus furnished, he arrived near Babylon, as is related in the foregoing chapter, and having by his piteous discourse induced the Sultan and his Daughter to come into the Chariot, he was very joyful, but when he thought himself most sure he failed of his enterprise, by means of the King which Don Bellianis gave her, which had the power over all Enchantments; but so soon as she was descended from the Chariot, his Enchantments had their full power, and by that means he carried away the Sultan, as is already declared.  
So long did they travel that at last they arrived at a riverside, and such power had Fristone with his spells, that the Sultan remained all this while in a Trance, whose body they took out of the Chariot and placed in a barque which lay there ready, and so having embarked themselves, they presently set sail and sailed so long that they arrived in the Caspian Sea, which they crossed, and on the north part thereof landed in an Island, whither being come, they conveyed the body of the Sultan into a most strong Castle, and there Fristone put so strong a Guard upon him, that he thought it invincible in which place we must leave the Sultan to return to his Court at Babylon.  
Don Bellianis being arrived there, as I have told you, he, accompanied with the Lady that conducted him, entered into the presence of the Empress, who was at that time accompanied with her fair Daughter the Princess Florisbella, the Princess Mattarosa, the Prince of Numidia her Brother, and many other great personages. The Princess Florisbella was at that time attired in Purple Velvet beset with many Oriental Pearls, and a Crown of Gold and jewels of mighty value on her head; but all her habit, though it was of an inestimable value, was but a foil to set forth her rare personage: her eyes shining far brighter than all her jewels, and indeed nothing did so well resemble them, as the pure light of the Sun, there came so many radiant beams from them, that Don Bellianis being approached the presence, and having pulled off his Helmet, was so blinded with the pure light that issued from them, that he was in a manner dazzled: and all her other parts were so perfectly rare, that Venus herself had she been there, would have blushed to have seen herself outgone in beauty.  
The Princess on the other side, having never till now seen the face of Don Bellianis, was so surprised with his manly beauty, that she concluded him to be only Paragon in the world, and that all beauty and valour was worthily in that one person concentred.  
The Lady who conducted him thither, seeing that he continued silent, thus began: May it please your Excellent Highness, to behold an end of my journey, for by the help of our Gods here is before you the person that shall so far content you, that you may certainly expect the deliverance of my Lord the Sultan, in short time to be accomplished.  
Don Bellianis being very sensible of the error he had run into by his silence, said to the company: Most excellent Princesses, what ever my mean labour can accomplish either in releasing the Sultan, or in any other Affair, assure yourselves I shall be most willing to undertake it, & shall thank my good fortune if any thing I can do to the utmost hazard of my life, shall give you any pleasure; and therefore most illustrious Empress, give me the honour to be commanded by you, and I shall run to the accomplishment thereof, though it be to my certain death, and shall think that part of my life best bestowed, wherein I can in any manner please or content you.  
The Empress having heard and beheld him, replied: Noble Knight, your presence at this time is most acceptable, and we are so far obliged to you for your last company, and the hazard that you then underwent for the deliverance of our Daughter, that I cannot with modesty tell how to desire you to hazard your person any more for us: but since the Gods are pleased to place all their virtues within your bosom, and so to decree it that none but yourself was born to assist us, I shall be thankful to the Gods for so providing a person, who may be rightly termed The deliverer of the House of Babylon, for without your help we should infallibly perish, and therefore good Sir Knight, repose yourself for a few days, and then take such help for the accomplishment of this adventure as you shall think fit, and which the whole Empire will afford, that you may once more restore a Husband to me a sorrowful wife, a Father to an afflicted daughter, and a Prince to his most loving subjects.  
Having thus said, she descended from her Throne, and came to the place where Don Bellianis was kneeling, and raising him from the ground, he humbly kissed her hands, and then went to the place where the Princess Mattarosa sat, not daring as yet to go to the Princess Florisbella, and humbling himself on his knee he kissed the hand of the Princess Mattarosa, saying to her: Madam, when I last left you, I gave you my word that I would ere long wait upon you at this place, to obey your commands, and in order thereunto I was coming hither, when the Lady met me, and related to me the misfortune of the Sultan, which hath given me a very sensible affliction to see that any thing should give a trouble to such divine personages as are here present: But Madam, assure yourself, that I will employ all the remaining part of my life in finishing this adventure, but I will give you the contentment you expect and desire in the presence of the Sultan. Mattarosa, who was sensible of the love and affection that the Princess her Cousin had for the valiant Don Bellianis, and being resolved to pleasure her, said: Dear Cousin, you need not question the performance of this adventure, since it is put into the hands of such a Knight, of whose worth I am very well satisfied, and without whose aid I had e'er this time been in my grave; for I would certaintly have given myself a violent death, rather than have consented to the lubidinous desire of that monstruous Giant who had me in his possession. The Princess Florisbella now thought it fit for her to speak, and therefore she said, I am so well satisfied in the worth of this Knight, that I question not the performance of any thing be will undertake, and I have had so sufficient proofs both of his judgement and valour, that I have found the effects to be such, that I am much engaged to him therefore, and I myself had either been a prisoner or worse twice ere this but for him; for which two remarkable Services I am still bound to him, and shall always acknowledge myself his debtor, both for the service he did me, and for the precious token he left with me, without which I had now been in company of my Father, and therefore none hath more cause to estéem of his virtues then myself: and then turning herself towards him, she said: Assure yourself, Sir Knight, that I estéem myself more bound to you then to all men living, and shall always acknowledge it, and next unto my parents I shall be always ready to be disposed of by your commands.  
She having thus finished her discourse, Don Bellianis was almost ravished with delight, and humbly kissing her fair hand, and fetching a great sigh, he replied: Ah dear Madam, all that I have yet done for you, or shall be able to perform the remaining part of my life, is already sufficiently recompensed by this immense favour you have so prodigally bestowed in the humblest of your servants. He would have proceeded, but that the Prince of Numidia came then to him, and humbly thanking him for the aid he had lent him in releasing him and his Sister from the Giant Altifer, and so he led him from the Ladies, into the company of several Knights that were there present, who much honoured him for the worth they understood him to be endued withal.  
Thus he spent some time in this company till it was time to disarm himself, which when he had done, the Princess Mattarosa sent him a rich Mantle, and by the messenger that brought it, she desired that he would not fail to let her have the happiness of his company some time that evening: To which message he returned answer, That he would not fail to wait on her. Most of the evening he spent in complementing the Knights of the Court, and they in showing him the rarities and novelties thereof, and there he with great wonder and amazement beheld the pleasant Gardens and Fountains there; having spent much time in walking, he at length desired the the Prince of Numidia to show him his lodging, which he did accordingly, and as he walked thither the Prince told him which was the Souldan's, and which was his Sisters, and which was the Princess Florisbellas. Now the Princess Mattarosas, and the Princess Florisbellas' were adjoining together, and his lodging was not far from either of them, at which he was very well pleased: Having thus spent much time he again went into the Presence, where was the Empress, her Daughter, and Kinswoman, and many other Ladies; and thus they spent much of that evening in several discourses, at last every one withdrew to their several apartments. Don Bellianis remembering the Message he had received from the Princess Mattarosa, appointed his Dwarf Ordino to attend her going to her Lodging, and to take notice of some one of her Damsels, which the Dwarf performed, and his Master being retired into his chamber and alone, he came to him and told him that the Princess was now in her Chamber with no other company but two of her Damsels: Don Bellianis therefore commanded the Dwarf to go thither and tell one of her Damsels that he desired to speak with her Lady, and when he should come into her presence to present his service to her, and let her know that he waited her commands. The Dwarf soon executed his message, and returned to his Master, and told him that the Princess expected his coming to her Lodging, he therefore immediately left his own Chamber and went to her, where she received him with a great deal of freedom, and causing him to sit down by her, she thus began.  
Sir Knight, the great favour you did me in releasing me from the power of the Giant, is so deeply engraven in my breast, that all that I can do for you through the whole course of my life, I shall estéem too little for a recompense: and if you remember when I then parted from you, I desired your company here, that it might be in my power to do somewhat to gratify you, if therefore you know any thing wherein I may pleasure you, speak boldly and freely, and let me know it, for the time you have to stay here being not long, an opportunity of doing you service may soon be overslipt. Don Bellianis having attentively listened to this discourse, did much marvel thereat, wondering what the issue thereof would be: but while supposing that his fortune might so fall out, that she herself might be in love with him, at which he would have been much discontented; and then an other while supposing that she might do him some great kindness in his love to her Cousin, he was therefore resolved try her mind, and after some silence he thus began:  
Madam, if I have done you any service, it was no more than I was bound to do by the Order of Knighthood, besides it hath been already sufficiently recompensed by this your acknowledgement, therefore you rest no longer indebted to me for that: but there is one thing Madam, wherein you may greatly pleasure and oblige me of new to be your humble Servant. It is now Madam, some years since I received the Order of Knighthood, and with it a Suit of Armour which I have since lost, only I have preserved the Shield that belonged thereto, not for any extraordinary worth therein, but only for the sake of a Picture that is therein portrayed, I do believe that you have seen it, and may remember that it hath some small resemblance with the Princess your Cousin, and indeed for her sake alone have I kept it, and under the Name of The Knight of the Golden Image have I gone ever since, and have won many Combats thereby, so that what ever Act I have done worthy of remembrance may be wholly attributed to her Virtue: this hath caused me now twice to come to this Court, not as yet daring to give her any notice of my desires, now therefore if you are pleased to do me any further friendship, let it be this, to desire her to be pleased to admit me to be her Knight, and then I question not but I shall be sufficiently able to perform any Enterprise, though never so difficult and perilous.  
Don Bellianis having thus finished his Discourse, the Princess was fully satisfied that in doing him a courtesy, she should likewise pleasure her Cousin, whose mind she knew very well, but like a discreet virtuous Lady, she was resolved to know what Parentage he was of, and whether that dis-proportion would not hinder that which they so much desired, and therefore she thus replied:  
Noble Sir, I give you many thanks for your fréeness with me, and assure yourself that in this matter I shall execute your will that you shall have your desires, provided that you engage me in nothing that may be a blemish to the Honour of my Fair Cousin, and therefore Sir, I pray tell me who gave you the Honour of Knighthood, that if I be demanded that Question by my Cousin, I may be provided with an Answer. To this he soon replied, He who gave me the Order of Knighthood was as then unknown to me, and so was I then to him, but since I knew him to be the Emperor of Greece. Then Sir, quoth the Lady, I question not but he was satisfied that by birth you were worthy of it. Ah Madam, said he, he was then told that I was of Noble Lineage by a Lady that was present: but since he hath known me, and I him better, for indeed he is my Father. Then recounted he to her the manner of his first Adventures, and how he was Knighted by his Father, and how afterwards did fight with him, as it is at large set down in the First Part of this excellent History.  
This Discourse so well satisfied the Princess, that she told him that since he had been so free to her, as to tell her his greatest secrets, she would in recompense thereof tell him somewhat that should give him equal content, and thereupon she said: Six Knight, I do now assure you that you may account yourself happy in your love, for the Princess Florisbella my Cousin is altogether as amorous of you as you are of her, and hath been as desirous to discover the same, as you yourself; and therefore so carry yourself in this business, that what ever you do may redound to the honour of you both, and to the end that you may receive the same satisfaction from her own mouth, I will immediately go into her Chamber and bring her hither: At which words Don Bellianis fell on his knees to the ground, and straight embracing her legs, he said: Ah dear Madam, what thanks, what services, what returns shall I make for this extraordinary favour? But she knowing that a little time would be soon lost, got from him, and leaving him in this Ecstasy, went into the Chamber of her Cousin, where she had not stayed long but she returned with her Cousin in her company, who now being undressed, was attired in a Mantle of Crimson-Velvet, and such other Garments, that Juno in all her Bravery did not appear half so stately, nor Venus when she courted Adonis was not half so lovely: When they came into the Chamber, they found the Knight on his knees, his ecstasy of joy had been so great, wherefore the Princess Mattarosa taking her Cousin by the hand, led her to him, saying: Behold here, Madam, the best Knight in the world prostrate on his knees, expecting from your lips the gracious favour of your admitting him to be your Knight. Arise most noble Prince, answered the Princess, for so my Cousin informs me you are, and indeed it could not be expected that so great Perfecti●ns of Valour, Magnanimity and true Virtue, should abide in the breast of any one but the greatest Prince in the world.  
At these words Don Bellianis humbly kissing her hand arose, and then the Princess Mattarosa caused them both to sit down: when they were sat, the Princess Florisbella demanded of him how he performed the Adventure of selling her Cousin Aurora in possession of her Kingdom; for, said she, I hear that she is bound to you for that favour? Then he recounted to her all that happened in that Adventure, how he killed her usurping Enemy Don Gallaneo, and the many hazards he ran through when he went disguised in the Apparel of one of her Damsels, and how at last he procured the Sultan of Persia to Confirm her in her Kingdom, and then said he, Madam, I had gone along with her to have seen her settled therein, but that the remembrance of your divine Beauty, was as attractive to my heart as the Loadstone to the Needle, which caused me to leave that Charge to two of my Brethren, and some other of my Friends, to apply myself hither to wait upon my Commands. And said the Princess Mattarosa, it, was most happy for us both that you went not thither; for I had ere this perished without the assistance you brought me, and the Princess my Cousin had still wanted one to undertake the Redemption of her Father.  
Ah most noble Lady, replied he, I see now that Fortune and my good Stars have brought me some sweet with much of bitter I have hitherto run through, in that they have given me some opportunity of testifying to you my service, in which point I wish my Destinies will still continue me to my lives end, for it will be the greatest good that can come to me, to spend the remainder of my life in the service of so Divine Personages, and therewith he took the fair Hand of his Mistress, and amorously kissed it. In these terms continued these Lovers for two or three hours, and then they gave to each other such assured Testimonies of their loves, that it endured for ever.  
The Princess signified much sorrow that he was to departed in so short time, to hazard his person in so great perils, but he assured her, that since she thought him worthy of being hers, he did not question but to overcome all difficulties, and in short time return with her Father. Then she desired him to take some company with him, that he might be the better enabled to perform his Enterprise: but he refused that, dersiring to perform it himself, that the Sultan her Father might be obliged to none for his Deliverance but to him only, that thereby he might have the more cause to grant him what he should afterwards desire of him.  
But the Princess Mattarosa knowing that her Brother the Prince of Numidia intended to accompany him in this Adventure, persuaded him that since the journey was long, and that he was to travel on the Caspian Sea to some uncertain place there, that he would not refuse his company, which he at last assented to. Thus having spent much of the night in these Discourses, after the two Lovers had given each other new Obligations of Promises of an everlasting Love and Friendship, they every one with great silence departed to their several Lodgings.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
How Don Bellianis had a second Conference with the Princess Florisbella and her Cousin Mattarosa, and how he, after he had taken his leave of the Ladies, departed in quest of the Sultan, accompanied with Baltasano Prince of Numidia.  
THe satisfaction the two Lovers received in the Evenings Conference, occasioned them to take but little rest that night: never was Don Bellianis so contented as now, all his Travels, Combats, Conflicts and bloody Fights, he accounted as nothing, and that they were all more than fully recompensed by the kind and loving Discourse he had received that evening from his Princess. These thoughts accompanied him all night so that he slept not at all, but still ruminated in his mind how he should contrive his good fortune, and how he should give so good a satisfaction to the Sultan, that he might be willing to accept of him for his Son in Law: These thoughts took up all the night, so that morning coming, the Prince of Numidia came to his Chamber to give him the Good morrow, whereupon he presently arose, and very lovingly received him.  
After he had apparelled himself, he left his Chamber, and walked with the Prince in the Garden, where the Prince told him that he had one Boon to beg of him, and therefore prayed that he might not be denied. Don Bellianis answered, that he might freely ask any thing of him, for he took it as an honour if be could pleasure him in any thing. Then the Numidian Prince told him that the Request he was to make was this, That he would be pleased to permit him to have the honour to attend him in his intended Expedition; for, saith he, I cannot but acquire much honour and renown in being in the presence and company of so brave and worthy a Knight.  
Don Bellianis who had already promised his Sister that he would permit him to go with him, told him, that he could not acquire any fame in his company, but however if he would give himself that trouble, he should be glad of his good company. The Numidian being very glad that he had granted his Request, gave him many thanks, and told him he should estéem his life happy so long as he had the enjoyment of his good society, and said he hoped, that having so good a Pattern both of Chivalry and Virtue, he did not question but he should profit himself very much thereby  
In these Discourses they continued some time till all the Court was risen, but it was somewhat late before the two Princesses arose, they having sat up so late the night before, that it was Noon before they came into the Presence Chamber, being come, the Tables were covered, and every one sat down to Dinner: Don Bellianis could eat but little for observing the rare Perfections of his Divine Princess who was seated just against him, who attired herself in most sumptuous manner, that her Clothes might give some lustre to her Beauty: but although she was habited in an extraordinary manner, yet her face and person appeared like the Sun, and they like clouds that obscured her other beauties. She often cast amorous glances at her Knight, and seeing his eye still fixed on her, she was often moved to blush.  
Thus did he spend two days in the greatest content and satisfaction in the world, still accompanied by the Prince of Numidia, and by that means he had the opportunity with him of courting the Princess his Cousin with the greater freedom, sometimes they walked in the pleasant Walks and Gardens of the Palace, and at other times they went abroad in the Fields to divert themselves; in all which time he endeavoured by his most ordinary actions, to let her see the estéem he had of her Virtues. The night before he was to departed he took the opportunity to speak to the Princess Mattarosa, humbly desiring her that since his time was so short that he was to departed the next day, she would do him the favour to speak to the Princess Florisbella to give him the happiness of her Company in her Chamber, that he might take his farewell of her, to which his Request she soon consented.  
So Evening being come, and every one retired to their several Lodgings, he attended not long before one of the Princess' Damsels came to his Chamber, to advertise him that the two Princesses were together and expected him; He thereupon very joyfully went to the Chamber where they were, and prostrating himself on his knee, he humbly kissed her hand, but she not permitting it caused him to arise, and seating herself by him, said unto him:  
Worthy Sir, Since it hath pleased the Heavens to put so great a cross upon us, as so soon to part us, I beseech you by the friendship and love that you have so zealously professed to me, that you will not only make all the expedition you can in returning back from this Adventure, but also do the best you can to secure your person, not thrusting yourself into any unnecessary hazard; for know Sir, that since you are become my Knight, I resolve to keep such a strict power over you, that I shall not be won to consent that you shall do any thing to endanger your person: and were it not on so necessary an occasion, I should not give you leave to departed.  
Having said thus, she hung down her head and fetched a deep sigh, expressing by that the sorrow she took for his departure, wherefore he thus replied to her:  
Gracious Madam, Since it hath pleased you to give yourself so much trouble to have some care of my unworthy person, I shall endeavour in this, as well as in all other things, to obey your Commands, assuring you that this Adventure being finished, I shall immediately return back, and shall not hereafter undertake any Adventure without your leave first obtained, not questioning but I shall be able to perform whatsoever I shall begin, through the mighty assistance I have received by being under your protection.  
Thus did these two Lovers discourse with one another, sometimes embracing each other: and Don Bellianis knowing that he was to be gone the next day, took more freedom than ordinary, and ravished from her lips many amorous Kisses, which to him were more pleasant than Nectar and Ambrosia, or the food of the Gods. Thus spent they much time, and would have continued their amorous discourses longer, but that the Princess Mattarosa caused them to break off and departed, which they at last very unwillingly consented to: Thus at length they retired to their several Lodgings and went to Bed, taking their ordinary repose.  
The morning being come, Don Bellianis arose early to put all things in order for his departure, but he had not been long up before the Prince of Numidia and two of his Kinsmen came to wait on him in his Lodging, but not finding him there they walked into the Garden where they found him, and there the Prince of Numidia told him that he was ready to go with him whensoever he should appoint him, but told him that he humbly begged him to permit those two Knights to go in their company. Don Bellianis who was unwilling to deny him any thing he should ask, at length at the entreaty of the two knights themselves consented; and thereupon he bid them be ready, for that Afternoon he intended to set forward on his journey, they resting very well satisfied, and prepared all things accordingly.  
Thus Noon being come and Dinner ended, he took his farewell of the Empress, the Princess Florisbella, and the Princess Mattarosa, and all the rest of the Court. The Princess Florisbella gave him a new Shield, wherein was her own Picture drawn to the Life, and richly guilded, whereby he went by the Name of the Knight of the Golden Image. The Prince of Numidia was armed in an Azure Armour, and in his Shield he had a Boars-head, he having formerly killed a monstrous Boar, and therefore he was called The Knight of the Boar. The other two Knights were armed in white Armour, they being new Knights: the one, who was amorous of the Princess Mattarosa, had Hope painted in his Shield, and the Princess gave him a Scarf as a Favour from her: and the other had a flaming Sword painted on his Shield, because when he was knighted it was with a Sword that resembled a Flame.  
Being thus most richly armed and bravely mounted, after several Complimental expressions had passed between many of the Souldan's Knights and Don Bellianis and his Companions, wishing them a prosperous success in their intended Adventure, they took their leave of all the fair Ladies, and only attended by Don Bellianis his two Dwarves, they left Babylon and journeyed towards the Caspian Sea.   

CHAP. XIX.  
How Don Bellianis and his Companions traveled to the Caspian Sea, and how there they embarked themselves in quest of the Sultan of Babylon.  
Three days traveled Don Bellianis and his Companions without meeting with any Adventure, and indeed he was not at all discontented thereat; for he was resolved to obey the Commands of his Princess, and avoid all things that might hinder his journey: wherefore they traveled very hard, till within one days journey of the Caspian Sea, they saw before them several Knights and Ladies journeying together, but he being very desirous to avoid all company, road on without saluting them; whereupon a Damsel riding after him, said, I am come from one of those Ladies yonder, who say that he who gave you the Order of Knighthood did not do well, in that he did not instruct you in your duty to Ladies when you meet them, and therefore desires if you be not in great haste that you, or some of your company, would break a Lance with some of her Knights, to the end she may know whether you are better furnished with valour than with courtesy.  
Don Bellianis being somewhat troubled at this Message, replied, That his haste would not permit him to give her that satisfaction which she desired, but the Knight of the flaming Sword who was in his company, desired him to permit him to break a Lance with one of the Knights, to which Don Bellianis at last consented, so that after that they should not be enjoined to ●ny further stay, to which the Damsel consenting, departed. She was no sooner come to her Lady and delivered her Message, but one of her Knights advanced towards them, which the Knight of the flaming Sword seeing, took a Lance and went to meet him. They soon couched their Lances and met each other with so much vigour, that they both lost their Stirrups and broke their Lances, when taking new ones, at the next encounter the Lady's Knight measured his length on the earth, and the Knight of the flaming Sword was forced to get hold of his Horse's neck to save himself from falling.  
No sooner was this done, but out came another Knight, and desired since the Knight of the flaming Sword was well nigh down, that the Knight of Hope would try his fortune with him: To which he consented, and thereupon they both couching their Lances, the Knight of Hope performed so well that the Lady's Knight measured his length on the earth, and so he served two more, but at last when he was running with the fourth Knight his Horse tumbled, and they both fell on the earth.  
Then the Knight of the Boar stepping forwards, ran against the Knight who had dismounted the Knight of Hope, and turned him off from his Horse: and of ten Knights there remained four who had not tried their valour, but he running against them dismounted them also.  
Don Bellianis seeing there was no more to be done, sent his Dwarf to the Lady to present his service to her, and bid him tell her, that the next time she expected to compel Knights to Courtesy, she must provide herself with more valiant Defendants, which the Dwarf having done, they all departed.  
Thus did they travel on their way all that day, till they came near to the Sea side, where they took up their Lodgings for that night on the shore. No sooner was the Sun gotten up into the Firmament, but our Knights all arose, and Arming themselves went to the Sea side, where they met with their Ship, and presently they embarked themselves and horses, and having a fair wind they set sail and departed.  
Long time sailed they about this Sea, coasting the Country, and landing in several places to inquire after news of the Sultan, but all was in vain. One day a great Calmness happening, they sailing very slowly, descried a Ship from afar off sailing thitherwards, wherefore command was given to the Mariners to bear up to them, which was done with all the expedition they could; when they came near the Ship they heard the voice of a woman who made great lamentation: At which noise Don Bellianis wondering, caused them to call aboard to them, when presently two great Giants armed at all points but their heads, demanded what they required? The Numidian answered, That they desired to know the cause of the lamentation that they heard. The Giant's seeming very angry at his demand, replied, That they might meddle with their own affairs, for that did in no wise concern them.  
Don Bellianis hearing these proud speeches, commanded the Ship to go nearer to the other and grapple with her, which was done accordingly, and the Giants clapping on their Helmets, drew their mighty Symetars to hinder the entrance of the Knights, who by the example of Don Bellianis, were all provided to assail the Giants in their own Ship: but our Knights so laid about them, that one of the Giants was soon laid along the Ship. At this noise ten wellarmed Knights who were below, came up, and drawing their Swords went to assail our Knights, who defended themselves very bravely, and Don Bellian●s so stoutly laid about him, that he soon dispatched four of them, and threw their bodies into the Sea; which the Giant seeing made up to him, and gave him so fierce a blow on the Helmet, that he was astonished, and forced to lay both his hands on the side of the Ship to raise himself up: but he was no sooner got on his feet but he quickly revenged that blow, and gave the Giant such a return, that lighting on his head he cut his Helmet quite in two pieces, and also his Head was cleaved down to the jaws.  
Thus this Giant being dispatched, he turned him about to help his Companions, but he saw they had behaved themselves so well, that they had either killed or vanquished all the Giant's Knights, wherefore he putting up his Sword, commanded the Mariners to conduct him to the place from whence they heard the noise, which they did accordingly: and being come thither, saw a Damsel who made great lamentation, but he demanding of her the cause of her Complaint, she arose, and seeing him knew him by his Armour, when falling on her knees, she said: Ah most courteous Knight! I now know that I am released from the slavery and bondage I was going to, having met with you. Don Bellianis knew not the Damsel, wherefore raising her from the ground, he demanded of her how she knew him? To which she replied, I am confident Sir Knight, that I am not mistaken in my knowledge of you, for without doubt you must needs be the valiant Prince Don Bellianis of Greece, of whose prowess and virtue I am sufficiently acquainted; wherefore know Sir, that I belong to the sage Bellona your very good Friend, who understanding of the Enterprise that you were going about to release the Emperor, and knowing that all the skill and art that your Mariners could use would not be to any purpose, for it is impossible to find out the place where he is kept without her help, she therefore sent me to conduct you thither: and commanding me to go towards the Court of the Sultan of Babylon to meet you, I being on my way thither, was met by these two Giants and Knights, whom you have happily dispatched, who seeing me alone forced me to go aboard with them, and whither they would have carried me I am uncertain, but thanks to your valour I am released from that peril.  
Don Bellianis having heard this Relation, was very glad that he should now be able to find the place whither he was to go, and therefore thanked the Damsel very kindly for the pains and peril she had undertaken for his sake: and thereupon he caused her to go out of that Ship into his own, where she was no sooner come, but she espying the Numidian Prince, began to renew her lamentations; at which they all wondering, asked her the cause of her sudden sorrow? To which she replied, Ah, Sir Knight, when I came from my Mistress she gave into my custody a Sword, which she commanded me to present to her Cousin Baltasano, which she told me he would ere long stand in need of, for it had so hidden a virtue that it would make its way thorough any Armour, though it were enchanted, and told me that next to the Sword which you had it was the best in the world, and these two Giants when they took me, forced the Sword from me, and what they have done with it I know not.  
The Numidian Prince hearing of this was much troubled, fearing lest it should be lost or thrown into the Sea with some of the dead Knights, wherefore he and the Damsel immediately went into the Ship to search for it: so after a little search they found it in one of the Cabins of the Giants, at which he was very glad; and so returning into the Ship of Don Bellianis, they shown it to him, and the Sword was very plain, only the Hilt was made of entire Emerald.  
This being done, they desired the Damsel to direct them to the place where the Sultan remained: but she told them that if they would take her directions, they must first sail to the Mouth of the River Araxis, and being there she then knew how to conduct them. They having heard this, commanded the Mariners to obey her Command, which they forthwith did, and set sail for the River Araxis. In few hours they came thither, and having informed the Damsel thereof, she advised with the Master of the Vessel, and told him that he must sail cross the Sea directly northwards, which he accordingly did: thus they leaving the Giant's Ship behind them, sailed cross that great Sea.  
Don Bellianis being very impatient of their delays, thinking that every day he had been absent from his Princess to be a year, and therefore he discoursed with the Damsel of many matters during the Voyage, that he might pass away the time the better: And she told him that her Mistress had given her no account of the particular dangers that he was to undergo in that Adventure, but said that it was the most perilous that he ever undertook; for the sage Fristone who had placed the Sultan there, had used his utmost skill in his Enchantments, that he might still continue him there a prisoner: but she said that you with the help of the Numidian Prince, should be able by your great skill and valour, to put an end to all the Enchantments, and deliver the Sultan.   

CHAP. XX.  
How Don Bellianis and the Knights his Companions, landed on an Island in the Caspian Sea, where the Sultan was kept prisoner by Enchantment: and how Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia, after they had fought with many monstrous Giants and Serpents, ended the Enchantment.  
LOng had they not sailed before they descried Land, and coming near they found that there were close by several small Islands, in one of which they saw a fair Castle, wherefore Don Bellianis supposing that to be the place where the Sultan was, as indeed it was, he caused them to make to shore: but as they were approaching the shore, they saw several Sea-Monsters with much fierceness approach the Vessel, and made a hideous noise: The two young Knights with their Swords in their hands, went down out of the Ship into the Shallop to get to shore, but these Monsters so laid about them that they soon over-turned the Boat, and had not the Mariners immediately thrown out Ropes the two Knights had been drowned.  
Don Bellianis seeing this, and that these Monsters would endeavour to hinder his landing, and seeing that the shore was so shelving, that it was impossible for the Ship to come so near it as to land him, taking his Sword in his hand he threw himself into the Sea, where he was assaulted by these Monsters who came all about him, but he being well skilled in swimming, did so bravely behave himself that in despite of them he got to land, killing one of them with every stroke he struck By his Example the Numidian Prince followed him, but with very great peril of his life, for he was marvellously assaulted, but at last having killed many of them with his sword, he got to shore.  
The Knight of Hope seeing this, resolved to do the like, but he failed in his Enterprise; for many of these Monsters came about him, and in despite of him bitten him in many places, and notwithstanding he struck at them with his sword, yet it did no more execution upon them than if he had struck upon an Anvil, for his Sword had not the virtue in it to withstand Enchantments; wherefore by the advice of the Damsel he came back again to the Ship, where he and all the rest were forced to stay, not being able to land.  
Thus these two Knights by the help of their pure-cutting Swords got on shore, but they were unarmed, wherefore they caused them in the Ship to throw their Arms out as far as they could towards the shore, where they went and took them up and armed themselves: But there was no way how they could get their Horses on shore, at which they were much troubled: But Don Bellianis seeing that the Castle was not far off, hoped he should have no great occasion of them; wherefore commanding them in the Ship to wait their coming thither again, they departed, and marched right on to the Castle: When they came near it, they saw that it was marvellous strong, being seated on a Rock, and though they walked round about it, they could not find any way to enter into it. At last they espied a ●abe, but the entrance into it was like a Well, for it was downright, and they supposed it to be a Well, but that there was no water in it: Hereat thinking that that was the way into the Castle, they cut down one of the tallest Trees thereabouts, and Don Bellianis causing the Numidian to hold the one end of it, was let down into the Cave, but it reached not to the bottom, wherefore he was forced to take a great leap, and so he fell to the ground sore bruised with the fall, and before he could well get up he was assaulted by two great and hideous Serpents, who ran upon him and trampled him under their feet, but he soon arose, and wounded them most piteously; whereupon they again came upon him, and gave him such lashes with their monstrous tails that it cracked his Armour: but he waiting his opportunity cut off their tails, so that they could not offend him that way, and they making a hideous noise, coming on him to be revenged, he cut off both their Heads at one blow. After he had done this, he walked on, and perceiving some light went further, and saw before him a Court-yard, and in it a Fountain, at the foot whereof were two mighty Dragons, who no sooner saw him approaching, but they ran to assault him: He taking his Buckler in his hand, and fast grasping his Sword, cut the wing of one of them, which caused him to make a hideous noise, and the beast finding himself wounded, ran upon Don Bellianis and catching hold on him drew him on the ground, and with his Talons grasped him so ha●d, that he was very much wounded; and the other likewise caught hold on him with his tooth, and bitten him by the thigh: at which he finding himself in great peril, arose from the ground, and thrust his sword down the throat of one of these Monsters, cleaving his heart in twain so that he fell down dead. The other Dragon was now got upon the back of our Knight, and pulled him down backwards, but he nimbly got from the ground, and being extremely enraged with the smart of his wounds, gave the Dragon such a blow that he cleaved his Head in two.  
When he had done this he sat down, being so faint with the loss of blood that he could hardly stand: after he had taken the air a little he walked about the Court-yard, and there he found a Basket and a long Rope tied to it, wherefore pondering with himself what use that should be for, he believed that with it he might draw the Numidian Prince up into the Castle, and so walking about he saw a Pair of Stairs which went up to the Battlements of the outward Wall of the Castle, where he being come saw the Prince walking about the Green, prying whither he might find any place to get into the Castle: Don Bellianis seeing this called to him, and told him if that he would come in to him, he would help him up by that Rope and Basket, to which he readily assented, and so letting of it down, he drew him up accordingly.  
Having so done he went to assist the Numidian, but he saw that he had likewise killed the other Giant; for being fresh, he laid about him so that he had slain him without receiving any wound, but one in the arm.  
Thus these two friends having finished this Combat, went forwards and entered into a brave Hall paved with Marble, and supported with several Pillars of jasper: walking about here they saw a Door that led them into a Garden where were many pleasant Walks, among the rest one led them to a Vault, at the door of which they saw an Inscription thus written:  
They who shall have so great prowess as to kill all the Guards, and pass hither, shall yet fail in their expectations, unless the Fire that is here preserved be put out; which being done, this Enchantment shall end.  
The Knights having read this, were somewhat satisfied that they knew what would put an end to this Adventure, and therefore they resolved to use their utmost power to accomplish it: but they knew not how to enter this Cave, the door being very strong, searching further they saw another door belonging to the same Cave, and a Bell hanging thereto, which they rung and then the door opened, and there they saw a small Fire in the middle of the Cave: As soon as they were entered they were assaulted in marvellous manner, but they could not see by whom; they felt many mighty strokes, so that sometimes they were driven to fall down on their knees, but they could not see any body that gave them, and it was in vain to use their Swords, for they cut nothing but the Air, at which they both marvelled. And the Numidian Prince understanding by the Inscription that they had read, that the quenching of that Fire gave an end to the Enchantment, he left Don Bellianis and went out of the Cave to the Fountain which they had seen in the Court-yard, and taking off his Helmet, intended to fetch some water from thence, but when he was come near the Fountain, and went to dip his Helmet therein for water, there issued out of the water a fierce Crocodile, and flying in his face wounded his head, so that he bled exceedingly: at which being amazed, he drew his Sword and had a great Combat with the Crocodile, but in the end the Crocodile remained dead, and he dipped his Helmet into the Fountain and took some water from thence and hasted to the Cave, where he found Don Bellianis still in battle with those Phantasms: he gave many blows, but could not hear any sound of them, but he himself was so beaten that he was well nigh out of breath. Thus the Numidian arrived in the Cave, and following close to his friend, crying, Courage Sir, proceed to the Fire, for I have gotten that which will put it out: At which words Don Bellianis went forwards, and the Numidian followed so cl●se, that at last approaching to the Fire he threw the water therein; which he had no sooner done, but there happened much Lightning and Thunder, and immediately they found themselves in the plain Fields, no sign of any Cave or Garden, only the Castle remained. At which they believing the Enchantment to be ended, went towards the Castle, where when they came the doors of the Castle were opened; and they walking into the Hall saw another door which conducted them into another Room, where they met the Sultan walking in great haste to see what was the occasion of that great noise: but when he came down and saw the two Knights, he greatly marvelled, not yet thinking the Enchantment to be ended: but they putting their knees to the ground told him, that if as hitherto he had been a prisoner, he was now by the bounty of Heaven free; and thereupon the Prince of Numidian pulled off his Helmet, which the Sultan seeing ran to him, knowing him, and said, Ah good Cousin Baltasano, how much am I indebted to you for this great travel that you have undertaken for my Delivery! But Baltasano answering, replied, Good Uncle, all my endeavours had been fruitless, had you not been assisted by this good Knight, to whom you are much beholden, and so is your Daughter, or else she had kept you company.  
The Sultan hearing this, went to Don Bellianis, and lifting him from the ground, said: Indeed good Knight, he who brought me hither, told me that if I would not consent that he should dispose of my Daughter, he would ere long force her to keep me company, and we should end our wretched lives together, but I resolved rather to suffer any torment than to consent to so great an evil as the delivery of my Daughter to him, trusting that the Heavens would be so good to her as to preserve her out of his hands, and rather choosing to have perpetual imprisonment, than that she should be given into the power of any person: If I would have consented to this, I had long ere this been delivered, but thanks be returned to Heaven in that they have been so courteous, as to send you to deliver me without such hard conditions: and thereupon he asked them how his Daughter did, and his Empress, and all the rest of the Court? ask them how far he was off from his Court, he not knowing thereof; for he had continued in a Trance all the way coming thither both by Land and by Sea, and did not come to himself till he was placed within the Castle.  
To which questions he was answered, how that it was many days journey from Babylon, but if he was ready to go with them, they had brought a Ship of his own to carry him into his own Country: At which he was glad, and therefore they having looked round about the Castle, departed therefrom: and as they were walking to the water side, they perceived the two New Knights coming towards them, who when they had heard the great Thunder and Lightning which was at the ending of the Enchantment, they supposing some such thing attempted once more to land, which they did with great ease; for all those Monsters that had formerly opposed them, were at the end of the Enchantment vanished away, at which they much marvelled, and so coming on land, went directly towards the Castle, but when they saw the Sultan in company of the two Knights, they were amazed, and falling on their knees they humbly kissed his hands, and then Baltasano telling him who they were, he greatly rejoiced. Thus they returned and went to the Seaside where they soon embarquing themselves, set sail and departed on their way to Babylon.   

CHAP. XXI.  
How the Sultan of Babylon in company of the Knight of the Golden Image, the Knight of the Boar, the Knight of Hope, and the Knight of the Flaming Sword, travelling towards Babylon, met with an Adventure, whereby they understood of the danger of the Princess Florisbella, and how they arrived in Babylon.  
SO long sailed these great Personages on the Sea, that in the end they all came to shore, and landed in the Kingdom of Armenia, where providing themselves of Necessaries to travel, they set forwards for Babylon. They traveled through all the Kingdom of Armenia without any Adventure, and came into some part of the Empire of Trebizond, when one day several Troops of Knights overtook them, Don Bellianis being desirous of novelty, put forward from his company, and joining himself with them, desired to know whither they were going: To which question, the Knight looking on Don Bellianis, said: Sir Knight, I had thought you could not be ignorant of the Wars that our Emperor intends to make against Babylon.  
Don Bellianis hearing of this, was wondrous desirous to know the truth of this matter, and therefore he thus replied: Truly Sir Knight, I am a stranger in this Country, being but lately come into these parts, therefore I pray you give yourself the trouble to give me a particular account of this matter. Know then Sir Knight, quoth the other, that you are now in the Country of the Emperor of Trebizond, which is now governed by an Emperor called Morello, who hath not long ruled the same, for it is not yet above six months since his Father died, and till his Father died he spent the greatest part of his time in travel, in seeking out strange Adventures to get honour and renown, and under the Name of The Black Knight, be brought to pass many a hazardous Adventure: At the time of the decease of his Father, he was in the Court of the Sultan of Babylon, and there under that title, though unknown, he exercised many deeds of Knighthood, and thereby got great fame; but bearing of the death of his Father, he left that Court and returned home, where he was received by all his Subjects with much content and j●y: but during his being at Babylon, he beholding the matchless Beauty of the Princess Florisbella, Daughter to the Sultan, he fell deeply in love with her, but durst not discover the same because there hath been much Wars between their two Fathers, but after he was come home, and had been some time Crowned, he opened his mind to some of his Nobility, they liked well thereof, and knowing that the said Princess is sole Heir to the Crown, did well approve of the Match whereby these two Empires might be joined, be therefore resolved in his mind to send Ambassadors to ask the said Princess in Marriage of her Father, which was done accordingly; but when they arrived at the Souldan's Court, they found that the Sultan was absent, having been lost some time before, and the Court was in great sorrow for his absence, however the Ambassadors delivered their Embassy to the Empress and her Council, who returned Answer, That they could not by any means dispose of their Princess without the consent of her Father. But they importuned the business further, and the Princess herself being asked the question, she made the same excuses at first, but the Ambassadors in the end importuned her for her absolute Answer, which she gave them to their small content; for she very boldly told them, that though her Father were returned, yet should she always continue in this opinion, that she would never accept their Master for her Husband: with which Answer they at last returned, being very sorry that their Embassy turned to no better effect.  
Arriving at Trebizond, and returning this Answer to their Master, he was at first much troubled, but in the end understanding of the absence of the Sultan, he resolved to make use of the present opportunity to be revenged, as well for the old wrongs his Empire had sustained by the Sultan, as for the new affront so lately put upon him, and thereupon he immediately commanded that a great Army should be levied, and sent Commissioners into all parts of his Empire to raise all the Force he could suddenly, intending forthwith to travel towards Babylon, and spoil the Dominions of the Sultan. And this, Sir Knight, is the occasion of these Troops so sudden marching, for we are going to the General Rendezvouz at Trebizond.  
The Knight having given this Declaration to Don Bellianis, left him and went forwards, and he stayed behind in a very deep melancholy, considering the estate of his fair Princess: but however he was somewhat joyful that he had this occasion of serving her, hoping to do such acts for the defence of the Empire, that the Sultan would be thereby induced to bestow his Daughter upon him. In this consideration he was, when the Sultan and the rest of the company overtaking him, asked him what was the occasion of his leaving them, and what was his large Discourse with the Knight? To which he soon replied, and recounting the whole matter to the Sultan, gave him the greatest amazement in the world.  
In much trouble did they ride the rest of the journey, being all disturbed at the late news: but the Sultan was somewhat pleased in that he was freed himself from his late bondage, that he might in person be able to resist his enemies, and defend his Country, resolving that he would lose his whole Empire, rather than connset to the Marriage of his Daughter without her own assent. This gave Don Bellianis some satisfaction, in that he knew if the Princess had the liberty to dispose of herself, that he should be ascertained to have her.  
And therefore he desired the Sultan to trouble his mind as little as he could, for, said he, as I have been instrumental in restoring you your liberty, so I shall not fail to do all that lies in my power to rid you of your enemies, and I have so good friends in the world, that if occasion serves I shall be able to raise such a power, as shall easily overthrow the designs of your enemies to their confusion, and your own honour. In these discourses spent they the most of their time that they traveled, and the Sultan was forced to disguise himself, till he came into his own country, lest he being known by any of his enemies, should be taken and kept prisoner: but it was not long ere he arrived in his own dominions, and then he traveled the more boldly, but he as yet saw no preparations for war, at which he much wondered: but the Emperor of Trebizond had been so sudden, that News of his Expedition was hardly yet arrived to the Court: when they came within one days journey of the Court, they saw some preparations for the war, and the Sultan met with many of his Knights, who knowing him were exceeding glad for his deliverance, and that at such at time when as there was most need for him. Thus the nearer he approached the court, the more company he gathered, so that by that time he came to Babylon, he had above forty thousand Knights in his company, which gave him much content and joy: but that was not half so pleasant to him, as the fight of his own City, where he was no sooner entered but the Inhabitants had notice thereof, some running to inform the Empress hereof, and others running to meet him, still enquiring which was the Knight that delivered him, and having known him, great was the praises they gave him. In this manner they road through the City, and arriving at the Palace they were met by the Empress, her Daughter the Princess Florisbella, the Princess Mattarosa, and many other Ladies, and great Personages, and so great was the content of the Empress and her Daughter, at the return of the Sultan his company, that they wept exceedingly for joy. The Sultan alighting from his horse, went first and embraced the Empress most lovingly, and then the Princess his Daughter; who received him on her knees, but he raising her up kindly saluted her. Don Bellianis was now on his knees before the Empress, humbly desiring to kiss her hand, but she knowing how much she was engaged to him would not permit that, but raising him from the ground most lovingly saluted him, giving him many thanks for the great pains he had taken for her, calling him the Restorer of Babylon, and bestowed many thanks upon him; when he had received his welcome from the Empress, he went to the Princess her Daughter, and falling on his knees, humbly kissed her hands, but she soon raised him from the ground reitterating all the thanks that her Mother had already given him: To which discourse he replied, and said: That since she had been pleased to admit him to the honour of being her Servant, he questioned not but he should be able to overcome any Enterprise how difficult soever, and since there was an occasion given him of expressing his duteous service to her, he was resolved to do such acts as might render him worthy of the estéem she had of him, or in the prosecution of them, loss his life as testimony of the duty he owed her.  
Thus he discoursed with her, and then he went to the Princess Mattarosa to receive those Welcomes that she had prepared for him, which were in effect the same he had received before of the Empress and her Daughter: and thus taking her by the hand, the Sultan doing the same to the Empress, and the Numidian Prince to the Princess Florisbella, they walked into the great Hall of the Palace, where being come the Ladies helped to disarm them, which when they had done, and had clothed themselves in rich Mantles, they sat them down to repose themselves: many of the Nobility came into the Presence to congratulate the return of their Sovereign, and to kiss his hands, and thank the Knight of the Golden Image for the great good he had done them, in restoring their Prince to them in such time when they most stood in need of his presence.  
But Don Bellianis returning them thanks, told them that without the assistance of the Prince of Numidia he had not been able to have performed that Enterprise; but however what power he had he should willingly at all times employ in defence of the Sultan and his country: they were glad to hear these expressions from him, doubting that now he had performed this adventure, he would departed; but understanding that he was resolved to stay and assist them in the wars, they humbly supplicated the Sultan that he would be pleased to order Don Bellianis to be General of such Forces as should be raised to go against Trebizond: To which the Sultan soon consented, but he would not accept of so great a charge except the Prince of Numidia might be joined in Commission with him: To which they all at last consented, and it was ordered as soon as a sufficient Force should be ready, he should advance towards the enemy's countries, and the Numidian Prince should stay at the Court to guard the City, and obey such further orders as should be necessary. In these consultations they continued most of that evening, till it was time for every one to go to rest: at which time he commanded his Dwarf to give him notice of the departure of the Princesses to their Lodging, because he was very desirous to have some conference with them; which the Dwarf did so effectually, that he brought word that the Princesses were both together in the Lodging of the Princess Florisbella, wherefore he sent him to the Princess Mattarosa, to know whither he should give them the trouble of a visit in that place; she acquainting the Princess her Cousin therewith, they so ordered it, that she dismissed all her Damsels but one who was acquainted with her Love, and so telling the Dwarf that his Master might come when he pleased, the Dwarf returned with this answer to his Master, who being glad thereof departed out of his own Lodging to go into that of the Princess, which he accordingly did, as shall be declared to you in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. XXII.  
How Don Bellianis went to the Chamber of the Princess Florisbella, and of the discourse they had there, and how the next day he departed towards Trebizond with fifty thousand men.  
THe Dwarf had no sooner delivered his message, but Don Bellianis repaired to the Chamber of the Princess Florisbella; whither when he was come he kindly sasaluted her and the Princess Mattarosa her Cousin; which having done they all seated themselves, and the Princess his Mistress thus began to him:  
Sir Knight, since I have admitted you to be mine, it is necessary that you give me ordinary satisfaction of telling me the order of your proceed in this adventure, and since I have not yet heard the particulars thereof, I pray let me have the knowledge of them from your own mouth.  
Madam, replied Don Bellianis, the actions that I have done in this occasion are so inconsiderable, that it is not fit that your ears should be troubled with matters of so small moment; but since it is your desire to give yourself so much trouble, I shall give you a small relation of them.  
Then did he begin to tell her all the passages of that adventure, beginning from the time that they took shipping, the happy meeting with the Sage Bellona's Damsel, the rescuing her from the Giants, his desperate attempt in throwing himself into the Sea to get to shore, his kill of those Monsters, his descending the Cave, fight with the Serpents and Dragons, and all those other actions which he and the Numidian Prince performed for the releasing of the Sultan: At which recital she was so sensibly afflicted when he related any thing wherein he was in any peril, that the crystalline tears ran from her fair eyes down her cheeks in great abundance, which made him leave off his discourse, and say to her:  
Madam, the trouble that I thought I should put you to in recounting these adventures, made me desire to be excused in discoursing them to you, but if I had thought they would have given you so sensible a displeasure, I should for once have so far disobeyed your commands, as not to have given you an account of these past actions.  
She hearing that he had done, wiping her fair face, said: Sir Knight, the many difficulties that you have run thorough for my sake, could not choose but make me accompany you in tears, but praised be the Gods who have delivered you from these dangers, and I hope these wars once ended, there will be no further occasion for you to endanger your person. Ah Madam, said he, if my discourse hath given you any sense of sorrow, assure yourself I was much more afflicted when I had first the relation of your misfortunes about the Emperor of Trebizond, and although I did not question your Loyalty, yet I knew not what you might be compelled unto by a fearful Mother and a Nobility without a head: but I am to render you infinite thanks for your so resolute answer to his Ambassadors, not questioning but some considerations of me the meanest of your servants, occasioned you to return that answer.  
Sir, said she, I never had any inclination for that Prince, for his person does not please me, & besides that there is such an antipithy in my nature to any one of the family of Trebizond, though never so well accomplished, that I should have refused him; but were there presented to me the most accomplished person for virtues and magnanimity, and were be likewise sole Potentate of the whole earth set in competition to you, Sir, and were you but a bare Knight-errant, my choice should quickly testify that the love I have promised to you, is not counterfeit but absolutely real. He hearing her in these terms fell down on his knees, and strictly embracing hers, cried out, Ah Madam, how do you undo your creature with heaping so much blessings upon him, which in all his life, though spent in your service, can never merit? The Princess Mattarosa seeing them in these terms commanded him to arise, and leave off these impertinent protestations: for, saith she, I am confident you are both so well satisfied of each other affections, that these words are impertinent, and must needs give you both some sensible trouble. They very well knowing that she spoke a great deal of reason, fell from this discourse to some other, as what order he intended to take in his Expedition: To which he replied, That he intended the next day to be upon the march with those Forces that were already raised, and go and meet the enemy, if possible, in his own quarters, and so hinder him from hurting the country: To which the Princess was somewhat unwilling to give him leave to departed so soon, but he telling her that the sooner he went, it was most probable he should return the sooner, and that during his absence, he would send his trusty Dwarf with Letters to the Princess Mattarosa to be delivered to her, and under that pretence Answers might be sent without any suspicion: These things being concluded of, and he taking his hearty farewell both of her and her cousin, after many amorous salutes, he departed to his own Lodging, and so went to take his ordinary repose.  
The next day he was up early in the morning, and the two Knights of Hope, and the Flaming Sword, desired that they might be admitted to wait on him in this Expedition: to which request he being sufficiently satisfied of their valour, assented, and gave them both sufficient Commands under him, which when he had done, he sent for the Prince of Numidia, and they after some Conference together, resolved immediately to muster all the Forces that was then in the City; which they having done, found that there was eighty thousand men. And Don Bellianis resolving to be gone, divided the Forces into two parts, and took under his Command fifty thousand men, knowing that the Forces of his Companion would increase daily: and therefore commanding them all to be in readiness that Afternoon, he repaired to the Sultan and desired his leave to departed, telling him that old Maxim in War, 
That the least delay,  
Spreads Palms, and scatters Roses in Rebellions way.   
The Sultan after he had heard his reasons, gave consent, giving him a large Commission to raise Forces all the way he should go, and promising to send him more Aid with all the expedition that might be.  
Thus this brave Martialist taking his leave of the Sultan and Ladies, departed from that great City, and that evering marching ten miles to a little Town, where for that night he took up his Quarters.   

CHAP. XXIII.  
How Don Bellianis marching towards Trebizond, and increasing his Army, arrived at last near to his Enemies Camp.  
EArly the next morning did Don Bellianis arise, and caused the Drums, Trumpets, and all other Warlike Instruments to sound a March; which Command being accordingly obeyed, they advanced forwards, but he was much hindered in his marches, by reason of the great quantity of Forces that still came in to him, so that before he had marched one hundred and fifty miles, his Army was one hundred thousand men complete, at which he was very joyful; and therefore he made all the expedition possible to meet the Enemy before he should be come out of his own Kingdom. But the Emperor of Trebizond having carried on his business with great privacy, had gotten his Forces together, and mustering two hundred thousand men, besides many fierce and strong Giants, he was advanced with his Army very far, and was come into part of the Dominions of the Sultan of Babylon, before he heard the News of the Souldan's being returned, which did somewhat trouble him, but however he resolved to go on, and not leave his Enterprise unattempted.  
Wherefore hearing of the approaches of his Enemy's Forces, he sent to see what number they were, and who had the Commanding of them. The Messenger returning to him, told him that the Souldan's Forces consisted of one hundred thousand men, and that they were conducted by a famous Knight, called The Knight of the Golden Image.  
Hearing this news, he was somewhat discontented thereat, for he had been in the Wars between the Sultan of Persia and the Duke Alfiron, and there he had both heard and seen the valiant Acts of the Knight of the Golden Image: but however he resolved to persist in his Enterprise, and like a good and hardy Knight to go forward, and endeavour to give his Enemy battle before he should increase his Forces, not questioning but thorough the magnanimity of his own valour, and that of his Knights and Giants under his Command, he should be able to encounter his Enemy with good advantage, and considering he had double his number he might vanquish and overcome his Forces before Aid came to him: wherefore he hearing that he was within a days march of his Enemy, caused his Army the next morning to march forwards, intending that if his Enemy continued his march to join Battle with him. Don Bellianis likewise hearing that his Enemy came forwards, advanced apace, being resolved as well as he to give him battle that day, if it were possible: but when they approached near to one another, their men were so wearied with that days travel, that before they could put them in any good order, and bring up the Rear of their Armies, the Evening came on, so that they were both forced to alter their Resolutions; and therefore they both encamped themselves in fight of one another, and all that night both Armies made great Fires, so that it was an artificial day, now and then running into one another's Camp in small parties, and doing some harm: but the morning approaching they let the Fires go out, and Don Bellianis caused them all to prepare themselves for the Battle, and so they did, encouraging one another in the best sort that might be, resolving to loss all their lives ere they would permit themselves to be overcome by their enemies. Don Bellianis knowing what was necessary to be done by a good General, having been in many other battels ordered his Army, and divided his Squadrons, as shall be showed you in the Chapter following.   

CHAP. XXIIII.  
How Don Bellianis ordered his Forces, and of the cruel bloody Battle between the Emperor of Trebizond and his Army, and the Forces under the command of Don Bellianis.  
THe morning being come wherein this great Battle was to be fought, Don Bellianis arose early, and dividing his Army into three Squadrons, took forty thousand men under his own command, twenty thousand men he ordered to be commanded by the Knight of Hope, and twenty thousand men under the command of the Knight of the Flaming Sword, and twenty thousand men more he ordered to be under the command of the Prince of Mesapotamia, and not to stir to the Battle, until there should be an absolute necessity, or that he should be commanded by himself.  
Thus having ordered his Battalions, he commanded the Heads of every Troop to come to the Front of the Army, where he encouraged them by this following discourse: Gentlemen, and fellow Soldiers, the cause of this war I shall not need to inform you of, you being already satisfied in that particular, the courages of your enemies you likewise are acquainted with, having by often experience found that never any of your nation was overcome by them, but that you still marched away conquerors, giving laws to them rather than obeying any of their commands.  
Their presumption that your King was absent, was the chief occasion of this boldness in them, or else they would not have been so hardy as to enter your Land, and now being ashamed after all this provision to turn back again without abiding the hazard of a Battle, they with much unwillingness expect you; their intention was to force your Princess, command your Estates, dispose of your persons, and to make all the Inhabitants of this kingdom their Vassals, hoping to have found you in disorder and without a Head, but thanks be to heaven you have not only a Head to rule over you, in that your gracious Sovereign is restored, but also a General who will hazard his person to the utmost with you, and therefore I question not but you will have hearts to follow my example, and if you see any thing of courage in me to imitate me therein and follow my example, and assure yourselves that I resolve to conquer or die: thus hoping you have all the same courage and resolution, let us bravely fall on our enemies.  
This speech being ended, caused a great shout throughout the whole Army, and presently every one repairing to his own command, they marched on to assault their enemies; who all this while were not idle, but the Emperor not forgetting what was necessary to be done, did likewise order his Battle, and divided them into four parts, one of fifty thousand men he commanded himself, the Prince of Albania commanded the like number, and two mighty Giants of his kindred, commanded the other two Squadrons.  
Thus having divided his Forces, and ordered his Battle, he was likewise about to make an Oration to his Soldiers, but the noise which his enemies made in their approaches diverted him, and therefore causing his Trumpets and Drums, and all manner of military Instruments to sound, he being armed at all points in the Front of the Army, went forwards to receive the Babylonians. Don Bellianis being likewise in the Front of his Army, seeing his enemy approach, and believing it to be the Emperor, because he had on his accustomed black Armour, in which he had gotten great renown, anger and jealousy so incensed him, that taking a strong Lance, and couching the same, he ran full against him: and the other being also provided did the same in such brave manner that their Lances shivered into pieces, and their horse's meeting, had like to have overthrown one another: but these two brave Warriors soon recovering themselves, and drawing their Swords, assaulted one another with incredible fury: Long did their Combat endure together, so that both Armies joined, and as well the Soldiers as the Commanders performed wonders, making an incredible slaughter: at length one of the Giants, Cousin to the Emperor, advancing with his Troop, arrived at the place where the two Generals were in Combat, and resolving to dispatch Don Bellianis, cowardly came behind him, and gave him so weighty a blow on the Helmet, that he fell backwards on his horse, and he going to redouble the same had certainly killed him at the second blow, had not the horse of Don Bellianis run away with his Master, who soon coming again to himself, and being extraordinarily enraged, perceived that it was the Giant that had used him so hardly, for he still pursued him to take away his life; which he seeing, being more enraged than any Numidian Lioness bereft of her whelps, the fire sparkling from his eyes, let fall his Target, and taking his Sword in both hands, laid so puissant a blow on the Giant, that he did cleave him down from the head to the middle. The Black Knight seeing this, cried out, Oh ye Gods! with how much force and valour have you endued one single Knight?  
Don Bellianis having done this execution, spurred on his beast, and more furiously than a baited Bull entered the Army of his Enemy, where he did kill and slay all that came within the reach of his Sword. The Black Knight did the like, till at length he was encountered with by the Knight of Hope, who in despite of his resolution to go forwards, made him stay and bravely received him: but the Black Knight being of admirable force and dexterity, so handled him that in short time he left him without sense or motion, and so he departed and went forwards, killing and slaying all that had the valour to oppose him. Thus continued he a long time, till one came to him, and told him that his presence would be very necessary in his own Army, for that the Knight of the Golden Image, and those who followed him, had put one of the Squadrons of his Army to the rout, which he hearing presently departed: and coming to the place where Don Bellianis was, he saw him perform things incredible, for he was in pursuit of many Knights, none of them having so much resolution as to turn their faces towards him, for if they did they certainly met with their deaths.  
The Emperor seeing this, was forced for the safety of his own men, to engage himself once more in Combat with him, which Don Bellianis was not at all discontented at, but renewing his forces, he likewise renewed the Fight with him. These two valiant Champions continued long in fight together, and gave to each other such violent blows, that those Forces that were there stood still and forbore fight, to behold them: But Don Bellianis whose match was not to be found throughout the whole Universe, being angered that the Fight continued so long, gave the Emperor so mighty a blow on the arm that he wounded him so mightily, that his Sword fell out of his hand; which Don Bellianis seeing, and intending to redouble his blow, was prevented: for many valiant Knights who had till then stood still, seeing their Prince in so great danger, went and succoured him, and in despite of Don Bellianis carried him away to his Tent, where when his wound was dressed, be would have entered the Fight again, but his Surgeons would not in any wise permit it.  
Thus the absence of the Emperor caused Don Bellianis and his party to prevail: but although he behaved himself with great valour, and killed many Knights and Giants, yet their great numbers still freshly coming on, in the end tired him, so that when the night approached (he having continued the Battle all that day) he withdrew his men, and contented himself with what he had done; for the next morning having taken an account of the numbers that he had lost, be found that he wanted but Fifteen thousandsmen, when on the enemy's part were slain at least fifty thousand men.  
That day the Knights of Hope, and of the Flaming Sword did perform bravely, and not having ever been in any Battle before, they by the example of their General performed excellently both in commanding and executing, and the Prince of Mesapotamia though a most valiant Knight, and much against his will, this day performed nothing, for he remained where his General had commanded him, and there was no occasion to use that force that was under his Command till it was night, and then they retreated in good order to the place were he was placed, and there taking up their quarters expected the approach of the next morning's sun to renew their fight. News was soon carried every where of the good fortune of the Knight of the Golden Image, and the Forces under his command, and how that in single Combat he had so wounded the Emperor of Trebizond in the arm, that he was forced to leave the fight, and of those other advantages that he had gotten, which caused many more of the Sultan of Babylon's Subjects to come in unto him, and the next day there arrived a fresh supply of fifty thousand men from the Prince of Numidia; with promise and assurance that he himself would within few days be with him in the Head of one hundred thousand men, and then they did not question but they should be able to expel their enemies out of the Country.  
But Don Bellianis believing that he had Forces enough already to perform that without any new Additions, resolved to try the fortune of another day with his whole Army, resolving to die or drive his enemies out of the field. In this resolution be continued, and therefore gave order that all should be in readiness to fall upon their enemies, whensoever he should command them.  
On the other side the Emperor of Trebizond was much discontented at the wound he had received, but he resolved that should not hinder him from fight in his own person in the next Battle which he intended should be within two days, for by that time he expected a recruit of fifty thousand men which were already raised, and only stayed behind to expect his Command for them to advance: which Forces he sent for with this resolution, that as soon as they were come to him he would again hazard another Field-battel, but he was hindered of his purpose, for Don Bellianis according to his resolution he had already taken, did engage him and all his Forces in another Field-battel, before the arrival of his other Forces, as shall be showed you at large in the Chapter following:   

CHAP. XXV.  
How Don Bellianie fought another B●ttel with the Emperor of Trebizond, and how he forced him to leave the Field; and how he followed him into his own Country.  
TWo hours before day the next morning did Don Bellianis, without any noise of Trumpets, or other Warlike Instruments, leave his own Camp, and with his whole Forces marched to assault his Enemies, who having kept a strict Watch took the Alarm, but before they could put themselves in a readiness, Don Bellianis and his Forces had sacrificed the lives of above twenty thousand men.  
The Emperor of Trebizond being enraged at this surprisal, soon called for his Armour, and having armed himself therewith, and being mounted on a lusty Courser, soon revenged himself of some of his Enemies, for before be broke his Lance he dismounted above twenty Knights, and being accompanied with twenty fierce Giants (who were appointed for his Guard by reason of the last days misfortune) they with their broad and sharp cutting Scimitars and Battleaxes made a woeful destruction, to what place soever they came present death followed to those that resisted them: at length they met with the Prince of Mesapotamia, who having been idle all the last Battle, was resolved to make amends in this days Combat, and went with a Guard of one hundred Knights, killing and forcing their ways thorough the enemy's Camp: Him and his Knights did the Emperor and his Giants assail, and between them happened a bloody Conflict; for the Giants being of the best in the whole Army, had presently slain twenty of his Knights, which so enraged the Mesapotamian, that maugre all their resistance, he sent two of their black souls immediately to accompany his Knights, and fiercely breaking through the midst of them, he ran against the Emperor with great advantage, for he well nigh dismounted him from his horse: for he not being provided for the encounter, was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to save himself from falling. At which assault he recovering himself, and being enraged, with his Sword gave his adversary so mighty a blow on the helmet, that he bent his head to the horses neck, and would have soon dispatched him of his life, but that the Knight of Hope came then timely enough to prevent him, and so received the blow, and returned it so fiercely on the Emperor that he was wounded on the Thigh: and by this time the Prince of Mesapotamia was recovered to his senses, and finding the danger he was delivered from, was first thankful to the heavens, and then revenged himself on one of the Giants, who was next him, whose Arm he cut off, and wounded him so in the side, that his life was sacrificed to his revenge.  
Thus the Battle was in this part of the field, but the Knight of the Golden Image, and the Knight of the Flaming Sword keeping company with one another, made very great havoc of their enemies, and being followed by a great party of valiant Knights, gave the enemy so terrible an Onset, that after two hours' contention they fled and left the field, having first left it thickly strewed with the dead bodies of the Emperor's Forces. Don Bellianis pursued him so long, that in the end they came to a great River, and seeing that death was both before and behind them, they made a stand and bravely resisted him and all his Forces, where they fought so desperately, that the streams of the River, which were went to be of a crystalline hue, were now by means of the great slaughter was there made, become of a scalret●dy.  
All this while the Emperor and his Giants, with great part of his Forces, were engaged, as I told you, with the Prince of Mesapotamia and the Knight of Hope, where though they on both sides performed miracles, yet in the end be in despite of all the resistance he could make, after the death of many of his Giants, and a very great slaughter of his men, was likewise forced to retreat, which he did with a great deal of sobriety, hoping that the other part of his Army was in better case than that which he commanded. But he was not long without the knowledge of what had happened to them: and hearing that they were engaged at the River side, he then commanded some of the most valiant of the Grants to make good the Retreat with the best advantage, and the least loss that they could, while he himself went in all haste to his Forces, hoping by his presence to put new courage into their breasts. When he came to them, he found that they had made a mighty resistance, and that she Fight was very bloody; wherefore that he might exercise the part of a discreet General, and bring them off with the least loss, he knowing that there was a Bridge not far off, sent to possess it: which when he had done, he commanded his Army to retire thither as fast as they could, he himself, with the most valiant Knights of his whole Army, making good the Rear as well as they could; but notwithstanding all the diligence and valour that they could use, Don Bellianis and the Knights with him plied their business so well, that ere they got over the River many of them lost their lives: At length they got to the other side of the River, and in despite of Don Bellianis and all his Forces, they cut down the Bridge, so that there was no way for him and his Forces to follow them.  
This being done, he left a strong Guard at the River's side, and then returned to the place where the Emperor had encamped, where they found great Treasure; for so great was their haste in their Retreat, that they had not time to take any thing with them. All the Booty of the Emperor's Camp he gave to the Soldiers, which gave them a great satisfaction, and caused them ever to have a great estéem of him.  
This being done, he dispatched messengers to inform the Sultan, of what he had done not forgetting to write to his Dear Princess, the remembrance of whom made him the more desirous to put an end to these wars, that he might solace his spirits in her company. The Emperor of Trebizond being thus forced to leave the field, and seeing that fortune was a little contrary to him, yet being of an extraordinary courage, resolved still to persevere in his enterprise, and not to leave off basely, hoping in the end to attain his desires, and in order to the strengthening and recruiting his Forces, he sent commands to those Forces that were behind, to a wait his coming to a City called Pharez, which was the first City in his Empire; which being accordingly done, one evening leaving some horsemen at the River side, he raised his Camp and departed to Pharez, and the next day those that he had left behind at the water followed him: He thus being arrived at the City, fortified it both within and without, and sent throughout his Empire to all places for help, resolving to make that place the seat of war, for else he knew that the Souldan's Forces would follow him further.  
The next day after their departure, Don Bellianis was informed thereof by those he had left at the water side, wherefore he marched down thither, but do what he could it was two days before he could mend the Bridge, which the Emperor of Trebizond had caused to be broken; which when he had done, he passed over with his whole Army, resolving to pursue his enemy, which he did accordingly: and thus in good order he marched till he arrived near the City of Pharez, where he saw that the enemy had made strong entrenchments without the Town, so that all he did at present was to encamp himself near them; which when he had done, he prepared to give them an assault, which he did, as shall be showed you in the Chapter following.   

CHAP. XXVI.  
How the Emperor of Trebizond being besieged in the City of Pharez, sent Ambassadors to Albanta, Georgia, Muscovia, and several other Kings his Allies, to help him in his Wars with the Sultan of Babylon; and how Don Bellianis assaulted his Forces that were encamped without the City.  
Done Bellianis being extremely desirous to do all that might be possible for the overcoming of his enemy, before any other help came to him, that he might acquire the more honour thereby, resolved to set upon his enemy's Camp that was without the City, and (if possible) force them to retire into the City, that he might lay a close Siege thereto, and so hinder them from going abroad for provisions. In order to which resolution, after his men had rested themselves, he commanded them to provide to assault their enemies.  
On the other side the Emperor resolving to abide him there, took care for fresh supplies, for he not only sent through all his own Dominions for more help but likewise sent Ambassadors to those Kings that were either his Friends or of his Alliance, such as were the Kings of Albania, Georgia, and the Emperor of Muscovia, desiring them not to fail him in this occasion, and the Ambassadors who went made such expedition, and had such good success in their Embassies, that the Emperor had great assistance, as you shall hear hereafter. In the mean time, knowing that he had not only a valiant, but a politic enemy to deal with, he kept strict Guards both within and without the City, lest he should be surprised.  
Don Bellianis notwithstanding all the diligence he took, did surprise him; for having drawn out a Squadron of fifty thousand Knights, the most accomplished in the whole Army, caused them to put a piece of white silk, or cloth in their Helmets, that they might know one another though in the dark: and in the middle of the night, when his enemies expected no such matter, he came to the Camp, and killing the Sentinels, fell in among the Emperor's Forces, and slew many of them before they could arm themselves, and such was their confusion in the dark, that they without knowledge slew one another, not knowing their enemies from friends by reason of the darkness of the night, and their not being acquainted with his stratagem. In this manner he run through the Camp, and being followed by the best of his Army, came to the walls of the City, desiring them to open, persuading the Guards that they were of their own party, telling them that they must needs speak with the Emperor: but the Guards who had commands to the contrary, went immediately to the Emperor and told him thereof, who arising from his bed, came to the wall, and then he very well understood that the Army was alarmed; wherefore he refused to open the Gates, not knowing whither they were of his own Army or Enemies.  
Don Bellianis perceiving this, and that it would be to little purpose to continue there, departed, and so returned through the enemy's Camp, killing and staying all that were in his way, and so being gone through the Camp and passed all the Guards, he caused the retreat to be sounded; which his Soldiers hearing, soon understood the meaning thereof, and so left the Camp and came to him; who when they were c●●e, fairly retreated to their own Quarters; But Don Bellianis who had an intent to surprise the City, and failing therein, as you have heard, was somewhat vexed: but however he considered that he done them a sufficient mischief, for he had killed above twenty thousand of his enemies, and came off with the loss of not above five hundred men.  
This action gave the Emperor a sensible displeasure, and did resolve if possible to revenge it, but he could not at present put his resolves into execution, wherefore he gave strict commands to keep double Guards, and more strict Watches, hoping in short time to have such aid that he might be able not only to revenge that loss, but to beat his Foes out of the field: But before any Forces came to his assistance, Baltasano Prince of Numidia arrived at the Camp of Don Bellianis with one hundred thousand men, and with new Orders from the Sultan, that if the Emperor would pay the cost of the War, and disband his Forces, that then he should have peace, otherwise that they should prosecute the War against him to the utmost; such was the desire and inclination that the Sultan had for peace.  
These Orders much troubled Don Bellianis, being very discontented that the War must end, and that he could not sacrifice the life of his rival, fearing him so long as he should live, lest he should so propound the having of the Princess Florisbella, as the Sultan should accept of it, and indeed when the prepositions were sent to the Emperor, he was willing to accept of them provided be might have the Princess for his Wife, otherwise he would stand to the utmost hazard of the war, not questioning but by the help of his Allies and Friends, but that he should not only be able to beat his enemies out of his Country, but to assault them in theirs, and give them such trouble that the Sultan would be willing to propound his Daughter for a composition of the War.  
This Answer being returned to the two General's Don Bellianis and Baltasano, displeased them both, but the anger that Don Bellianis was in at this proposition was so great that I am not able to express it; for rising from the place where he sat, he delivered this answer to the messenger:  
Go tell thy Master, that so long as the Sultan of Babylon has Subjects in his whole Empire, that he shall never compel him to such baseness as the prostituting his most Royal Daughter to one so base and unworthy: and were all the treasure of the Sultan exhausted, all his Subjects slain, and none left in his whole Empire to defend him, yet I would command such an Army from other parts in defence of the Royal Princess Florisbella, as should not only be able to expel thy Master from the Souldan's Dominions, but also to destroy him, and all his in the very heart of his own Kingdom. And tell thy Master, that since he hath neglected the gracious and  Propositions of the Sultan, that he now expect no more, but prepare himself for all the misfortunes that a cruel and bloody War can bring him: And tell him, that I the Knight of the Golden Image, do resolve when next I meet him to bereave him of his life or lose my own in the attempt, and hereupon I bid him mortal battle.  
This was the answer of Don Bellianis, and it was spoken with so much fierceness, that the very fire issued from his eyes for anger, and he could hardly utter his words for the inward vexation that he took at the demands of the Emperor. Thus the messenger being returned, Don Bellianis and Baltasano resolved both to assault him on the next day, and use their utmost endeavours to gain the City, and thereupon they provided all things ready for an assault.   

CHAP. XXVII.  
How Don Brianel Prince of Macedon was Married to Aurora Queen of Antioch, and of the Tilts and Tournaments that was held at the Wedding, and of an Adventure that happened there.  
WE will now for a while leave the two Princes of Greece and Numidia, and all their companions and armies in their field, encamped before the City of Pharez, as you have heard in the foregoing Chapter, and turn back to Antioch where we left the Prince's Don Brianel of Macedon, Don Clarineo of Spain, and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly, Don Contumeliano of Phenicia, and Florispiano of Swevia, who attended there to assist at the solemnisation of the Wedding.  
There was so great joy for the return of the Queen, that most of the Nobility of the country resorted to Antioch to see her, and to tender her their dutiful Allegiance, which she graciously accepted; and they still stayed to continue the Triumph that should be at the Wedding. The day being come, and all things provided, the Queen and Don Brianel were married in great pomp, and she that day was most richly attired, so that notwithstanding all her sorrow in her travels, she appeared to be one of the most handsome Princesses in the world: Dinner being ended, every one resorted to the Tiltyard, which was near the Palace, where a Scaffold was erected, and on that was placed two Chairs of State for the King and Queen to sit and behold the Tournaments and Feats of Chivalry that was to be performed.  
Don Clarineo, Don Lucidamore, Don Contumeliano, and Fliorispiano, and a young Knight called Trion, or the Knight of the Wolf, who was Son to Damartino the late Governor, were the Challengers, who undertook to joust, and keep the Field against all corners for six days, and accordingly they being armed at all points, entered the Lists, and commanded the Trumpets to sound, and the Herald to proclaim, that if there were any adventurous Knights that would in honour of the King and Queen break a Lance, they were there ready to receive him; which was no sooner done, but there came a Knight armed in white Armour, who taking a Lance entered the Lists, and expected the sound of the Trumpet that he might begin his Course: the Knight of the Wolf did the like, and they bravely meeting broke their Lances in the encounter, and so passed on; at the next encounter the Knight of the Wolf had so good fortune, as to overthrow the other Knight out of his Saddle, and passed on being unshaken, and expected another Assailant, when presently another Knight armed in azure Armour, entered the List, and doing his obeisance to the King and Queen, expected the encounter, which was so fierce that he lost both his stirrups, and the horse of the Knight of the Wolf was on his buttocks, but he soon made him rise and so went bravely on, when taking another Lance, and resolving to be revenged of his late disgrace, he ran so fiercely against the Knight in the azure Armour, that he sent him from his horse to the ground with his Saddle between his legs.  
After this, another Knight entered the List armed in a green Armour, and on his Shield was painted a Knight leaning on the ground under a tuft of trees, and he went by the name of the Solitary Knight: This Knight after his due reverence to the King and Queen, pranced about the field with a great grace, at last he arrived at the end of the Lists, and taking a Lance from one of his pages, at the sound of the Trumpets began his Caress, and performed so well that he made the Knight of the Wolf lose both his stirrups, he being very little shaken with the encounter: At the second course the Knight of the Wolf in revenge of the former blow, ran so fiercely that he threw the Solitary Knight horse and man both to the earth: at which there was a great shout.  
And thus did the Knight of the Wolf throw many Knights from their horses, so that he that day dismounted sixtéen, and the night coming on they left off that sport, and retiring into the Court, they disarming themselves, fell to dancing: In which exercise they were as perfect as the other, so that they are as fit for Venus as Mars. Much of the evening they spent in these kind of exercises, but at length they left off, and conducted the King and Queen to Bed, where the fair Princess gave to Don Brianel as full and free possession of her Body, as he had formerly given her of her Kingdom, and there be received a full satisfaction for all the travels he had sustained in her service.  
Much was the content they both received, and I suppose there was but few Knights in the Court but did envy their happiness, and would have been glad to have had the company of so sweet a Bed-fellow as he enjoyed; in which enjoyment we will leave him and all the rest to their several thoughts till the morning, which being come they all arose, and the Queen signified by her blushes, that she had parted from that jewel which till then she had preserved.  
They being all dressed, noon was come when they sat down to Dinner, which being done they all went to the Tiltyard to prosecute that Sport they had begun, where every one being seated in the same order they were the day before, the five Champions rid about the Field expecting the arrival of some adventurous Knight: they had not stayed long ere they had their desire, for there entered a Knight into the Field armed in black Armour, causing his Horse bravely to prance about the Field, performed his Duty to the King and Queen, and then taking a Lance expected the sound of the Trumpet, which being heard he put forwards, but he was encountered with such force by the Knight of the Wolf, that he was thrown from his horse, and forced to measure his length on the earth; which having done he retired, and then there entered into the Lists a Knight armed with a white Armour, as a New Knight, and on his Shield he had two Keys of Gold painted very artificially: this Knight gave all the Spectators cause of admiration, for he demeaned himself very courteously, not only in his saluting the King and Queen, but in his respects to all the Spectators, and taking a Lance in his hand he ran against the Knight of the Wolf so furiously, that at the first encounter he threw him to the earth, to the great amazement of the Company, who now took him for a very brave Knight. Having performed so well with the Knight of the Wolf, he faced about and expected to meet with some other Knight, and be failed not long in his expectation, for Fliorispiano of Swevia taking a strong and knotty Lance, at the sound of the Trumpets met him with so great fury, thinking to revenge his Companions quarrel, but he was deceived therein; for he only broke his Lance upon his Enemy's Shield without doing him any other harm, and the Knight of the Key, having likewise broke his Lance, took another and so they began a new Caréer: but that second was more to the dis-advantage of Fliorispiano than the former, for he lost both his Stirrups, and was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to keep him from falling; at which he was much enraged, seeing his Adversary still on horseback, and having only lost one of his Stirrups; but before he came to the end of the Lists he bravely recovered himself, and so they did both, and taking new Lances ran again, but to the greater misfortune of Fliorispiano than before, for he was now tumbled from his horse. This gave much wonder to all present to think who the Knight of the Keys was, for he was wholly unknown there, and came then by chance, as shall be told you hereafter.  
The Knight of the Keys having performed so valiantly, expected another Knight to encounter him, when presently Contumeliano Prince of Phenieia prepared himself for the Encounter, and taking a Lance in his hand went forwards to the Knight of the Keys, and said to him: Sir Knight, I have one request to make to you before we try our fortunes with the Lance, which is, that you would tell me your Name, and of what country you are.  
To which the Knight of the Keys courteously replied, Sir Knight, I am known by no other Name than the Knight of the Keys, and to tell you any other Name would little satisfy you, for I was born in a Country so far from hence, that it hath seldom here been heard of; and I'll assure you I came hither by accident, and never was in your company, nor in this place before till this day, and therefore if you have nothing else to say to me, let us proceed with our Lances. To which the Prince of Phenicia replied, I to my experience know, Sir Knight, that you do perform very well with the Lance, therefore I pray grant this Request, that if we chance both to break one or two Lances without any effect, and neither of us have any advantage, that you will proceed to the Sword, where we may have more occasion to try our valours. To this Request the Knight of the Keys consented, and so they forthwith broke off their discourse, and began their Caréer.  
Great was the fury with which both these Champions met, and they resolving to show all their strength, broke their Lances in pieces, and so passed on: at the next encounter they resolved to perform better, and so they did, for they not only broke their Lances, as before, but meeting with their bodies with great fury, fell both to the ground. Great was the admiration at this wonderful encounter, and both the Knights were themselves much amazed, but they nimbly got on their feet, and the Knight of the Keys being angered at this misfortune, went to the Prince of Phenicia, and said: Sir Knight, it was your desire before we tried our fortunes with the Lance, that if we should have no advantage with the Lance, that we might end the Controversy with the Sword: now since we have both had an equal misfortune, and thereby are uncapable to end the difference with the Lance, let us finish it with our Swords: To which the Prince of Phenicia consented. And so they drew their Swords and began a marvellous brave Combat, to the satisfaction and admiration of all the Beholders: they being equally resolved to make amends with their Swords for the default of their Lances, laid on many lusty strokes.  
The Knight of the Keys being a young and lusty Knight, behaved himself very nimbly, giving his Adversary very many strokes, and still avoiding those of his Enemy, which so enraged the Prince of Phenicia that he should be so used before so many brave Knights his Friends and Companions, that be resolved to fasten one blow on his Enemy that should end the Combat, but he was deceived; for though it was so mighty a stroke that the Knight of the Keys was forced to lay one hand on the ground to save himself from falling, yet he quickly recovered himself, and gave his Adversary a mighty blow on the Thigh, so that he was wounded there extremely: Which the King and Queen seeing, and doubting that what was begun in jest and for Recreation, would end in earnest, and in the execution of one or both of their lives, caused them to be parted; much pitying that two such brave and valiant Knights should so injure one another upon so slender an occasion. They being parted, the Sport for that day ended, and every one returned to the Palace, much wondering who the Knight of the Keys should be.   

CHAP. XXVII.  
Who the Knight of the Keys was, and some of his Adventures, and an end of the Tournament.  
IN the west Part of Christendom there is an Island called Ireland, in which Island the Knight of the Keys was born, in a City called Wexford, situated near the Seaside: his Parents being Christians at the time of his Baptising gave him the Name of Peter. His Father was Earl of one of the Provinces of that Island, called Munster, and Brother to the King of that Island. This was the place of his Birth, where being the only Son of his Father, he was bred up with all the diligence and care that might be, he providing Masters to instruct him in all things fit for so great a person.  
At the age of eighteen years he being dubbed Knight, begged leave of his Father to seek Adventures: to which his Parents hardly consented, in regard he was the only Comfort and joy of their old Age: but his importunity prevailing, providing himself of things necessary, be caused a strong Suit of Armour to be made, and in respect his Name was Peter, in remembrance of that holy Saint and Apostle, be caused two Keys to be painted on his Shield: And providing himself of all things necessary for so great a Voyage as he intended to take, he took his leave of his Parents, his Mother giving him three rich jewels at his departure, and her Blessing, and so he departed, taking shipping for England, where he arrived and performed many valiant Deeds of Arms: But his resolution being to see strange and far Countries, he soon took shipping again, and crossing over the Narrow Seas arrived in France, where at the Court of that King he performed brave Feats at Arms at the Marriage of one of the Nobleman's Daughters.  
And leaving a great fame of his Valour behind him, he traveled through all France: and arriving at Marseilles he again embarked himself, intending to sail to Constantinople, resolving there to spend some time in seeking out Adventures: but as he was sailing thither, the Ship was forced to put in at an Island called Sardinia, and being advertised that a great Feast was held there in Honour of the King's Coronation-Day, and that there was many Knights there who approved their valours in running a Tilt, and such kind of honourable Exercises, he resolved to spend some time amongst them; which he did to his great advantage, for he so well demeaned himself that he got the sole honour of the Tournament, and he carried himself so courteously to all, that he not only got the good will and affection of the King and Queen, but also of their Daughter the beauteous Magdalena, who was so wounded by the little God Cupid that she knew not what to do: in vain was it to smother her affection, which she strove by all means possible to do, but could not, so that an ancient Woman her Nurse with whom she had been bred, did discover that somewhat was the matter more than ordinary with her Mistress, and although she used many ways to find what should be the matter, yet she failed in all, till at length the Princess not being any longer able to smother her affection, discovered it to her Nurse, begging of her not only to keep it concealed, but also to give her the best advice that she could.  
The Nurse now knowing the Disease of her Mistress, began to apply Remedies, and like a discreet person told her, that it was altogether unfit for her who was the Daughter of a King, and so great a Beauty as she was, that the greatest Princes in the world might account themselves happy in the enjoyment of her, that she should set her love and affection on a simple Knight, one who was but a private person, and it was unknown whether he was nobly descended, or not.  
To which the Princess soon replied, That she was confident he was not of mean Parentage, but of Princely Birth, in respect of the Princely Endowments and Qualifications that she saw he was endued with; and therefore if she would do her any service it must be in this occasion, to find some way to discourse with him, and gain some knowledge of him from himself, for she was resolved in her love, and that it could not any ways be diverted.  
The Nurse seeing this, desired her to smother her passions as well as she could, that the King and Queen might not discover any thing from her, and that she would take some speedy occasion to give her some satisfaction.  
In these terms she left the Princess, who promised to be guided herein by her advice, and sought opportunity to speak to the Knight, which she soon found, for he was as deeply in love with the Princess, as she was with him, and desired nothing more than to have an opportunity to speak to this old Lady, who he saw was very conversant with the Princess, and did believe was her Confident. They being both equally desirous of one and the same thing, meeting together she began to him thus:  
Sir Knight, I much marvel that you keep yourself so concealed, for I very well know that the King, Queen, and the fair Princess Magdalena, would be very glad to know your Lineage and Country, especially my Lady Magdalena and if you would be pleased to tell it to me, I shall inform her therein, which I know will be a great satisfaction to her.;  
The Knight hearing this discourse, and perceiving that it was occasioned by the Princess, gave her this Answer:  
That since his departure from his Parents he had not discovered himself to any, and that the Princess should command more from him than any person in the world: but she must excuse him in this particular, only you may certify her in general, that I am born of Princely Parentage, and that I am her very humble servant: And I pray Madam (said he) remember my hearty love and service to her, and give her on my behalf this Jewel. And thereupon he gave her one of the jewels his Mother had given him, which the old Lady received, and so they parted.  
She in all haste coming to the Princess, gave her the effects of her discourse, and the jewel; at which she was extremely satisfied, and still every day was more and more entangled and ensnared in the bonds of Love: and thereupon she caused the old Lady to have another Conference with him. At which second Conference he told her, that if the Princess would be pleased to grant him private access to her, he would give her a satisfactory account of his Estate and Condition: the which the old Lady promised to effect, and thereupon he gave her another jewel to present to the Princess in his behalf, which she did accordingly, and then the Princess was more satisfied then before, longing for the appointed time when he was to come: Which prefixed time being come, he accordingly came to visit her, and was admitted into her Presence, where after his Civilities tendered to her, he discovered himself to her, and of what Lineage he was, and not only so, but seeing how matters went, he discovered his love to her: At which she was not at all discontented, but told him of hers to him, to the great satisfaction of them both; and there they so ordered the matter, that they concluded to be at the dispose of one another during life, and he in testimony of his love gave her another jewel, more worth than both the former; all which he had, as I told you formerly, received of his Mother: and she in return took a Gold Chain from her neck, and bestowed it upon him, the which he received in hearty good will. All this was done in private, not so much as the old Lady being present; and when they had thus done and the old Lady was come, after many farewells, though unwilling, he departed.  
This business being thus concluded on, he lived long time in the Court, and still was in the same credit with the King and Queen. At length he was resolved further to try the Constancy of his Princess, and thereupon took an opportunity to speak to her, and told her that now he had been there a long time, and saw no way how to gain the good will of her Father and Mother, and therefore resolved to go home and visit his Parents. At which discourse she was much troubled, for her great love to him would not permit of any separation, but she rather resolved to leave Father and Mother, and all her friends, than be without him, and therefore it was resolved that she should go with him, and he prepared a small Bark to that purpose: which when it was ready at the time appointed, he in company of his Princess entered, she taking with her a good quantity of Gold and jewels, and so they departed and left Sardinia, with a resolution to go towards his own Country.  
No sooner were they gone, but the Princess was miss at Court, and the King after some enquiry, hearing which way they were gone, sent several Ships after them, but it was in vain; for a Tempest had forced the Bark in which the Knight and the Princess were, quite another way, and drove them on shore at another Island called Sicilia, where their Bark being split they got on shore, being both glad and sorry for their good and ill fortune, where the Lady after some travel by land to find a house where to repose themselves, being weary, sat down, and drawing forth a little red Purse, shown her Knight the three jewels he had given her: at which he was joyful that she had not left them behind; and laying it by her, she being very weary, fell asleep, and he lay lovingly by her; but some ravenous Fowl flying by, and seeing the red Purse, supposing it to be a piece of flesh, descended from the Sky and took it up, which the Knight seeing, and knowing what was in it, he arose up, looking to see whither the Fowl would fly, which did soon alight on a Tree: but he soon followed her, and disturbed her with throwing of stones at her, till he forced her to fly away with the Purse; he being more angry than before, still followed her, and she flying towards the Water side, he still pursued her with stones, which the Bird perceiving, at length let the Purse fall into the Sea, but it was in so shallow a place that he could see it lie at the bottom, but could not come at it, it being a great way in the water: he attempted many ways to come at it, at last he discovered an old Boat hard by, to which he repaired, and finding a Staff therein, he intended to push the Boat to the place where the Purse lay, to the end he might recover it: which he could not do, for the Boat coming into the strength of the stream, in despite of all he could do, he was carried a great way from the place where he took Boat, and at length he came into the main Sea, when, though too late, he would have thrown himself into the Sea, if by that means he could have got on shore. Thus was his Princess left alone on shore, sleeping in an unknown Land, of whose misery we shall hereafter speak more.  
But now we return to him who made heavy complaints, not only for his own misfortune, but that of his Princesses: And thus his Boat was at the mercy of the Sea for three days, he expecting every moment when he and the Boat should be devoured by the Sea; but his Destiny having prepared him for more better fortunes, at last he was forced by the impetuousness of the waves, on a little Island in the Mediterranean Seas, called Zante, where when he came on shore, he praised God for his safe deliverance from the Sea, not without many tears for the less of his dear Princess. There when he had in some manner recovered his health, which was impaired by his long fasting, he hired a small Ship to search up and down all the Islands of the Archiepellago to find his Princess out, not knowing the name of the place where he had lost her: but all was in vain, for he had lost her quite another way.  
Thus being crossed at his ill fortune, he at last landed at Constantinople, and then not caring whither he went, such was his sorrow for the loss of his dear Princess: His destinies after many weary journeys, at last brought him to Antioch, where he arrived at the Triumphs held at the Solemnisation of the Wedding of the King and Queen, and there he performed such Knightly Deeds of Chivalry, as hath been told you in the foregoing Chapter.  
The next day after the Combat between the Knight of the Keys and the Prince of Phenicia, all the Champions resorted early into the Lists, and there the two Knights desired of the King to give them leave to finish their Combat: but the King would not assent thereto, but ordered that they should both desist there from; and in regard there had been so much equalling in the Knights both at the Lance and Sword, neither of them should be accounted Vanquished, or Vanquisher; and that they should neither of them come into the Field all the following days of the Tournament, but that the two Knight's Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore should keep the Field only; which at last they all assented to, and they performed it to their great honour: for in that time they dismounted many hardy Knights, but still kept the honour of the Field till all the days of the Tournament were accomplished.   

CHAP. XXVIII.  
How Don Clarineo, Don Lucidamore, Contumeliano, Fliorispiano, The Knight of the Wolf, and The Knight of the Keys, did all take their leaves of the King and Queen, and journeyed towards Babylon to meet with Don Bellianis.  
THese jousts and Tournaments being ended, and most of the Nobility departed to their own Dwellings, the Knight's Don Clarineo and his Companions, desired leave to departed in quest of their Brother Don Bellianis, and the King and Queen hearing that he was at Babylon, or thereabouts, knowing of the Wars that was between the Sultan of Babylon and the Emperor of Trebizond, and that Don Bellianis was engaged therein, they not only consented to their departure, but also would have furnished them with many brave Knights to have gone with them, but they refused that kindness.  
The Knight of the Wolf likewise knowing their intentions, and that in their company he should be certain to get glory, desired his Father Damartino to give him leave to accompany them, which he did likewise consent unto, knowing the worth of his Companions would be able to keep him from harm Thus were they accompanied and ready to go, when Peter of Ireland, the Knight of the Keys, being almost bereft of his senses for the loss of his dear Mistress the Princess Magdalena, and being resolved to search all the World over but he would find her; and having a very great estéem for the Prince's Don Clarineo, Lucidamore, and the rest of their Companions, for the great worth and valour that he saw them endowed with, he came likewise to them, and desired them to admit him to be a Companion in their adventurous Travels: To which his request they soon consented, for they had a very great estéem for him, having seen him exercise his valour.  
Thus accompanied, they came one morning to the King and Queen to take their last Farewell, when the King told them that since they would not take any Forces with them, he desired that if his Cousin Don Bellianis, or any of them had, or should have any occasion for Forces, he would at any time assist them with fifty thousand men, and come in the head of them himself, and give such testimonies of his good will and affection for them, that he would merit the estéem and service they had done for him. Having thus said, the Queen likewise hearty thanked them for the honour they had done her, and desired to be kindly remembered to Don Bellianis, hoping that he and they all, the Ware being ended, would take that place in their way home, whereby she should again have the satisfaction of their good companies: To which request of hers they assented to, kissing her hands they departed, and set forwards for Babylon.  
The Knight of the Keys was very heavy and pensive, as you have heard, which gave them all some trouble, but Don Clarineo having a more particular estéem for him than the rest, so wrought with him, that at the last he won him to give him an account of the occasion of his melancholy: which when he had heard, he was likewise much troubled thereat, participating in the sorrows of his Friend, and promised him that so soon as he had seen his Brother Don Bellianis, that he would return with him to Constantinople, and there he would cause such diligent search to be made, that he would find her if she were any any where in all those Seas, vowing unto him an eternal friendship; which the Knight of the Keys not only accepted, but promised the same should continue to him to the end of his life.  
This discourse being ended, they passed on their journey in somewhat more pleasant communication in such manner, that in short time they arrived near to the City of Babylon: In which travels we will once more leave them, and turn to Don Bellianis and his Companion, the Numidian Prince, and the rest of those valiant warriors that were set down before the City of Pharez.   

CHAP. XXIX.  
How Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia assaulted the Emperor and his Forces, and forced them all to retire into the City.  
GReat was the vexation and anger of Don Bellianis, for that he saw the Wars had held him so long from the fight of his dear Mistress the Princess Florisbella, and therefore he resolved to assault his Enemies, and force them to a Battle, and the Prince of Numidia was likewise of the same resolution: Wherefore they providing all things ready, divided their Army into two parts, which they took between them, and so with their whole Forces set upon the Enemy in their Entrenchments, and having given them the Alarm, followed it with so much puissance, that they soon forced them to retire to the City Walls.  
The Emperor of Trebizond being advertised hereof came forth, and at the Head of fifty thousand valiant men went to meet Don Bellianis, whom he soon found and knew by the mightiness of his blows: the presence of the Emperor gave some new courage to his Soldiers, and he engaging with Don Bellianis caused them that were about to flee into the City, to face about and return upon their Enemies, and then there was a fierce Slaughter on all sides.  
The Prince of Numidia with a party of fifty thousand men road up and down the Field, to give his assistance to that part or place where there was most need: and there was one party of the Emperor of Trebizond's Foot-soldiers of about fifty thousand, who kept close together, and did much harm to his Soldiers, being commanded and guarded by ten strong Giants, whom the Numidian attempted to disperse, but they were all so resolute that he could not break through their Ranks; wherefore he attempted them a new way, and retiring from them first, ordered his Squadrons in the fashion of a Wedge, the Front not being above twenty Knights, but the Rear was above five hundred men broad, and be in the Head of this party forced with his twenty Knights into the Ranks of his Enemy's Squadron, and maugre all the resistance of the Giants and the rest, he went into the body of the Army, and being gone so far, the rest followed him, till at length the Rear of his Squadron opening to the right and left, and so whéeling about both ways encompassed the Enemies whole Squadron, engaging them in Front, Rear, Flanks and Middle, and indeed on all sides at one and the same time, he had such success that in short time he killed most of them, so that of fifty thousand men there was not left one thousand alive.  
All this while the Emperor himself was fight valiantly with Don Bellianis, where be gave and received many wounds, but there was little advantage between them, by reason they were hindered by the multitude of other Knights that fought about them. This incensed Don Bellianis, being full of wrath that he could not execute the Revenge he intended on his Enemy; but before they were parted he gave him on large wound on the shoulder, and then the company increasing he was forced to leave him, and so he fell into the Ranks of his Enemies, being much angered; the effects of which caused the death of many person, for he seldom gave a stroke but death immediately followed. He was attended by the Prince of Mesapotamia, the Knight of the Flaming Sword, and the Knight of Hope, who did very well testify themselves to be valiant Knights, and good Practitioners in Bellona's Field: great was the slaughter where they came, but far greater where the Prince of Numidia was; for he had destroyed all his foes, and was now coming to Don Bellianis to assist him, but he needed little of his aid: for like a roaring Lion he flew like Lightning into all places of the Field.  
The Emperor of Trebizond hearing of the ill fortune of his Squadron of Foot, in whose strength he put much confidence, was greatly dismayed at that Overthrow, and being angered at his ill fortune, he caused a Retreat to be sounded, but it was in a very ill manner performed; for he was forced to draw all his Forces into the City, not being able any longer to keep the Field, leaving his Entrenchments to his Enemies, and with great difficulty did he get into the City, for he was hotly pursued by his Enemies, and many of his men slain: but at the length into the City he got, and made fast the gates, and then Don Bellianis, Baltasano of Numidia, and all their Forces being hindered from going further, were forced to stay: But coming into the place where their Enemies had encamped, they found very good Booty, which gave a great satisfaction to the Soldiers, their General having given them free leave to take all they could get. This being done, they fortified themselves in their Enemy's Entrenchments, the two Generals resolving not only to continue close Siege to the City, but also to assault them there, setting Pionéers to work to undermine some part of the City Wall, that they might make a breach and so enter to them, and all the other ways that they could invent or imagine they put into practice: but the design at that time was hindered, for the City was soon after relieved by the arrival of fresh Supplies, as shall be hereafter declared to you. And now we will for a while turn back to Babylon to the Souldan's Palace, and see what the Ladies did; which we shall show you in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. XXX.  
How the Sultan of Babylon received a Letter from Don Bellianis, who sent others to the Princess Florisbella and Mattarosa: and of the Arrival of the Prince's Don Clarineo of Spain, Don Lucidamore of Thessaly, and the rest of their Companions at Babylon, in quest of Don Bellianis.  
THe Sultan of Babylon had not heard any News of the success of his Forces under the Command of Don Bellianis, since the departure of the Prince of Numidia, only such News as report gave out, and therefore much desired to be satisfied in his Affairs: however he continually raised more Forces, and kept a great Guard about him, to be ready at at all times when occasion should serve to be upon the march. In these Affairs was he employed, when one day sitting in Council, an express Messenger came with Letters from the Camp, which he delivered to the Sultan, who immediately causing them to be opened, there was written as followeth.  
The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Sultan of Babylon,  
Dread Lord,  
SInce my arrival with your Forces I have been indifferently fortunate, for I have not only satisfied the minds of your own Subjects in the way that I marched, but have also received much aid by their voluntary assistance, which I accepted of according to the Orders that you sent me, and we have had some Engagement with the Enemy to a very good advantage; for we have forced him to leave your Country, part of which he was entered into, and retire into his own with much loss and disadvantage. The Arrival of the Prince of Numidia was very importunely done, for we were then engaging the Enemy, who is so wilfully resolute, that without the aid he brought we should have had some disadvantage.  
The Offers of Peace you sent were tendered to the Emperor of Trebizond, but he in hopes of Assistance from his Neighbouring Kings, is still resolute to proceed in the War, unless he may have the Princess your Daughter offered up to him: Which Propositions of his we wholly declined, and such is the anger of your Subjects at his Arrogancy in propounding things so unreasonable, that rather than their Princess shall be exposed to a thing so disagreeable to her inclination, they will all lose their lives. If, Sir, you continue in this opinion (as I hope your Imperial Majesty will never condescend to a thing so base and mean, as the prostitution of your Daughter, to have peace with your Enemy) I then question not but to force your Enemy to very good terms, and much to your advantage. If the Aid the Emperor expects does come in to him, it will occasion the lengthening of the War, and you some trouble to send some fresh Supplies, which I question not your readiness to perform; And Sir, assure yourself, that in so just a Cause as this, I shall not only hazard my own person to the utmost perils, but rather than condescend to any thing that is base, I shall be able of myself to raise such Friends as shall bring me two hundred thousand men to justify this Quarrel, and be revenged of your unreasonable Enemies: But I hope, Sir, ere any fresh Supplies come to the Enemy, that we shall be able to compel him to put an end to this War: And assure yourself that all my utmost endeavours shall not be wanting in execution of this public Affair, as hitherto I have been ready to hazard my person in the preservation of your Person, and that of your Family, and I shall think myself sufficiently satisfied, if for all my trouble and travel you will do me the honour to permit me to be a servant to You and your Family, and more particularly to be admitted by your fair Daughter as a servant to her Virtues; In expectation of which I shall account nothing dear, so as I may be admitted for her Champion, and I question not but I shall give a satisfaction to you all; which I make my resolve to do, or die  
A Faithful Servant to Your Imperial Majesty, The Knight of the Basilisks.  
Great satisfaction did this Letter give to the Sultan, not only for the good Success that his Forces had already obtained, but for their resolution to continue constant to him: He considered that he had great cause to be thankful to the Knight of the Basilisks (for so he was called at Court, not being known by any other Name there:) he had been much bound to him already for delivering Him and his Daughter from the Enchantment of the Tent, as it was set down in the first Book of this History, for the Assistance he had given his Cousin the Princess Aurora, in helping her to her Kingdom of Antioch; for his delivering his Cousin the Princess Mattarosa, and her Brother the Prince of Numidia, from the power of the Giant Altifer and his Companions, and more especially for releasing him from the Enchantment in the Island, to the extraordinary great peril of his person, and now at last he was engaged in a long and troublesome War, and had performed very well already in it, and had sent him his resolutions to persist therein, and all the advantage he desired and propounded to himself for all these so signal Services, was only to be admitted a Servant and Champion to his Daughter, whose Cause he was now fight in.  
These he thought so reasonable, that he immediately sent for his Daughter, and being resolved to do nothing as to her person without her consent, he told her the effect of the Knight's Letter, and withal informed her of his Request, desiring her that if it were not wholly against her inclination, that she would grant the Request of the Knight.  
She who was as desirous of this as he was, and had not only a good will, but an extraordinary affection for him, answered her Father, That she considered the Obligations they were all bound to the Knight of the Basilisks in were so many, and binding, that she was ready to do that, as also any thing else that her Father should desire that would give a satisfaction to the Knight of the Basilisks, who she said, she believed was sent by the Gods for the preservation of her and all her Family, and was certainly the Titular Angel of their Country. And she further added, that were she knowing of his Birth and Parentage, and that it were equal to hers, and the good Will of her Father and Friends joined to her own Inclination, she should do that willingly for him which the Emperor of Trebizond endeavoured to force her to, so greatly was she satisfied, not only in the Courage and Magnanimity, but also in the Virtues of the Knight of the Basilisks.  
When she had said thus she held her peace, and somewhat blushed that she had so plainly discovered her affection to her Father: but she was somewhat satisfied when her Father gave her this Reply, That he was wholly of her opinion, and that he questioned not but one so every way accomplished, was likewise of an Illustrious Birth; and that he would endeavour to satisfy himself in his Birth, in the mean time he advised his Daughter to write to the Knight, and give him some satisfaction, such as she should think fit: And he said, he questioned not but he was of an extraordinary Quality, for he propounded the Raising two hundred thousand men to fight under him in this Service.  
This was the discourse between the Emperor and his Daughter, which being ended she retired into her Closet, where she was expected by her Cousin the Princess Mattarosa, who had received Letters from Don Bellianis, one for herself, and another for her Cousin. When the Princess Florisbella came there, she found her Cousin reading of that to herself, but she quickly left off that to deliver the other to her Cousin; which she no sooner received, but she opened the Seal, and found therein written as followeth.  
The LETTER of Don Bellianis, to the Princess Florisbella.  
MADAM,  
I First crave your pardon for my silence hitherto, and give you this for excuse, that my Sword hath till this time been so employed, that I had not time to exercise my Pen. My Sword hath been exercised in the destruction of your Enemies, and indeed we have had so good effects (the justness of your Quarrel commanding it) that your Enemies are not only expelled out of your Kingdom, but they are in some kind of distress in their own; for we have at last (by the help of your valiant Cousin the Prince of Numidia, and the Forces he brought with him) forced the Enemy with great loss to leave the Fie●d and retire to the City, where we have now encompassed him. The Propositions your Father sent were not accepted of, though very reasonable, and the Emperor of Trebizond is still so presumptuous, as to desire your Person in marriage, and upon these terms he will leave the War; and this he questions not to force you to do by the help of more Forces he is raising, and by the Aid he expects from some of his Alliance: how pleasant this Proposition was you may easily judge, and that he might as well have said that we should all suffer ourselves to be slain without any resistance; and I for my part would sooner have consented to that, than this so unjust command. This his presumption caused me to defy his person, and I had a Resolution to kill him, or die at our next meeting, but hitherto I have been hindered from executing this my just Resolution, but I still keep in the same Determination. Madam, this is the present condition of your public affairs, but I continaally suffer Martyrdom in my long absence from your divine presence: Madam, I beseech you pardon my presumption in writing so plainly to the Sultan your Father, I did it to understand somewhat of his inclination: I pray let me by your answer know his resentments thereof. Thus Madam, hoping, and not questioning your Constancy, and that your inclination will still continue to make me happy, I rest  
Your Eternal Servant, Don Bellianis.  
The Princess having read hers with much content, desired to know the effect of the Letter sent by her Knight to the Princess Mattarosa; which she delivered into her hands to give her that satisfaction, and in exchange took hers: the Princess Florisbella read as followeth.  
The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Mattarosa.  
MADAM,  
I Shall not trouble you with an Account of our proceed in the War, my Letter to the Sultan, or that to my Princess will give you that satisfaction: but to tell you in general, that all things here are well, and we want nothing but your pleasing Companies to divert us. Madam, I hope you sometimes have some thoughts of us, and that that friendship which hath been contracted between us, is not forgotten; And I hope you have a particular care of the Affairs of me your poor Servant, whom out of nothing you have made so happy: I beseech you continue me in the good opinion of my fair Princess your Cousin, and assure her that I will ever endeavour to give her daily effects of my duty and service.  
The Prince your Brother is in very good health, and hath performed Wonders in this War, and the young Knight of Hope is very diligent in preserving the Favour you were formerly pleased to give him, and in honour of your Name he acts marvellously, and gives great testimonies of a valiant mind, the effects of which have caused the deaths of many of your Adversaries; and indeed he is such a one as deserves an esteem from you, having your Name and Person in great veneration. This is all I shall at present trouble you with, yet once more I beg you to continue my Princess' esteem towards me, and in doing thereof you shall eternally oblige  
Your Servant, Don Bellianis.  
The Princess having read this Letter, returned it to her Cousin, and then they conferred together what was necessary to be done. The Princess Florisbella informed her Cousin of the Discourse that had happened between her Father and herself about Don Bellianis, and said that there was nothing wanting to gain the Souldan's Consent, but the discovery of Don Bellianis his Quality, and then she questioned not but her Father when he should be informed of his High Birth, would be very well satisfied in every thing; and therefore, said she, I think it will not be amiss for to you to discourse of this matter to your Aunt my Mother, and you may take occasion to declare somewhat of Don Bellianis his Extraction, telling her that you heard of it by some of his Company when you were released from the Giant Altifer.  
To this they both agreed and resolved, but they had no occasion thereof; for not long after arrived at the Court the Prince's Don Clarineo of Spain, Don Lucidamore of Thessaly, and the rest of their Companions, in search of Don Bellianis. When they arrived at the Palace, they enquired for the Sultan, who was with his Council communicating to them the good News that he had received by Letters from the Knight of the Basilisks.  
Being come into the Presence, Don Clarineo in behalf of himself and his Companions, told the Sultan that they came from the Court of the Princess Aurora from Antioch, who desired to be recommended to him in all humility, and had sent him a Letter, and then kneeling on his knees, he delivered the same to the Sultan, who causing the same to be opened, it contained these words.  
The LETTER of Aurora Queen of Antioch, to the Sultan of Babylon.  
Most Illustrious Uncle,  
MY hard misfortune in being expelled my Kingdom hath long since arrived to your knowledge, and now having so great a good as to be restored thereto, I thought it convenient to inform you of the truth thereof. The Illustrious Prince Don Bellianis of Greece, and Son to the Emperor, has (by the appointment of the Gods) been the chief Instrument of my Restauration; for not only he and his Friends killed the Usurpers Gallaneo and Tramolcano, but also have caused the Sultan of Persia to give me full and quiet possession thereof, where I am now peaceably settled: And I have also joined myself in Marriage with Don Brianel Prince of Macedon, and Cousin to the same Don Bellianis, who as I hear under the Names of the Knight of the Basilisks and the Golden Image, hath done you some services. Assure yourself, Sir, that he has not his equal throughout the whole Universe, as I by sufficient experience can testify, both for valour and virtue; and I think myself the most happy in his Alliance, having married into his Family. This Noble Company that are now come to you are his Brethren and Alliance, and are come in quest of their Brother and Friend. What kindness you shall do to them, I am confident they will deserve, and it shall be likewise acknowledged to be done to  
Your affectionate and obliged Kinswoman, Aurora of Antioch.  
Greatly satisfied was the Sultan when he had read this Letter, for now he knew that which he so much desired, the Quality of Don Bellianis, and seeing his two Brothers, and knowing that they were all of his Alliance, he arose from his Seat and kindly embraced them, and bid them hearty welcome, telling them that he accounted himself extremely happy in their company, and that he was more obliged to their Brother and Friend Don Bellianis, than to all the persons on the earth.  
They gave him many thanks for the good estéem he had of them, and told him that they were likewise ready to serve him in what occasion soever he should employ them: and since Don Bellianis was absent, they desired his leave for them to departed towards him. The Sultan consented to this, but withal he desired them to take some Forces with them, which was accordingly agreed on.  
Thus after this Discourse with the Sultan, he conducted them to the presence of the Empress and her Daughter the Princess Florisbella, and her Cousin Mattarosa, and the rest of the Ladies; which pleasant Sight gave a great content to all the Knights but Peter of Ireland, but in him it renewed his sorrow for the loss of his Princess Magdalena. The Empress and Ladies being informed by the Sultan of the Quality of the Knights, and that they were Brothers and near Relations of Don Bellianis, was much pleased with their company, and giving them their hands to kiss, told them that she was very joyful to see them: the Princess Florisbella and Mattarosa did likewise kindly receive them: and the Princess Florisbella was not only joyful for their arrival, but also greatly contented that now her Father was satisfied in the true Quality of Don Bellianis.  
The Knights were all very sensible of the occasion that continued Don Bellianis in the Souldan's service, and did truly think that it was for the sake of the Princess Florisbella, whom they did estéem to be the most beautiful Lady they ever saw, and therefore worthy to be served by so good a Knight.  
At length after several Compliments the Knights were disarmed, and after a short repast the Sultan called them to Council, wherein it was concluded, that they should departed the next day, and carry with them fifty thousand men who were all ready for the march, to go and assist Don Bellianis.   

CHAP. XXXI.  
How the Emperor of Trebizond was relieved by the Arrival of the Kings of Albania and Georgia with one hundred thousand men, and fifty thousand men sent by the Emperor of Russia, and how he appointed a pitched Battle with Don Bellianis, and Baltasano Prince of Numidia, and their Armies; and how the two Prince's Brothers to Don Bellianis, and all the other Knights came with the Aid of fifty thousand men, and engaged with Don Bellianis and his Army against the Emperor of Trebizond, whom in the end they conquer and take him prisoner: And so leaving one hundred thousand men in the Field, under the Command of Baltasano, Don Bellianis and the rest of his Friends and Alliance, with the rest of the Army, marched back with their prisoners to Babylon.  
IN some distress was the Emperor of Trebizond, by reason of his being so closely besieged in the City of Pharez, but the expectation he had to be relieved by his Friends, gave him some satisfaction, and still continued him in his former Resolutions of not agreeing to the end of the War, unless it were on the Conditions he had formerly propounded to Don Bellianis, who you know was resolved rather to die than to yield to any such Proposals, and therefore he and the Prince of Numidia endeavoured all they could to gain the City, but it was so well fortified that it was very difficult: however they caused the Mines to be made to undermine the Wall, but before they hadended that, news came of the Arrival of fresh Supplies to to the Emperor, whereupon they prepared themselves to resist them, and to hinder (if possible) their entrance into the City.  
The Emperor heard in battle, gave Don Bellianis a mighty blow over the Helmet, but be soon required it by returning him another on the shoulder, which descending down, wounded him on the Arm. Thus was the Fight on all sides vigorously prosecuted: But the Kings of Albania and Georgia being wholly desirous to force their way into the City, made it their whole business to yet thither, and so by degrees they got ground, till at length both the Armies came in sight of one another, and then the Emperor's Forces seeing that they were likely to be so well relieved, gave a great shout, and joined all their Forces together: the noise that they made gave some disquiet to Don Bellianis, who was still fight with the Emperor, and being desirous to know what was the matter, he reached the Emperor so mighty a blow that he remained without feeling, and so he turned his horse towards the place from whence the noise came, and then he soon discovered that the occasion of it was the Arrival of the two Kings into the Army with their assistance. He presently furiously road through all the Ranks of his Enemies, doing much execution, till he arrived at the place where the Prince of Numidia was engaged in fight with two mighty Giants; one of which he presently assailed, and with less than three strokes laid him dead at his feet, when turning about he saw that his Companion the Numidian had likewise killed the other: and so they both agreed to retire to their own Forces to see how the Fight was maintained, and so making their way by the death of many of their Adversaries, they arrived at their own Camp, where they saw the two Knights of Hope, and the Flaming Sword, bravely engaged with six courageous Knights, and yet they defended themselves very valorously: they soon joined with them to the loss of all the lives of the six Knights.  
In the mean time the Emperor being free endeavoured to withdraw his Forces, and coming to the two Kings of Albania and Georgia, after some Compliments, he desired them likewise to draw off their Forces, which being done they all retired into the City, but with the loss of twenty thousand men, Don Bellianis and his Forces following them to the very gates. When they were entered the City, the Emperor conducted the two Kings to the Palace, where he entertained them and gave them many thanks for this their aid and assistance, and then they concluded to rest their Forces for two days, and by that time the Emperor told them he was confident he should not only have aid from the Emperor of Russia, but likewise more of his own, and so soon as they were arrived he intended to take the Field, not questioning but he should quickly force the Enemy to leave his Country.  
Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia retired to their Camp, and resolved very suddenly to give them a general Assault: but the next day the Forces of the Emperor of Russia arrived, and in despite of Don Bellianis entrenthed themselves, and kept the Field. The Emperor being thus well relieved, resolved now to take the Field, and give a Field-battel to his Enemies, which he concluded to do the next day: and in order thereunto early the next morning he with all his Forces issued out of the City with one hundred thousand men under his own Conduct, one hundred thousand men under the Conduct of the two Kings of Albania and Georgia, and fifty thousand men under the Command of the Knight of the Tiger, Kinsman to the Emperor of Russia, who had brought those Forces thither.  
In this equipage the Emperor was in the Field, and on the other side the two General's Don Bellianis and Baltasano, divided their Forces only into two parts, and resolving on all sides to fight valiantly and conquer their Enemies, they bravely assailed each other: Bloody was the Fight in all places, so that soon was the Fields green Apparel turned into purple. The Generals on all sides performed wonders: the Emperor on his part did very valiantly, resolving to get the Field or never return to the City: and Don Bellianis being resolved this day to show the invincibleness of his Courage, he being accompanied by five hundred Knights, as his Guard, in despite of all opposition forced his way into his Enemy's Camp, where with his own arm he soon killed fifty Knights, and those who followed him imitating his example, slew many of their enemies.  
The Prince of Numidia had likewise in another place forced his way into the Camp of his Enemies, and there he encountered the Knight of the Tiger, who was encompassed with ten strong Giants, but maugre all their opposition be furiously forced his way through them, and assaulted the Knight of the Tiger with so mighty a blow on the head, so that he was not only astonished, but the Sword falling on the horse his head, cleaved him downright, and he fell down dead under his Master. The Giants who were near him soon assisted him, and mounted him on another horse, but it cost two of them their lives, the one being slain by the Prince of Numidia, and the other by the Knight of Hope, who was now arrived with some Forces to the place where Baltasano was, and then they all joined. Forces, and the Knight of the Tiger being very valiant, revenged himself by the loss of the lives of many of his Enemies.  
Don Bellianis having run through his Enemy's Camp with great fury, returned and road up and down to find out his Rival the Emperor, whom he at length found out and encountered, and many fierce strokes were given to one another, the Emperor resolving to revenge himself on Don Bellianis, shown the utmost of his skill and courage, and gave him a blow on the Thigh, so that the blood issued out thereat through the joints of his Armour: he was greatly enraged hereat, and gave the Emperor another wound on the side: Thus they continued fight together, till at length the multitudes of both parties that came to assault each other parted them, and then they ranged about the Field killing and destroying many Knights.  
It was now the Noon day, and the Fight had continued eight hours, and yet there was not much advantage on either side, till they heard the sound of Trumpets, and at some distance they might perceive fresh Forces enter the Field, but to which that they belonged it was yet unknown: at length they arrived in sight, and then by their Colours they were known to belong to the Emperor, and indeed they were forty thousand men under the Conduct of the Knight of Fame, Nephew to the Emperor, who hearing of the Fight made haste thither, thinking to get Honour in the Battle, but he fared not so well as he expected, as we shall declare to you anon.  
Don Bellianis seeing this, quickly drew out forty thousand of his men and went to meet him, and taking a new Lance couched the same, and ran furiously against his Enemy, who did the like, but not with the same advantage; for Don Bellianis only lost one of his Stirrups, but his Enemy came horse and man to the ground. He soon recovered himself, and being angry at his misfortune, revenged himself by the death of six Knights, whom he soon killed or overthrew: thus was these two Battles joined, but Don Bellianis soon abated some of the vigour of his Enemies, by the puissant and mighty strokes he gave them, killing ten Knights before he broke his Lance, and then drawing his Sword he soon after sent twenty Knights more to accompany their companions, so that now they were not so furious to assault him as they had been: He quickly made his way through all this Squadron, and having testified to them his strength and valour, returned and went to assault the Knight of Fame, who was now engaged with his Enemies: but at the arrival of Don Bellianis they soon gave way to him and he reached him a mighty blow on the head, so that his Helmet flew from his head, and he was likewise wounded, and Don Bellianis intending to give him a second blow, was prevented; for two furious Giants opposed themselves to him: but he who was used to deal well enough with these sort of people, soon let them know his valour by the cutting off of one of their legs.  
In the mean time the Knight of Fame had recovered another Helmet, and came to revenge himself on Don Bellianis, so that now he was engaged both by a Giant and the Knight of Fame, but he did well enough to maintain the Fight with them both. In the mean time the two Kings of Albania and Georgia had engaged themselves among their Enemies, and at last they arrived where the Emperor was engaged, but they brought him such Aid that they caused the Souldan's Forces to retire, and many of them lost their lives, so that they being without any valiant Commander did in a manner fly: This gave great encouragement to the Emperor and the two Kings, and they pursued them some way, till they saw a Body of men afar off who came on a great pace, and the nearer they approached the more they appeared, and at length they were likewise known to be Forces of the Souldan's: This caused the Emperor and those that were with him to make a stand, much wondering at this business, and not daring to go any further. They made up towards them a great pace, and meeting with some of those who fled, informed themselves of the manner of the Fight, and caused them to face about and return on their Enemies.  
The Emperor seeing this was resolved to receive them, but they still made haste, and arriving near the Emperor's Forces, six Knights advancing forwards and couching their Lances, ran upon the Emperor and his Forces, and with the furiousness of the Encounter they dismounted five Knights that opposed them, and the Emperor who was the sixth, lost both his Stirrups; they quickly passed on and ran furiously into their Enemy's Squadrons, and shown the admirableness of their valour by the mighty blyws they gave, for in less than a quarter of an hour they had dismounted and slain above a hundred Knights: and in this time their Forces by their example followed them, and joining with their Enemies soon compelled them, in despite of the Emperor and the two Kings of Albania and Georgia, to retire to the rest of the Army. When they were all arrived there they gave a loud shout, and cried out, Babylon, Babylon: This noise gave a fresh Alarm to the Armies, and Don Bellianis wondering thereat, went to see the occasion, doubting that the Enemy had got more Aid: but he was soon satisfied of the contrary, for he knew the Common Soldiers by their Colours: but he was much more astonished when he saw the incomparable Deeds of the six valiant Champions, and indeed they were all unknown to him. He coming nearer to them discovered one of them by his Armour to be Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia, wherefore he went to him, and said: Ah worthy Friend! great pains have you taken to come thus far to my assistance. The Phenician courteously replied to him, Noble Prince, I should not think it any trouble to travel throughout the whole world to serve you, especially in so good company as I have brought with me: Then he knowing that Don Bellianis was willing to be informed who were in his company, told him that his Companions were his two valiant Brothers, Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore, and his Cousin Fliorispiano of Swevia, and the two other Knights were somewhat strangers, but both valiant Knights; and so they were indeed, the one being the valiant Peter of Ireland, Knight of the Keys, and the other the Knight of the Wolf, and that they had brought from the Sultan of Babylon fifty thousand men for his assistance.  
Don Bellianis being very joyful hereat soon entered the Fight, and was now again resolved to conquer or die, and that this day should put an end to the War: In this resolution he went to his Companion the Prince of Numidia, and informed him hereof, and telling him that he would with a Party of Horse break through the Enemy's Forces, and get between them and the City and hinder their entrance, and that he would only desire him to prosecute the Fight, assuring him that there were such valiant Knights come, that he questioned not to have the Victory.  
Thus did he leave the Numidian and went to execute his purpose, and so he did, and soon broke through the Forces of the Enemy. The Prince of Numidia being thus encouraged, drew up all his Forces and freshly assailed his Enemies, and in short time by the assistance of the six Champions, and the Forces they brought, he got so great advantage of his Enemies, that he forced them to retire; which they did not do so well but that many of them were slain. Among the rest, Peter of Ireland did gloriously; for he flew the Knight of Fame, Cousin to the Emperor, and many Knights and Giants that were near him. The two Princes Clarineo and Lucidamore took the King of Georgia Prisoner, maugre the resistance of all his Guards, and the Knight of the Tiger hardly escaped with life, being very much wounded by Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia.  
The Emperor of Trebizond seeing that by the means of this fresh Supply he should lose the Day, resolved to retire before he should be quite vanquished, wherefore he caused a Retreat to be sounded, and so retired to enter the City, but Don Bellianis who expected him, hindered him therefrom and fiercely assaulted him: Greatly surprised was the Emperor when he saw himself so assaulted on both sides, wherefore he advanced forwards to see who it was that hindered his Retreat; but he was so bravely received by his Rival, that notwithstanding his utmost endeavours he could not get off: but after he had received many wounds by Don Bellianis, was taken prisoner: the rest of his Forces in the mean time seeing the Field lost, left him and fled in great disorder into the City.  
Great was the sorrow in the City for the loss of the Emperor, they not yet knowing whether he were alive or dead. None of the Commanders returned back but the King of Albania: the King of Georgia being taken, and the Knight of Fame being killed, the Knight of the Tiger was brought in wounded, and thus the night being come, the horror of the day was covered.  
Don Bellianis seeing the Emperor's Forces were got into the City, caused a Retreat to be sounded, and so repaired to his Tent, which was set up near the City walls, and the Prince of Numidia being come to him, they delivered the two prisoners, the Emperor and the King of Georgia, into safe custody under a strong Guard, commanded by the Knight of Hope; and then they sent for all those valiant Knights who had assisted them. They quickly came to the Tent, where they were kindly embraced by the two Generals, the Prince of Numidia being very joyful to see his Friend Don Bellianis his two Brothers, who had discovered themselves: they were on all sides joyful for this happy meeting, and much more in that it had been so fortunate.  
The Prince Don Clarineo delivered two Letters to his Brother, one from the Sultan, and another from his Daughter the Princess Florisbella. Don Bellianis looking on that from the Sultan, was greatly abashed when he saw the Superscription to be thus: For the Most Accomplished Prince and Valiant Knight, Don Bellianis of Greece: but he was astonished when he had opened it, and sound therein these Lines:  
The LETTER of the Sultan of Babylon, to Don Bellianis of Greece.  
Noble Prince,  
I Must beg excuse for the mean Treatment I gave you, the cause was my ignorance of your Quality: had I known your Princely Extraction I should have used you like the Son of so great an Emperor as is the Emperor of Greece: but your Virtues and Magnanimity did well enough declare your descent; wherefore I once again ask your pardon, and do promise you as a requital, my true Friendship, and so soon as by your incomparable Valour you have put some end to this War, I shall desire your presence, that We may by some action testify the esteem We have of your friendship. We question not but you will receive a satisfactory Answer from the Princess Our Daughter, who testifies not only a respect, but some affection for you, and assure yourself that We shall not hinder it, but give her her freedom, which We suppose will be to your satisfaction. We have gained so much favour for your sake, as to have the assistance of your Brothers and Relations, whom We have sent here with some Supplies, and do intent to send you more, if occasion be, but We hope that this will be enough, not only to make Our Enemy to be reasonable, but also to give him some sensible trouble for that he hath given Us. Thus desiring of the Gods a protection for you, We rest  
Your Friend, The Sultan.  
Great was the astonishment and joy of Don Bellianis at this Letter, now concluding himself to be the happiest of all men living. Having read this Letter, he omitted the reading of the other for a more private occasion, and so again welcomed his Friends, but especially the valiant Knight Peter of Ireland, who was a stranger to him, and in whom he saw a great magnanimity. Thus leaving off Consultations till the morning, every one departed to Tents provided for them: After they were departed, Don Bellianis breaking open the Letter from the Princess Florisbella, he found in it thus written:  
The LETTER of the Princess Florisbella, to Don Bellianis.  
SIR,  
YOur Letter gave me much satisfaction, but your presence would give me much more: and now the arrival of your Brethren and Relations with a Letter from my Cousin the Princess Aurora, hath given that satisfaction to my Father that I was in much trouble how to do it. He is very well acquainted with your Condition, and hath desired me to accept you for my Knight, which he needed not to have desired, had he known how deeply your dear remembrance is fixed in my heart: in fine, there wants nothing now but your presence to make me happy, and I question not but this will the more stir you to the destruction of your Rival, who I account for my mortal enemy; yet although I desire his ruin, I would not have it purchased with your danger, therefore as you are mine, fail not to preserve yourself, and hazard not your person beyond the ordinary. I hope the arrival of these your Relations, and the Forces they bring with them will put an end to the War, that my trouble for you may end with your presence, which I continually wish for. My Cousin Mattarosa fails not to keep you in my remembrance, although she needs not give herself that trouble; but however it is a pleasure for me continually to hear of you: all that I desire is, that I may see you with all expedition, that I may have the satisfaction of your company; in the mean time I will prepare things with my Mother that shall be to your satisfaction; I pray for the future question not my constancy, but assure yourself I shall ever be  
Your Constant Friend, Florisbella.  
Don Bellianis having read this Letter kissed it a thousand times, and could not satisfy himself with once reading of it, so pleasant was these charming Lines, and in this satisfaction he went to rest, where though he took little by reason of the great content he had received by the Letters, yet was he up early the next morning, and mounting on his horse he viewed the Field, which was the bloodiest spectacle that ever was beheld, it being best●owed with the bodies of almost two hundred thousand men, whereof one hundred and fifty thousand were of the enemies. Afterwards he retired into his Tent, where some of the Commanders and Knights were come to wait on him to know his pleasure, so he sent for the rest of the Chief of the Officers, who entering into Consultation did resolve to leave the Field in possession of Baltasano, and one hundred thousand men to prosecute the War, and he and the rest would return with their Prisoners to Babylon, to know the pleasure of the Sultan. This was generally well liked of, and accordingly executed, so that the next day they departed, as they had agreed, and marched towards Babylon.   

CHAP. XXXII.  
How Magdalena Princess of Sardinia being left alone in the Island of Sicilia, made a great Complaint for the absence of her Knight Peter, Knight of the Keys, and how she traveled into Ireland to find him out, where missing him she caused a Monastery to be built, resolving there to live in disguise in expectation of his return.  
WE will now for some time leave the Princes, Don Bellianis of Greece, and his Brethren and Companions, with their Prisoners and others in their return to Babylon, who marched thither-ward in all content and pleasure, they being greatly satisfied in what they had done, only Peter of Ireland still continued extremely discontented for the loss of his dear Lady the Princess Magdalena, to whom we will return, who as we told you was left in the Island of Sicilia, being very weary of her travel, slept a great while, but at length she awaked, and fetching a deep sigh, lifted up her head, and looking about her for her Knight, she could not see him; whereupon she arose from the ground, and walking about she could not find him: at which she much wondered, and in great perplexity she made many turn and walks about the place where she lay, sometimes she went to the Water side to look that ways, and then again she returned, but altogether unsatisfied; at length the night grew on and he returned not, then was she much dismayed, and fell into these Lamentations.  
Oh unfortunate Princess! how much unhappiness hath thy rashness caused thee already, and to what end will this turn? but yet how could I expect any blessing in my actions, having left my Parents and Friends, who it may be at this time are in as great perplexity for my departure as I am in, and it is but the justice of Heaven that I should bear them company in their Complaints: but alas they are safe and well in their own Court, and I am here in a strange place, having newly escaped the danger of the Seas, in which it had been better I had been drowned, than now to be devoured by wild Beasts, or to expect a worse death: It had been far better for me to have lost my life in the Seas, for than I should have had my beloved Friend to have born me company, but now I must perish alone and most miserable. Ah Knight of the Keys, what is become of thee? whither art thou gone? certainly this was not done by thy good will, for so much barbarousness could not enter the breast of any man, as to leave me here in such an inhuman manner. But why should I condemn thee, or complain on thee, for certainly thou dost more deserve my pity than anger: it may be thou by some mischance wand'ring in these Woods art devoured by wild Beasts, who have by this time entombed thee in their hungry Maws. Oh that I were certain of that, and that I knew where that Beast should remain, I would go seek him out and offer myself to be devoured by him, that I might at least accompany thee in death.  
Having thus finished her Lamentation, she with extreme grief fell down to the ground; but bethinking herself that she was a Christian, and therefore was bound to preserve her life so long as she could, she arose and sought about for a place where at present to lie down more conveniently to repose herself till the morning: after some travel she found a place near the water side that was somewhat commodious for that purpose, being encompassed with great reeds, where she laid herself down expecting the morning; which being come, she not having taken any rest, arose; and not knowing what to do, nor whither to go, being in a great Wood, at length with much difficulty climbed up a Tree, and being come to the top looked about her, to see if she could discover any Houses or People: At length she saw some people afar off walking, being glad of that, descended the Tree and went forwards to that place, which was a Common Road; and seeing people coming she retired into the Wood a little way, to consider with herself what was necessary to be done. Then she resolved not to go home to her Father, but rather to travel towards Ireland the Country of her dearly beloved Knight, believing that if he escaped with life he would go thither, and thither she intended to go and expect him: but the habit she was in being very gorgeous and costly, she knew that it would be very inconvenient to travel in, and therefore she resolved with the first conveniency to alter her Apparel: she quickly had the opportunity of putting this her resolution into execution; for the next woman that went by was a Pilgrim, to whom she went, and desiring her to come a little out of the way they retired into the Wood, where the Princess told her that she had a request to make to her, which she desired her to grant, and that it could not be in the least to her prejudice.  
The good woman seeing her in so rich Apparel, thought that it would be ill manners in her to deny her any thing, and therefore she consented to her Request: Then the Princess told her that she desired her to exchange her Apparel with her. The woman at first was unwilling, but at length she consented, and so changing their Habits, the Princess likewise gave her some money, and so they departed.  
The Princess being thus accoutred, desired to know the way to the next Port Town, to which she traveled, and being come thither, she desired to embark herself: and enquiring for shipping she found one going for England, into which she embarked herself, resolving never to return to her Father, but still to travel in search of her Knight.  
The Ship in short time arrived at England, and there she was exposed to a new travel through that Country, and then taking shipping again she went for Ireland; where when she arrived she traveled toward Wexford, the place of her dear Knight's Nativity: At length she arrived there, and enquiring for the Earl his Father, found him and all his Family in much discontent for the absence of his Son.  
Thus being arrived here, and resolving to abide in this place, she caused Workmen to build a small Monastery with the Money she brought from her Father's Court, and when it was builded she Dedicated it to the Honour of Saint Peter the Holy Apostle, in memory of her dear Knight.  
In this place she enclosed herself, resolving to live a Religious Life all her days in expectation of the Return of her dearly beloved Knight. Here she got an Acquaintance with the Earl and Countess, Father and Mother to the Knight of the Keys, who seeing her of so Religious a Life and Conversation, acquainted themselves with her, delighting much in her Society, and likewise did very much countenance her in her Undertake, and oftentimes invited her home to their Habitation: to which place she sometimes went, otherwise she never departed from her Monastery, still entertaining poor sick Travellers therein. Thus did she shut up herself from all the world, while he was as much afflicted for her absence, and was in continual care and trouble for her loss.   

CHAP. XXXIII.  
How the Earl of Munster and his Wife the Countess did believe their Son Peter to be drowned, and how they informed the Holy Magdalena thereof, and of the sorrow they all made.  
THus continued these Personages, the Earl and his Wife, and the Holy Magdalena, in continual care and fear, but they all still hoped one day to hear of the Return of their Son and Friend: but they were much perplexed at an adventure that happened one day, which was in this manner.  
Certain Fishermen having been abroad at Sea a fishing, amongst other Fishes which they caught one happened to be a very fair Sturgeon, at which they wondered, and at their return to Wexford they went to the Earl, and presented this Fish as a great Novelty to him: the which he thankfully received, and showing the same to his Countess, she caused the same immediately to be cut into pieces: but oh strange accident! in the belly of the Fish she discovered somewhat that was red, which having taken out, they found it to be a red Purse of cloth, and having opened the same there was in it three jewels, which she earnestly beholding, knew to be the same she had delivered to her Son Peter at such time as he departed from her, when he first began his travels.  
This sight gave her great astonishment, and she going immediately to the Earl her Husband shown them to him, and he knowing them was as much troubled, and then they certainly concluded and saw that all their hopes of the Return of their Son Peter was in vain; for they verily believed that he had been cast away at Sea, and the Fishes had devoured him: and in this opinion they remained, making great Lamentations for the loss of him, never more expecting to see him. Then they immediately put themselves and all their Family into Mourning Apparel, and hung all their House in Mourning, and ordered every thing as if he had been certainly dead, and they had seen him buried, so confident were they of the truth of this adventure. And thus continued they in great and private mourning for many days, not being seen of any but their own family. So soon as the Countess went abroad, she went to the Monastery to visit the Holy Magdalena, where when she was arrived she expressed by her outward looks and habit, the inward sorrow of her mind.  
The Holy Maid being desirous to know the occasion of this, believing it to be some extraordinary matter, desired the Countess to inform her of the true cause of her immoderate sorrow, the which she did with many tears, and the Holy Maid accompanied her in her tears, verily believing this to be true, and that now she should never more see her dear Knight Peter. The Countess supposing that she shed those tears out of affection to her loss, thinking to be consolated by her, was forced herself to give her some consolation, so great was her grief, but she little thought that the Holy Maid was so deeply concerned in this occasion.  
After many lamentations and tears, the Countess desired the Holy Maid that she would come and visit her oftener, that they might lament together, and so she departed, leaving the fair Magdalena in the greatest grief in the world. The Countess being gone, she retirdd herself into her Chamber, where throwing herself upon her Bed, she thus began: Ah unfortunate Maid, how far better had it been that thou hadst never been born, than thou shouldest be the occasion of so much grief: I was the cause that the good Knight Peter adventured himself in such manner, that he has now lost his life; and therefore it is thy cause that so much grief is come to his Parents for his loss. Certainly he losing of me, hath traveled so many Countries in the searching form, that he is now cast away at sea, and become the food for Fishes. It had been much better that I had never been fair, or at least that I had never consented to have left my Parents, so to torment and afflict them; but Heaven is just, and hath now deservedly sent this loss to punish me for my disobedience: Ah what shall now become of me? I shall never again see the face of my dear Knight, nor never give any comfort to my dear Parents in my sight, for here I am resolved (since I have been so unfortunate) to end my life, and for the future do better service to God for the expiation of my sins.  
Thus did she lament, and thus continued she in this place in the greatest devotion in the world, never stirring out but to the Earls, where she went sometimes to accompany them in their Lamentations for the loss of their Son and her Friend, resolving that so long as she lived she would not discover her quality and condition to any one: and in this place we must for some time leave her, and return to her beloved Peter, and the rest of the Princes and Knights who were in their way to Babylon: but we will first by the way tell you the News that came to Babylon to the Sultan and the Princess Florisbella.   

CHAP. XXXIV.  
How News came to the Sultan at Babylon of the Victory obtained against the Emperor of Trebizond, and how the Sultan and many of his Court went out to meet Don Bellianis and his Companions.  
THe Sultan of Babylon was very joyful for the Arrival of the two Princes Clarineo and Lucidamore, Brothers to Don Bellianis and the rest of the Knights their Companions, and he and all his Court had much hope that they and the Forces which they conducted to Don Bellianis, would be able to reduce the Emperor of Trebizond to better terms than had been already propounded. The Princess Florisbella and Mattarosa were greatly satisfied at the Arrival of the Knights, and did both believe that in short time they should have the company of their Knights; and therefore the Princess Florisbella endeavoured to put her Affairs into such order, that Don Bellianis at his return might give her and himself the satisfaction she desired, wherefore she taking an opportunity when only herself, and Mother, and her Cousin the Princess Mattarosa were together, she began to her Mother thus:  
Madam, good fortune have we had, that the Gods have at so necessary a time as this, sent us so valiant Knights to defend our Empire when it was most in danger: but withal I am very sorry and discontented that my person should give so great an occasion, as to endanger the lives of so many valiant Knights, and I would to the Gods that we could consider of some way of preventing this trouble for the future.  
The Empress replied, I question not Daughter, but what Forces are already gone (with the assistance of the Gods, a just Cause, and the Aid of so many brave Princes and Knights) will be able without any more trouble to bring home Victory, or at least to force the Emperor of Trebizond to such a Peace as shall be as disadvantageous to him, and he intended to us: but there is somewhat else to be further considered of, for so long as you remain unmarried, you being the only Heir of this Empire, we shall be in the like danger, either the love or ambition of some persons will readily prompt them to give us a trouble; therefore dear Daughter, since your years of childhood are past, and you are capable of making a Choice, it would be necessary and convenient for you, amongst those many Princes and great Personages that sue for your favour, that you would choose one whom you think fit to make your Husband, that thereby all the rest may be satisfied, and we left quiet, and your Father and I in our old age live without this trouble.  
Madam, replied the Princess, If either you or my Father would propound some one that were fitting for my Quality and Condition, I should be ready to bend my inclinations towards him, and willingly content you therein.  
Madam, said the Princess Mattarosa, I suppose the Princess my Cousin would willingly satisfy yourself and her Father in this particular: but if you please to hear my advice, I shall endeavour to please you both. I believe it the most necessary thing to be considered of in this Choice, to have one that shall be both valiant and able to defend this Country from all its Enemies: these Wars have testified that you have Enemies, and therefore it is necessary as well to prevent a future danger as to end this: there are several brave Princes and Knights engaged in this War, and out of the same one might be thought of that might be a fit Match, and if I may with freedom speak, I shall name the person.  
The Empress who had heard her Cousin, liked well of her counsel, and therefore told her that she should willingly not only hear her, but also give her consent thereto, provided it were such a person as was every way both by Descent and Valour, deserving, and if her Daughters good will and inclination were added thereto.  
The Princess Mattarosa (very well knowing that she should give no distaste to her Cousin in proceeding) replied, That the person whom she thought most fit for a Husband for her Cousin was the most accomplished Person for Valour, Virtue, and Princely Descent in the whole world, and the person that that Empire and they all were most obliged to: and, says she, I shall not need to name him further, for this Character does sufficiently testify that it can be none other but the Prince Don Bellianis of Greece.  
The Empress replied, That truly she always had a very great estéem for that Prince, and she supposed that gratitude had caused some inclination in her Daughter's mind; and, says she, I am sure that he has deserved more of her than all men living: and could I find that she would be willing to accept of him, I would not only give my own consent to the Match, but I would endeavour to persuade the Sultan my Husband thereto, and I question not but the many Services which that good Prince hath done him, will engage him to give him that satisfaction, if he desires it.  
As for that Madam, said Mattarosa, I am sure that the valiant Prince Don Bellianis is extremely amorous of my Cousin Florisbella, and that it hath been the sole cause of his coming hither, which hath been so much for the advantage of us all, he himself told me this, and I think myself not only obliged to tell you this, but also to do what else for him I can.  
The Princess Florisbella seeing things brought to this pass, thus answered them, Dear Mother, since it is your pleasure for me to speak in this occasion, I shall do it with all freedom, and therefore assure yourself that ever st●ce I first saw the Prince Don Bellianis, I have had a very great inclination for him, but I have smothered it till now I hear he is a person not only fit by his worth and desert, but your estéem of him to be so, and therefore if you and my Father should be so contented, I shall think myself happy in having a person so every way accomplished for my Husband, and I question not but his worth will sufficiently plead for him to my Father.  
The Empress being highly satisfied in the Answer of her Daughter, said that she would immediately take such Orders with the Sultan, as she would not only know his mind herein, but also if occasion be, persuade him thereto to the satisfaction of all, and so she departed from her Cousin and Daughter, leaving them in the greatest satisfaction in the world.  
The Empress went to the Sultan her Husband, and discoursed of this matter to him, who was so pleased therewith, that there was nothing wanting but the presence of Don Bellianis to put a conclusion to the matter, and therefore they all wished for an end of the War. In these terms they were when a Knight armed at all points came into the presence of the Sultan, and d●ing his ordinary, Reverence, told him that he came from the valiant Prince Don Bellianis, and his Companions, and had brought a Letter to him, and thereupon the Sultan caused it to be opened, wherein he found these words.  
The LETTER of Don Bellianis, to the Sultan of Babylon.  
Dread Lord,  
SInce my last to you, our Success in your Wars hath been very various, for the Emperor of Trebizond continuing in his wilfulness, endeavoured all he could to lengthen the War, which he effected by the continual arrival of fresh Forces: but however the Justice of your Cause gave us sufficient Success; for although your Forces did rather diminish than increase, yet we still joined the better: At length we being wearied with the tediousness of the War, resolved though to our disadvantage, to hazard all in one Battle, which we both began and continued with equal success, till new Forces arriving at his Army somewhat discouraged your Soldiers: but however I resolved to put an end to the War with that one days Battle, if possible, and therefore giving your Forces fresh encouragement, by my endeavours we continued the Fight: but most fortunate was it for us that those Forces you sent under the Conduct of my Brothers and Friends, came at that time so opportunely, for it so discouraged our Enemies, and gave so much encouragement to your Soldiers, that all resolved to make this use thereof, either to conquer or die. This their Resolution they well enough performed, for after a long and bloody Battle, our Enemies were forced out of the Field (which they had before kept) into the City, to their great loss: not only the Common Soldiers and many brave Knights suffered and lost their lives, but the Chief Commanders also. The Emperor it was my fortune to take prisoner, and the King of Georgia who had assisted him with fifty thousand men, was taken by my two Brethren, and the rest put to flight, so that we may conclude the War to be at an end. I have left the City with a hundred thousand men besieged by Don Baltasano, and with the rest am coming towards Babylon, to know your further Commands, which what ever they be, shall be surely executed; for since your Incomparable Daughter hath had so much goodness, as to admit me to the honour of being her Servant, I find myself capable of any attempt.  
I shall bring with me the Emperor, whose presumption gave her a discontent, who shall either ask her pardon for his so bold attempt, or be otherwise disposed of as you shall think fit. I thought good to send you this Messenger, that you might participate in the Contentment we all receive by this Victory, which you may account absolute, or else if you please to command it shall be quickly perfected, either to the gaining of the Empire of Trebizond, or what other Kingdoms you shall please, or else to the loss of the life of  
Your humblest Servant, Don Bellianis.  
If this News was pleasing to the Sultan you may easily judge, and he soon expressed it by his Commands that a general Ringing should be made throughout his whole Empire: And he then immediately assembled his Council together, to advise what was necessary to be done; wherein it was concluded that He himself and all the Grandées of his Court, and all the Forces that were then in the City prepared for the War, should the next day march in triumph to meet the valiant Don Bellianis and his worthy Companions.  
The Princess Florisbella was soon informed of this Victory, not only by that Letter of her Fathers, but by one of her own sent by Don Bellianis to her, which when she had received it, she opened and read as followeth.  
The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella.  
Dear Princess,  
THe tediousness of the War hath given me a very sensible trouble, not for any thing of difficulty I met therein, but for my absence from your Divine Presence: but now (thanks to the Gods) we have put a period thereto, the justice of your Cause commanding no less;) for we have not only sacrificed the lives of many of your Enemies to your just Anger, but I have in my custody the persons of two of the most considerable, the Emperor your Grand Enemy, and the King of Georgia one of his Alliance. I beg an excuse for my not giving you a particular account of our Battle and Victory, doubting the tediousness thereof would displease you. I shall bring the Emperor my Rival into your presence, but I suppose he will not be so impudent as to persevere in his wilfulness of having your divine Person at his dispose, nor at the least discontent you; if I thought he would, I should hinder him therefrom by bereaving him of his life: It was my intention to have sacrificed his life long since to your just displeasure, and thereby have rid myself of a Rival; but he fell into my hands at such a time that I could not in point of Honour kill him, wherefore he shall come and receive his Doom from your own mouth, and I am indifferent whether you give him life or death, so you will pronounce so  a sentence for me, that I may enjoy that with your good will which he would have compelled you to. Madam, I hope, and partly expect your performance of this, not for any merit or desert of my own, but out of the excess of goodness and mercy the Gods have so plentifully endued you withal. Madam, I shall now cease writing till I come to your presence, but be confident of this that I shall never cease to be  
The humblest of your Servants, Don Bellianis.  
The Princess was sufficiently satisfied in the receipt of this Letter, but she hoped for a further satisfaction in that of his presence, which she expected in a few days, and was glad she had used the late discourse with her Mother. Thus was both Court and City in great content, and the Sultan the next day went out of the City, accompanied by his Nobility and others, to meet the Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions.   

CHAP. XXXV.  
How the Sultan of Babylon met the Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions, and how they all arrived at the City of Babylon  
With great content and pleasure did the Sultan and all his company ride to meet Don Bellianis and all his Companions, who were all merry and jocund for the good fortune they had in vanquishing their Enemies; but he who was best pleased was Don Bellianis himself, in that he was now so near the presence of his Honourable Lady, at whose hands he hoped to receive so much favour, as would sufficiently satisfy him for all his pains and travel. Thus did they all ride on, when coming within half a days journey of Babylon, a Messenger came to them to inform them that the Sultan himself in person, and several of his Grandées and Nobility, were in the way coming to meet them: At which news they all put themselves in order to receive him, and so in very good order they marched forwards: Don Bellianis being mounted on a stately Horse came in the Front, riding between his two Princely Brother's Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore, next to them came the four valiant Knights, Contumeliano of Phenicia, Fliorispiano of Swevia, Peter of Ireland, and Trion Knight of the Wolf, and all the rest of the other Knights and great Personages in good order. In this equipage and order did they march when the Sultan and his followers met them. At the fight of whom Don Bellianis lightly leaping from his horse, marched on foot to the Sultan; who seeing him dismounted did likewise alight, and Don Bellianis falling on his knee, humbly desired the Sultan to permit him to kiss his hands: but the Sultan refusing that, caused him to arise, and then the other Knights being come together, the Sultan having embraced Don Bellianis with much affection in the sight of all those many worthy Personages, in the hearing of them all he said as followeth:  
Most mighty Prince, We have great cause to be thankful to the Gods for the mercy they have showed us, in sending you into this Country at a time when We were in so great distress; for without your presence we had all ere this been in so great a straight, that our fortunes, nay our very lives had been in very great hazard: there is none of us here but if he enjoys Wife, Children, or Estate, or Liberty, is obliged to you for the protection thereof, so that this whole Empire is of right belonging to you, it having been so marvellously protected, and miraculously defended by your invincible Valour. Therefore, most noble Prince, as all We have or enjoy is absolutely your right to possess, so let Us know what, or how We shall make you some satisfaction: As for Our own part, Ourselves, Our Empress, and Our Daughter, shall be wholly at your dispose, and We shall all joyfully obey your just Desires or Commands, knowing that the Gods who have endowed you with so much Valour, have certainly bestowed on you the like quantity of Virtue; and therefore most Noble Prince, let Us know your desires, and they shall be absolutely obeyed.  
Don Bellianis held his peace with very much difficulty, being very unwilling to hear the Sultan go on in such Commendations of him, but withal he was unwilling to disturb him till he had done: but so soon as he saw he had ended his Discourse, he thus replied:  
Most redoubted Sultan, I am very sorry that I should give your Highness so much trouble, as to come thus far to meet your poor Servants, but much more discontented and ashamed that you should here before this Noble Company heap so many commendations on me who have acted the least of all this Company: but if I had done any thing worthy of note, it is no more than I am bound by the Order of Knighthood, and the Bonds of Civility and true Virtue to do; for what I have done hath been to relieve the oppressed, and nothing but Justice; with which Actions the Heavens are pleased we should exercise ourselves, and for that end are we created, one bare acknowledgement is a sufficient recompense: but what I have performed has been by virtue of the Commands of that Incomparable Princess your Daughter, who hath made me so happy as to admit me to be her Servant, and in whose just Quarrel I shall dare to do any thing that she shall further command me, not questioning but her goodness will give me a reward sufficient: and if you please to let me continue her Servant, and give me freedom in that, I shall esteem myself in the greatest height of happiness.  
To this the Sultan replied,  
Prince of Greece, I am so far satisfied in my Daughter's mind, that she has not only a great esteem of your Virtues, but also an affection for your Person, and if you are pleased with her, and think the enjoyment of her Person will be any recompense for your great Labours, be confident that you may have a free possession thereof, and We shall think Ourselves happy that We can have so brave a Prince for Our Son in Law, by whose power and magnanimity we question not but we shall be able to defend this Empire.  
Don Bellianis having heard this, immediately fell on his knees, and notwithstanding all the resistance of the Sultan, kissed his hand, and straight embracing him, in most humble manner thus replied.  
Ah Mighty Sir, What Thanks or Returns am I able to make for this so immense and most  Favour! were I possessed of the whole World's Empire, I should yet esteem myself too mean a person to enjoy so great a happiness as that of the Person of your Incomparable Daughter, whose rare Perfections commands all the Potentates in the whole World to be at her dispose: And Sir, assure yourself, that for the future it shall be my endeavour to conquer Kingdoms, and vanquish Kings, that I may lay their Crowns at her feet, as a just Tribute to her Virtues.  
Having thus spoken, he arose from the ground, and retiring back a few steps, he permitted his Brothers and Companions to go forwards and be received by the Sultan, and then he himself went forward and kindly saluted the Nobility of Babylon. Thus having done they all remounted their horses and in good order marched towards Babylon, but it grew so late that the Sultan resolved not to enter the City that night, but to stay at a Palace of his a league from the City: at which place they being arrived, took up their Quarters for that night, and prepared for their entrance into the City the next morning; which being come, they all again mounted their horses and set forwards. This day the Prince Don Bellianis and the Sultan road on together, and then his two Brethren, and so the rest of the Princes and Knights in order: When they came near the City, the Magistrates thereof came and presented themselves in their richest Habiliments, and made a Congratulatory Oration to Don Bellianis: and so all the way that they road he had several Orations and Presents made him; for which he gave them many thanks.  
The two Prisoners, the Emperor of Trebizond and the King of Georgia, came in the middle of the Army, being placed in two Chariots with Chains and Fetters of God, and a great Guard about them, and thus did arrive at the Palace, where they were met by the Empress and her Ladies. The Princes and Knights soon left their horses, and on foot advanced forwards, where Don Bellianis falling on his knees was kindly and lovingly embraced by the Empress; but when he came before the presence of his Princess he kneeled on the ground, not daring to cast one glance of his eyes upon her Divine Countenance. She was this day dressed in a Gown of Sky-coloured Satin embroidered with Gold, and richly beset with Diamonds and Rubies, representing Stars in the Heavens, but her Face appeared to be more glorious than the Sun when he is in his greatest lustre: her Bosom fitly represented the Milky whey, and in all her parts there was so much excellency and divinity, that it dazzled the eyes of the Beholders. Our poor Prince was all this while on the ground, not daring either to look up or speak: but having her by one of her hands more white than the driven Snow, he most amorously kissed that, and fetching many sighs, bathed it in tears. She well knowing that he was surprised, said to him, What, most Noble Prince, after having conquered many enemies, have you not confidence to behold a Lady, your Friend? He then recovering himself, and looking on her Face, said: Dear Princess, so much transcendent light proceeds from your divine Countenance, that I am not holy enough to look up, lest for my presumption I be strucken blind. But considering with himself that he was observed by many in that passion, he again saluting her hand arose, and making an obeisance passed on towards the Princess Mattarosa, who kindly received him: and so the rest of the Knights having performed their duties to the Ladies, he went to his Princess, and seeing the Sultan was leading the Empress away, he likewise took the Princess by the hand and went after them: after he was come into the great Hall they disarmed themselves, and a costly Banquet being prepared they all sat down; which being done, the Sultan did then declare to his Empress and Daughter what he had promised to Don Bellianis, wherewith they were so well satisfied, that he intended forthwith to have them married; and therefore not only caused all those Princes that were there present to continue in the Court till the Ceremony should be performed, but he likewise sent into all the adjacent countries' to summon all Knights to come at that time, which he intended to be within fourtéen days.   

CHAP. XXXVI.  
How the most Renowned Prince Don Bellianis of Greece, Son to the Emperor of Constantinople, was Married to the Princess Florisbella, Daughter to the Sultan of Babylon; and of the Solemnity of the Wedding, and the Tilts and Tournaments then holden in honour of the same.  
GReat was the Preparations that were made for the Solemnity of the Wedding between the Prince of Greece and the fair Princess of Babylon, and many were the great Personages that came to Babylon to assist or attend at that Solemnity. The King and Queen of Antioch, Don Brianel and Aurora, with a Troop of five hundred gallant Knights came thither (as they believed they were by duty bound) to wait upon their Relations: and the King and Queen of Pharez, Don Alfiron and Persiana, with another Troop of five hundred Knights likewise, came at this time to render their love and service to the most accomplished Don Bellianis, and great was the resort of several other Princes and Knights, Princesses and Ladies from all parts, to see and assist at this great Ceremony, so that not only the City, but all the adjacent Towns were filled with rich Tents, and Companies of Ladies and Knights.  
Don Bellianis and his Princess Florisbella spent much of their time in welcoming and treating these persons that came so far to honour them: and the Sultan and his Empress were extreme joyful that they had been so fortunate as to match their Daughter to so brave a Prince, and one so well beloved, not questioning but now their Empire would be more flourishing than ever, and they should be out of all fear of the power of any of their Neighbouring Enemies.  
At length the day so much expected and desired came, when all things being in readiness, these great Personages set forwards to the Temple: The Fair Princess Florisbella was led thither by the two Prince's Don Clarineo of Spain, and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly, both Brothers to Don Bellianis; and he was led thither by the Princess Mattarosa of Numidia, and the fair Princess Cynthia Sister to the Prince of Mesapotamia, the rest of the Princesses and Princes, Ladies and Knights, in great state and very good order attending: Being come to the Temple, and the usual Solemnities performed, they returned back again to the Palace, where a most rich and gallant Dinner was provided. The Tables being furnished with all manner of Delicacies which the Luxury of Asia could produce. After Dinner was ended, every one made haste to the place appointed for the Tournament, the Princesses and Ladies seating themselves on a Scaffold erected on one side of the Tiltyard for that purpose, in the midst of which Scaffold was placed two Thrones, on the one was seated the Sultan of Babylon and his Empress, and on the other the Prince Don Bellianis and the Incomparable Florisbella his Bride, and the rest of the Kings and Queen's, Princes and Princesses, Knights and Ladies in several places appointed for that purpose. No sooner were they all seated, but silence was commanded, and after the sound of twelve Trumpets, Proclamation was made that all such Knights as was there present, or should during the term of the Tournament arrive, should have free liberty of showing their utmost endeavours in the Acts of Chivalry, both at the Sword and Lance, provided they did conform themselves to such Orders as were appointed, or should be appointed either by the Sultan or Don Bellianis. And it was further proclaimed, that the Tournament should continue for four days.  
The first day Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia had leave with fifty Knights to maintain and keep the Field in honour of the New Married Pair, against all Opponents. The second day was appointed for Peter of Ireland, with the same number of Knights. The third day for Don Lucidamore of Thessaly. And the fourth and last for Don Clarineo of Spain,  
Soon after this Proclamation was made, the Prince Contumeliano entered the Field accompanied with fifty Knights, and after he had done his usual Reverence to the Sultan, and the rest, he took a Lance from one of his Attendance and passed forwards: But he was no sooner arrived at the further end of the Field, but he heard a noise of Trumpets, and after small attendance he saw a Knight completely armed in a white Armour, with a Bear painted on his Shield, who being accompanied with a brave Train of Knights entered the Lists, and having passed on to the place where the Sultan and Don Bellianis sat, and made his Reverence, be advanced forwards to the other end, and there prepared himself for a Course against Don Contumeliano; which Contumeliano seeing prepared himself to receive him, and so accordingly they ran against one another with such force, that their Lances flew into the Air all broken into shivers without any other disadvantage, but that of the Knight of the Bear losing his Stirrups, which he soon recovered, and by such time as he came to the end of his Course, he had resettled himself on his horse in as good a manner as he was at the first  
This equality in our Champions raised a new vigour in them, and taking fresh Lances they again essayed which should have the better: and not only they themselves ran the second time, but also twenty of each of their Knights▪ but this Course was much to the disadvantage of the Knight of the Bear and his Companions; for he was thrown out of his Saddle, and with him twelve of his Company, and only six of the Prince Contumeliano's Knights were foiled, and himself was forced to lay hold on his horse neck.  
This Course raised an anger in both the Champions, which made them and their Companions quickly remount their horses, and it was then agreed on, that at the third Course they and their whole Squadrons, which was equally divided into fifty in a Squadron, should again run with their Lances, and after that try their fortunes with their Swords. Which Agreement was quickly put into execution, and they accordingly ran against one another with indifferent equality of fortune; for there was about twenty of a party thrown to the ground, but they quickly possessed themselves of their horses, and remounting drew their Swords, and began a brave Skirmish, to the great delight of the Beholders, many of them being beaten from their horses by the mighty and puissant strokes which they gave and received each unto other. But there was this Provision made before the jousts, that none should enter the Fields whose Swords were sharp, but only whose Swords were dulled on the edge, to the end that none should be killed, and that the Recreation of some might not be the destruction of others; however many of the Knights on both sides were with the violence of the strokes beaten from their horses, and much bruised with the falls, and the trampling of the horses killed some outright.  
Thus this Skirmishing continued for the space of four hours, but in the end the Honour of the Day was won by the Prince of Phenicia, the Knight of the Bear by a fall which he had received, being disabled from sitting his horse, and being carried out of the Field by several of his Knights was conveyed to his Lodgings: And then Proclamation was made, That that day's Tournament should end, and so they all departed the Field and went to the Palace, where they were no sooner arrived and seated in their places, but at the sound of Music many of them began to dance.  
In this and such like variety of Recreation they continued for some hours, till it was time for every one to take their rest, and then out pair of Incomparable Lovers retired into their Lodgings, went to Bed and received the Enjoyment which they had so long wished for, and was now accomplished, to the great joy not only of the two Lovers, but of all their Friends and Relations: In which Content we will leave them till the morning, which being come they all arose, and the fair Princess Florisbella by the Crimson Die which appeared in her lovely Cheeks, did well enough express that she had exchanged her Maidenhead for that of a Wife: and the Prince of Greece by his outward gestures did sufficiently testify the satisfaction of his spirit in the Enjoyment of his Incomparable Lady.  
Noon being come and Dinner ended, they did all repair again to the place appointed for the Tournament, where the Valiant Peter of Ireland with fifty Knights did bear away the Honour of the Day, to his everlasting fame.  
Thus were three of the four days spent in just, Tilting, Tournaments, Skirmishing, and Dancing, and all other manner of delightful Exercises: And the fourth day was now come, and Dinner being ended, and every one seated in their several places, the Valiant Prince Don Clarineo of Spain (who as you have heard was to maintain the Field for that day) was entered the Lists at the head of fifty valiant Knights, when after the accustomed Civilities done to the Sultan and Ladies, he placed himself ready for the joust, when presently entered a Knight in black Armour, having the Figure of Envy painted on his Shield. This Knight coming at a time of Mirth in such an unaccustomed manner, caused great Admiration in all the Beholders: but the Actions which he did gave them greater cause of anger; for no sooner had be placed himself at one end of the Lists in the head of all his Knights, but he ran with great violence against the Prince Clarineo, intending to kill him with his Lance, for which purpose, his Lance had a long Spike of Steel at the end, and was made of the strongest Wood; but he miss of his aim, for he only ran the Prince through the left arm, and there broke his Lance. All his Companions did run with the like violence, and intended the like mischief, but some of them were thrown from their horses: but they being thus armed, did much mischief to several of the Prince's Knights, killing fifteen outright.  
The Prince Don Clarineo seeing himself thus wounded, quickly drew forth the piece of the Lance that was left in his Arm, though with much pain, and presently drew his Sword, seeking about for his Enemy who had done him this mischief, resolving to be revenged of him for the Injury he had received: but it was some time ere he could find him, and then he saw him perform wonders; for he killed ten of his Knights, and laid them at his feet: At length he came to him, and having his Sword ready drawn assaulted him with great fury, but it was to little purpose; for the Sword of the one was sharp, and the others was blunt and without an edge: this disadvantage he was wholly unsensible of, his anger and rage not giving him so much time as to consider thereof. But at length he not only found himself full of wounds and faint for loss of blood, but looking about he saw most of his Knights lie dead about the Field. In this condition did he remain, when about one hundred Knights came to his Assistance: but they prevailed not much, in regard that they were all armed as the others were with blunt Swords and Lances, and the anger they were in caused them to be unmindful of the danger they ran into. The Knight of Envy and his Companions being all very valiant Knights, still laid about them with great eagerness and fury, to the loss of the Souldan's Knights, and to his great grief and sorrow, who knew not how on a sudden to prevent so great a loss.  
Don Bellianis and his Relations were extremely angered herewith, who were all unarmed, or at the best had only blunt Swords according to the Agreement of the Tournament, but extreme great was the Cry, Noise, and Confusion of the Princesses and Ladies, fearing lest they should all have been destroyed in this unfortunate Skirmish. This raised the anger of our Grecian Prince to such a height, that he was ready even to run amongst the throng, unarmed as he was, when suddenly he saw another Troop of above one hundred and fifty Knights enter the Field, who soon testified to whom they did belong by the strokes which they gave; for at every stroke blood followed their Swords, so that he soon knew them to be his Enemies: which he seeing, and being now so far come to himself as to consider the danger, he caused all the Ladies to departed, and he himself with all his Friends, ran hastily to their several Chambers to arm themselves; which they did in the best manner they could, and returning to the Field they found that above five hundred of his Friends and Knights were either slain or wounded. He soon made head against his Enemies, and assaulted them with a great deal of rage and anger, to the great help of his Friends, and to the loss and discouragement of his Enemies.  
Many were on both sides slain by the hands of Don Bellianis and his Enemy the Knight of Envy, who now met together and began a furious Fight, to the great amazement of all the Beholders. They were both greatly wounded and astonished at each others strength, when in the midst of their fury there appeared over their heads a great Cloud, which breaking there was seen and heard great Thunder and Lightning, which amazed all in the place, and a great Darkness was over all the place for the space of a quarter of an hour: at the end of which there appeared a small Castle in the place of the Combat, and by it lay Don Bellianis along on the earth, and many of his Friends: There also appeared an ancient woman who taking a Bottle, put it to the mouth of Don Bellianis, and some of the Water that was in it passing into his body, he revived and arose, and looking about him saw that which was happened, and saw the old Woman, and knew her to be Bellona the Enchanteress, who desired him to go about the Field, and pull off the Helmets from the Heads of those Knights that lay there, that she might assist his Friends; which he did accordingly, and there they found his two Brothers Clarineo and Lucidamore, Contumeliano, and Peter of Ireland, with many others much wounded: to whom she gave some of her Water, and they presently arose in very good estate and condition, much wondering at that which had happened. Don Bellianis seeing this, did suppose that all that had happened this day had been done by Enchantment, and therefore he asked Bellona who and what these Enemies were? and whether they were real men, or only Enchantment?  
To which she replied, That in general they were men, and valiant Knights, as he and his Companions could well enough testify, that they were his Enemies, and came to disturb the peace he was in: and that they might not for the future be in a capacity to injure him further, she had provided that Castle which she shown him, and whereinto she said it was necessary they should be put: in order to which they all went about the Field, and as many of the Knights their Enemies which were about fifty, as they could find yet alive, were presently put into that Castle.  
This being done, Don Bellianis and his Brethren, Friends, and Knights, in the company of the sage Bellona, set forwards towards the Palace: but they were soon met by the Sultan and his Empress, the Princess Florisbella, and the rest of the Princesses and Ladies, who had already heard of the good health of their Knights, and greatly rejoiced thereat. Thus they all being together returned to the Palace, where they being seated, the sage Bellona spoke to them thus:  
Most Noble Sultan and Empress, and you others Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses, Knights and Ladies, It is many years since I foreknew the misfortune that would this day happen to you, and many days and nights have I spent in considering of a way to prevent this mischief, but I could not find a better expedient than what I have now executed. You are all now in good health, and the ill that was intended is now prevented, so that you may assure yourselves that you are out of all danger of any present harm. What they are that thus disturbed you, you need not care to know at this time, for they are safe enough from doing you any further mischief; wherefore proceed now in your Mirth, since nothing whatsoever shall be able to disturb you.  
She having spoken thus held her peace, and the Sultan and the rest gave great thanks to Bellona for the great Service she had done them. Thus Reader, we will make an end of this Part of this History, leaving our Princes in great quiet, and in the Third Part we shall tell you who were the Knight of Envy and his Companions, and the cause of their coming at this time; As also an end of the Wars between the two Empires of Trebizond and Babylon, and what became of the two Princes Perianeo and Gramalis of Thrace in the Pleasant Island, and many other pleasant and delightful Adventures.  
FINIS.    

An Advertisement.  
THe four first Parts of that Ancient and Honourable History of Amadis De Gaul, formerly printed in a large Volume in Folio, and now grown scare and dear, are Epitomised and Contracted into one Volume in quarto, and are intended suddenly for the Press, to the satisfaction of those who have the Fifth and Sixth Parts of that History, lately printed: Also the Seventh and Eighth Parts are now in a good forwardness; so that if the Stationer receives encouragement you may in time have all the Parts of that History in English. You may in short time expect the Third Part of this History of Don Bellianis, as also several other Histories of this nature.   

Books printed for Andrew Comb at St. Margarets-Hill in Southwark.  

THe Bachelor's Banquet.  
Canaan's Calamity: Or, The Destruction of Jerusalem.  
Titana and Theseus.  
Don Flores of Greece.  
The Garland of Love and Good Will;  
Francis Spira.  
Christmas Carols.  
The Father's Legacy.  
The Fifth Part of Amadis de Gaul.  
The History of Palladine of England.  
The Second Part of the Famous History of Don Bellianis of Greece.  
With other Histories of this nature.   
FINIS.