Great Britain's GLORY: BEING THE HISTORY OF King ARTHUR; WITH THE ADVENTURES OF THE Knights of the Round Table.   depiction of knights of the round table 
London: Printed by and for W. O. and sold by the Booksellers.   

To the READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
DUring the Revolutions of this Kingdom such have been the Valorous Exploits of the Princes, and other Renowned Warriors, Natives, not only in this our Land and neighbouring Countries, but throughout the known World, that all Nations have stood amazed, and trembled at their Prowess: And amongst other, well may the Famous Arthur, that renowned British King take place; though (to lessen the Credit of his great Exploits) some envious Aliens have endeavoured to prove there was never such a Man; but since it is evident by Chronologers of the most Antiquity, and Integrity, that he was the Son of Uter Pendragon, of the Ancient British Royal Blood, I shall not 〈◊〉 more Arguments to manifest it to the World 〈…〉 to the Matter of History, as I sign it laid down for the Instruction of future Ages; And remain, Reader,  
Yours, to serve you, J. S.   

The History of King Arthur.  

CHAP. I.  
Of the Parentage of King Arthur; with a Desciption of his usual Accoutrements; his Vision, and the Interpretation thereof; and how he constituted the Knights of the Round Table.  
THe Saxons after the departure of the Romans, having (under the title of Friendship) seized upon many strong Places in this Kingdom, the native Britain's, after having tried their Fortunes in many dreadful Battles, were obliged to retire into Wales and Cornwall; yet retaining many Places of considerable strength: and from thence, by frequent Excursions, they greatly annoyed the Enemy: not forgetting their ancient Valour, and the former Glory of this Isle, amongst which was King Uter Pendragon, lineally descended from the British Kings, who in the Year, Anno 500, began to Reign over the Britain's that possessed the Mountainous Country with great success, giving the Saxons many Defeats, and gaining upon them; till at last, falling in love with a fair Lady named Igreyin, Wife to Alfridus Duke of Cornwall, he so doted on her Beauty, that not finding her to be won by persuasion to yield her Chastity to his Disposal, he plotted with Merlin a famous Necromancer of that Age, to bring his Designs about by Policy. This Necromancer undertaking the matter, the better to ease his Prince's labouring Thoughts, with Spells, and by Magic Enchantment, so wrought, that either deluding the Lady's sight, or transforming the King into the Shape of her Lord, she received him as such, and suffered him, in the absence of Alfridus, to enjoy her a whole night, on whom he got our famous Arthur: For her Lord being in War against the West Saxons, was slain  his return; of which the King hearing, though greatly grieved at the loss of so renowned a Subject, yet as much rejoiced that Fate gave him opportunity to procure the love of the fair Duchess in an honourable way, which he prosecuting after the Days of Mourning were over, he so dealt with her by fair Words and rich Presents, that being now at liberty, she was contented to be his Wife, and was married to him by the Bishop of Carlisle, with great Pomp and Splendour; all the Lords and Nobles subject to his Sceptre together with their Ladies adorning their Nuptials. and assisting at the Ceremony: And so great was the joy, that Feasting, Tournaments and all manner of Desports to recreate the Senses were held for twenty Days. Yet the Queen was troubled to find the Fruits of her Womb increase so fast, as fearing to be suspected of Adultery, for well she knew she had been deceived, when she computed the time of Alfrydus' Death with the same she supposed him in her Embraces: but the King, to put her out of doubt, and to prevent melancholy thoughts, in loving wise revealed the whole Mystery; yet it was agreed between them, that it should be kept secret, and that the Child should as soon as born, be conveyed to a trusty Guardian to prevent Coloquie. The Queen about six Months after the Ceremony of the Wedding was over, being brought to bed of a Son, the Child named Arthur, as it was resolved, was conveyed by trusty Hands to a Lady of good Repute, named Mari●da, Wife to Sir Ector, one of the King's Knights; who brought him up in such Learning as was meet for his Pears: When as his Father, worn out with the continual Follies of War, and much distempered through many wounds he had received, died, leaving him sole Heir of his Dominions; who thereupon was proclaimed by most of the Nobility, and crowned King; tho' some taking the advantage of his green Years, rebelled, and raised divers Commotions; but he growing up, and getting the Reins of Government into his Hands, did many great Exploits, as will in the Series of this History appear.  
King Arthur by this time being grown up, became exceeding tall and strong, insomuch that he seemed more than Man, and in many justs and Tournaments so well behaved himself, that none could stand before him: A Horse he had which he called Beaucephalus, after the name of the Great Alexander's Horse; and he in all Exploits proved the best in the World: His Sword was of a large size, viz. five foot in length, and in breadth eight inches; cutting with two fearful edges, on which hung death and destruction: His Lance was eight Cubits, and the head thereof form of massy Steel, weighing six Pound: His Armour was of the highest Prooff, shining with Gems and burnished Gold: And the better to inure him to War and great Exploits, he frequently road thus accutered; and often in places of greatest danger, glorying in nothing more than his Strength and manly Prowess, delighting in, nor fancying none but such as were truly Valiant, and feared not Death in any of his dreadful Shapes; but to such he was lavish to Exccess. Retaining no other for his Counsellor, but Merlin the famous Necromancer, from whom, as from an Oracle, he received the certainty of future Events; and at his request recreated him with strange and wonderful Sights, the Representation of Magic; and amongst the rest, upon a great Plain before the King's Palace, at Cardigan, he raised a stately Tower, and round it a pleasant Garden adorned with Fruits and fragrant Flowers, Fish ponds. Fountains, Bowers, and umbrages, into which he led the King and all his Nobility, feasting them after a sumptuous manner, as they imagined; but he had no sooner reconveyed them thence, but looking back, they saw all vanish in Thunder, Lightning, and a prodigious Earthquake, to their great amazement; yet knowing before it was but Defusion, they rested somewhat more satisfied, yet could not but think of what had passed. The day being spent in viewing this Piece of Recreation, end the King ruminating many things in his mind, at last laying him down upon his Couch, he fell into a slumber, and then dreamt that he was carried into a spacious Hast, in which stood a Table of great circumference, out of the middle of which grew an Oak and Laurel, with Crowns, Sceptres, Swords, and Ensigns hanging on them, and that they were guarded by many valiant Knights, high in Prowess, and terrible to the whole World, which made him desirous to become their Associate; nor did he sooner demand it, but they joyfully received him, and placing him in a Chair of Ivory and Gold, made him their Chief, and gave him a Banner with a Lion rampant portrayed thereon; and this Motto written, viz. Ever Victorious; upon which, the sound of Trumpets, noise of Drums, clattering of Arms, shouts and cries saluted his Ears: And he supposed he beheld Armies in rout and slaughter, scattered through the whole World, and that the Couquerers laid the Trophies at his Feet, and with an Universal Shout saluted him, Great Monarch of the Western World. At what time awakening, he found it but a Dream, yet revolving in his Mind the strangeness of the Fancy, the next morning he related it to his Nobles, who assured him of happy Presages, and advised him to make inquiry into the Interpreration thereof; whereupon, sending for his Necromantic Counsellor, he related it to him, who promised within a day to give him the signification of his Dream, which he did as followeth: viz. That by the Table was signified his Kingdom; by the Knights the Pillars and Strength thereof; by Oak and Laurel, Strength Victory and Durance; the Crowns, Sceptres, Swords and Ensigns, the Spoils of the Nations he should be possess's of; and the Schene of War, the Representations of the many dreadful Battles he should fight, wherein he should ever remain victorious; and the making him Chief, giving him the Standard, and placing him in a Chair Ivory and Gold, denoted him deep in his Subject's Love, and that no Treason should prosper against him This Interpretation highly pleased the King, and raised his towering Imaginations to such a pitch, that he resolved to spread the terror of his Arms throughout the World: Wherefore he made great Preparation of all manner of Warlike Provision, but above all of hardy and courageous Knights, inviting them from all parts to his Court; and for their better Encouragement, caused a spacious Hall three hundred Foot in length, and twenty in breadth, to be built, with Glass Turrets on the top, ceiled with Fretwork and Gold, wainscoted with Cedar, and paved with Marble; in the midst of which he placed a Round Table, at which four hundred Knights might sit, and caused it daily to be furnished with great store of choice Provision, for the entertainment of such Men of War as would resort thither; and shortly after constituted the Order of the Round Table, allowing a Yearly Pension of a hundred Mark to such as were truly valiant, and would intole themselves to attend his Service when Occasion required, making himself the Head Sovereign of the Order; so that by this means the valiant Men of the neighbouring Nations tendered their Service to him, and were admitted into the noble Order, but not before they had been proved in some Exploit.   

CHAP. II.  
How King Arthur warred with the Kings of Mercia, and the East Angles, who invaded his Dominions, slew a Monstrous Giant, and put their Armies to the Rout, etc.  
THe King being established in his Throne, and having thus far proceeded, caused a place to be made for just, where 〈◊〉 every Week his Knights exercised in Martial Order, and jousted with each other; and to him that did hest the King would frequently send one rich Present or other, himself being still a Spectator of those Exercises, and at all great Feasts present amongst them at Dinner, having a Chair like a Throne placed on that part of the Table that was towards the upper-end of the Hall; but no Music suffered, except the Martial Sounds of Drums, Trumphers and Clarions, in which most of all our Heroic Prince delighted. And now being furnished with mighty Men, that might compate to David's Worthies (if not exceed them) in dreadful Foots of Arms, he passionately desired to have an honourable Occasion to try his and their Valours, which was not long wanting; For the Mercian King of the Saxons, and the King of the East Angles, presuming upon their Strength, broke into Cornwall, part of King Arthur's Dominions, and committed divers Outrages, burning, plundering, ravishing and slaughtering in such a dreadful manner, that the People (with such substance as they could convey) fled  before them: The News of which roused our Lion-like Prince, who taking with him his Guard of Knights, and eight hundred common Soldiers, the Flower of his Dominions, by swift Marches passed on give War the meeting; whose approach to the Enemy (being triple the Number) little regarded, not doubting to give him the Overthrow, trusting greatly to the force of one Cingeterox, a monstrous Giant, nine Cubits high six in circumference, and armed with a huge Battle are and Coat of Mael; but the undaunted Prince, whom Fear could not dismay having animated his Soldiers, and set them in Battle-array attended by his Knights, broke through the Ramparts, killing such as guarded the Camp, and setting upon the Infidels, for so at that time they were, cutting through the thickest of them, made such a slaughter that all the way he passed was strewed with dead Bodies; yet on he pressed through lanes of Death, his Heroic Champions following, as animated by the Martial Deeds of their Renowned Leader. Nor did they less annoy the Enemy, who by this time taking the Alarm in all parts, come running to oppose them, and began to make some slaughter of his Men, especially where the Giant fought; which the King perceiving, by the Cry that arose, caused his Standard, with the great Lion to advance that way, bearing down all before him till he came to the place where he found Cingeterox and Ethwaldus, the King, bathing their Ares in the Blood of his Men, of which they had slain three hundred, when as King Arthur with a loud voice cried, Turn this way, Infidels; spare the Weak, and bend your force again the Stronger. Upon which, the Giant stairing on him, with a dreadful voice replied, Who art thou that comes to seek thy Death? I am a Slodier, said the King, and one that am come to fetch thy Head by way of Reprisal for the Mischiefs thou hast done in my Country. But you must get it first, said the Giant. That shall not be long, said the King; and thereupon charged on the Monster so furiously with his Sword, that e'er he could welld his Battle; ox with a full stroke on his Helm, which made the sire spring from thence, he made him staggar three huge Paces, and bend with his Knee to the Ground; then the Giant (enraged) made at him, and struck at the King, so that the blow dazzled him, and made his Eyes swim; but spon recovering, he that had never been so used before, resolved revenge thereupon (after a fust stroke) wheeling his dreadful Sword about, he struck the Monster en the Helmet with such force, that cutting it through, the Sword entered fix inches, whereupon, with a terrible groan, he fell to the Earth, and at what time the King stood on him and divided his Head from his Trunk, the which he delivered to his Esquire that bore his Bow and Quiver. Nor were the Knights of the Order idle, for Sir Lancelot had by this time grievously wounded the Mercian King, and taken him Prisoner; and Sir Tristrian slain thirty six Captains besides thirty six common Soldiers; so that the King of the East Angles seeing all go to wrack, and his Men were disordered, caused the Retreat to be sounded; whereupon his Captains endeavoured to bring off their Men, but they being in great Consternation, and the Britain's pressing on them, (fearful of death) fled in all parts, and left all the Booty they had gotten to the Conquerors, who fiercely pursuing the flying Foe, made terrible flaugheer, insomuch that such as could not fly into Castles and Strongholds fell by the Sword, to the number of twenty thousand. This Over●how being noised abroad, brought a great Fear upon all the Saxon Princes, so that the Mertians wholly submitted, and sent a great Ransom for their King; who upon his swearing to become Tributary and Vassal to King Arthur, was set at liberty. Nor were there any of their petty Kings that then possessed this Island which they had divided into Heptiarchey, but sent their Ambassadors with great Presents to entreat a Peace; the which upon their acknowledging him their Supreme Prince, and paying each two hundred Geldings, a Falcon, and a Greyhound yearly was accorded to. And thus flourished this Renowned King in the beginning of his Reign, but more dreadful and redoubted were his future Deeds, as by the Sequel will appear.   

CHAP. III.  
How King Arthur passed into Denmark, conquered the Kingdom of Norway; overthrew Burnamissa the Danish King; besieged Copen-Hagen; and how, at the Entreaty of Geneura, the Sister of the Danish King, he hearkered to an Accord, and had an Interview with Burnamissa, and how a Peace was concluded between them, upon the whole matter being left to the Princes' Award: and how King Arthur falling in Love with the fair Princess, married her.  
THe King having in a manner brought England to his subjection, resolved not to suffer the current of his Victory to be damn up with Ease, took counsel with Merlin and the most valiant of his Knights, what Enterprise was next to be undertaken, who advised him, That it was most for his Honour to revenge the Injuries he had received by the Danes, who roaming about those Seas, had not only taken divers of his Ships, but (landing) had surprised some smast Towns upon the Sea coast, and burned them, corrying the Inhabitants into miserable Captivity, and by ctuel Tortures obliged them to offer Sacrifice to their Idols, that Kingdom being then unconverted. This motion pleased the King, whose restless spirit and desire of Glory made him impatient of ease; whereupon he caused a great Navy of Ships to be rigged in Milford Haven, and in all other Ports, and gave Order for the building Men of War and Galleys, so that in six months' space he had a Fleet of small and great Vessels that consisted of three hundred Sail, on which early in the Spring he embarked with twenty eight thousand choice Soldiers, and all manner of Warlike Provision; having by this time inroled twenty new Knights, to supply the places of such as fell by the Sword or died of divers Diseases; and so with a fresh gale weighing author, and with a fair Wind arriving in the Baltic Ocean, entered the Straits, now guarded by the two famous Castles of Coronsburg and Elzeburg, the latter standing on the Coast of Norway, and, there brought such a fear on either Shore, that the Inhabitans in all parts fled with what they could most conveniantly carry, leaving the rest for a prey to the Britain's, who under the Conduct of their victorious King, intiched themselves with a great booty; when encamping before Nidrosia in Norway, summoned the City to yield, but there being a strong Garrison therein they returned Answer, That they kept the City for Burnamissa, King of Denmark, and would in no wise yi l it without his Order: whereupon the King commanded the Assault to be made by twelve thousand Men, under the leading of forty fault Knights of the order of the Round Table, who heving their Scaling Engines in a readiness, on Easter-eve marched to the Wall, and with a shower of Arrows and Wildfire drdve the defendants thence; when as Sir Ector, bearing the Royal Seandard, mounted, and making great slaughter of suek as opposed, cutting of Arms, Legs, and Helmed Heads, placed it on the chief Bulwark, which the rest seeing, on all sides sfreve to imitate him, so within less than six hours the City was won, which the Conquered perceiving, retired to the Marker-place, and throwing down their Arms begged Mercy; which the King generously granted; yet gave the Spoil of the City to the Soldiers, not reserving any part to himself, which so heightened them, that (leaving a Garrison there) passed on to Bergen, which upon the first Summons surrendered; and by its Example all the remaining Cities and walled Towns did the like, so that the Kingdom of Norway was entirely at King Arthur's Devotion: whereupon finding no more to conquer, he having received a supply of five thousand Men to make up the number he brought, by reason he was forced to leave the like Number in Garrison, embarked, and passed the Straits, landed upon the Dainish Shore, filling all with Terror and Amazement; when as that King having gathered a huge Army, advanced to give him Battle, which did not a little rejoice King Arthur, who greatly desired to try his strength in Mar: when jayning, on the great Plain before Copen-Hagen, a dreadful Fight began; but Victory (who never declined our Heroic Prince) soon declared for the Britain's, so that the Danish King Anding the Battle swerve, and that he could not stay his Men longer from open flight, to cover their Shame, sounded the Retreat; whereupon they retiring in great Confusion, King Arthur and his Knights following so furiously, that all the Plain was strewed with the bodies of the slain, and so hotly they pressed on, that e'er three parts of the Army entered the City, the Gates were shut up, and a third pars shut out, for fear the Britain's should enter pell-most with them, who were by the furious Soldiers slain in the fight of their Friends, though the compassionate King bid spare the Sword.  
The Danes thus overthrown, the King intamped before the City, resolving to carry it by force, and the next Day prepared for the Assault, resolving to march in the head of his Knights to win immortal Fame by his planting his Srandard upon the Wall with his own Hands, or to lose his Life; nor could the Peeswasion of his Nobles make him decline it: but as he approached the Wall, the Gates opened, whereupon he supposed the Foe intended to sally, but inflead of armed Men, there issued out a Troop of beautiful Ladies, and in the front of them the beaureous Genura, Sister to Barnamissa the Manish King, whereat King Arthur muth wondered, and commanding his Men to stand in Battalia with twelve Knights went to meet them, when as the Ladies approaching him, the fair and beauteous Princess fell at his Feet, and bedewing the Ground with Gears, besought him to have Compassion on her distressed Country; the King being moved at this unusual sight, in loding wise raised her in his Arms, and bade her be of good Comfort; burr the sorrowful Lady, whom Tears made more lovely, refused all Comfort unless he would grant haet Request, to which the King (overcome by Tompassion) consenced, after a short Pause, if what the demanded might consist with his Honour: whereupon opening a Casker that one of her Ladies held, the first presented him with jewels of great value set in Gold, and then entreated that an Interview might be had between him and her Brother; to which the King readily consented, as already feeling Love's pointed Shafts pierce his high prooffed Armour, and presenting the fair Princess with a Crown of Gold set with Pearls and Diamons, which he had taken in the Mercian War; as likewise her Lady with jewels of great price; he dismissed them, and caused a royal Tent to be pitehed about a Furlong fram the Vaunt guard of his Army.  
Hostilities ceasing, the Danish King with twenty of his chief Nobility came to King Arthur's Tent, and there in humble wise would have proserated themselves, but the King would not permit it; but making them sit down actorsing to their Degree, entered into a Discourse with them, relating at large the justness of his taking up Arms and demanding Restitution for the Wrongs his Subject's head received, and for the Mischiefs his Country had sustained; to which Burnawissa replied, That whatever had happened in that Nature, had been without his Knowledge; but however knowing him to be a Prince of great Clemency, he would be well contont to submit to whatever he should think fit: The King overcome by the meekness of the Dane, finding a relenting in his Breast, as generously offered to refer the whole martyr to the beauteous Princess, and bound himself to stand 〈◊〉 what Award He should make; which was joyfully accepted by Burnamissa, who expected before, that no less than his Kingdom of Norway would make Satisfaction to the offended British Monarch: whereupon the Princess was sent for, who came, attended by divers Ladies of Honour, in most sumptuous Attire, glittering in Gold and Fems, which were out-vied by her imcomparable Beauty; when making her Approach, King Arthur arose from his Chair of State and saluted her; as likewise his Knights did her Ladies: Then Burnamissa made her acquainted with the Pleasure of King Arthur; but she in Modesty refused to be Arbitress in so weighty a matter, till the King pressed it, and desired her to do him so great an Honour; whereupon after some Consideration she awarded, That her Brother should defray the whole Charge of the War, and restore all such Ships as were found to appertain to any of King Arthur's Subjects, and that the Offenders being taken should be delivered to the King to dispose of as he thought fit, and then the King to departed the Land, and withdraw his Garrisons. These Articles were highly approved on either part, and the Princess her Wisdom admired: whereupon Commandment was given to proclaim them with beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet, and that from thenceforth all Hostility should cease.  
Peace being thus happily accorded, the Danes rung their Bells and made Bonfires in every City, all the Nobility feasting their poor Neighbours and Tenants throughout the Kingdom; when as the Danish King causing a royal Pavilion to be reared without the City, prepared a sumptuous Feast, to which he in humble wise invited the King and his Nobles, and so great was the Entertainment, that the like had not been known before in that Kingdom.  
But what pleased King Arthur more than all, was the sight of the fair Princess, with whom by this time he was most passionately in Love: Nor did the Fever of his Desire less afflict her, though she durst not raise her Hopes so high; till at last the King (not longer able to resist the Magic of heri Eyes) took the opportunity of breaking his Mind to her, who humbly told him with a demure Countenance, That she could not conceive herself worthy the Thoughts of so great a Monarch; but if it pleased him to condescend so low, as to raise her to such Dignity, she had no Argument against his Pleasure, if her Brother would consent. This pleasing Answer overjoyed the King, insomuch that sending for the Danish King, he desired to beg one Favour of him; Nay, replied Burnamissa, your Majesty may command even what you please, since to your Clemency I own so much. Then said King Arthur, 'Tis this fair Pledge of lasting Peace that I with low Submission do request. If my Sister be contented, said the King, I am overjoyed at what I hear, and have long desired to be allied unto so great a Prince, yet must not compel a free Mind. You need not, (said the Princess, blushing like a Rosey Bloom that opens in June or July to the Morning-Sun) for I have already parted with that Heart that needs would go, upon Condition you consented. I do consent most willingly, replied the King; and thereupon taking King Arthur in his right Hand, and the Princess in his left, he joined their Hands, and at the Request of the former, Segbert the British Archbishop Married them, according to the Cannons of the British Church, pronouncing many dreadful Curses on whoever should attempt to untie the sacred Band. This known in the Camp and City, redoubled the joy, so that all Night long whole Loads of Pines blazed, insomuch the Fires created a new Day as soon as Sol was set; and so sumptnous was the Feast, which lasted many Days, that Rome in all her Glory could not exceed it; the Martial Feats (to win Glory, and the Love of the Ladies) were so many that I have not place here to relate them.   

CHAP. IU.  
How returning home, King Arthur sound his Country invaded by Magor King of Ireland, and how he vanquished him; and having recovered the Isle of Anglesea from the French, sailed into France, to revenge the Injury done to his Subjects, overthrowing their Army. Also how Queen Geneura was delivered of a Son; and of the Presents and Vows made by the Saxon Kings: With a full Description of the Knights of the Round Table.  
THe King having been absent from his own Dominions for the space of six Months, began to cast his Eye homeward; when having remitted Burnamissa the Charges he was at, and only gave order his Subject's Loss should be repaired, he with his fair Queen, whom the King leaded with rich Presents, took leave of the Danish Court, and embarking with the whole Army, and divers of the Danish Nobility, who from chair King head order to attend the Queen; having a fair gale, on the ninth of October landed where they first embarked, and were received with universal joy; whereupon the King coming to a Castle of his, near 〈◊〉. feasted the Dainish Nobility in a mast spianded manner. But whilst he remained there, he had notice, That Magor King of jerland, who by his Amiassaders had courted the fair Gemna, and been refused, was (to revenge it on his Arrival) landed with great Power in South Wales; whereupan the King comforting his Queen, who was greatly grieved that through her cause such suddenly Troubles should arise, passed on with his victorious Army, and gave him Battle near Merioneth, and utterly discomfited him, so that flying with his broken Army, and being  assaises by the Country Peasants, who had laid the way for him, he scarcely escaped to his Ships with five thousand out of his thirty thousand; so that King Arthur (speedy as Cesar in his victories) returned to his fair Queen with the Trophies of his conquered Enemies long before he was expected to have fought the Battle; when sending four thousand Men under the leading of Sir Lancelot and divers of her good Knighes, they landed on the Isle of Angle- 〈◊〉, and drove thence the French that had for some time past, during the troubles of this Kingdom, settled themselves there.  
The King's Victories daily increasing, the Terror of his Name being spread wide, it made the most redoubted Monarch tremble; yet durst France (then powerful at Sea) invade our Coait, and with fire and sword spoilt many Sea-towns, carrying away great booty, as also the People, the Men they made cow in their Galleys. and the Women to satiate their prodigious Lust; when as the cries of his suffering sujects reaching his ear where he was delighting himself with his Queen, he resolved once more to forsake the Camp of Venus, and her soft Delighiss, to court Fame and Glory in the Camp of Mars; whereupon having sent to Lothario● for Restitution, and receiving rather scorns than a satisfactory answer from that imperious King, he made great proparations for the War, and had at that time twelve Sale of Ships sent to his aid by his Brother of Denmark; when being in a readiness with an Army of thirty four thousand, he coasted the Country, and puning into the bay of Marselies, with his shot of Arrows that flew like Hail, drove the defendants from the shore, on which himself with his own Standard first leapt, and stood like an enraged Lion, though a thousand that is flew round his Head, and many 〈◊〉 from his glittering shield; but long it was not e'er the valiant Knights of the Order (imsrating their Sovereign) thrust their Ships to Land, and putting their Soldiers in Battle-aray, charged furiously upon the foremost Battailian of the Enemy, lead by the Duke 〈◊〉 Vallois, so that being overset, they retreated in great disorder, and finding no place to be received, broke the Ranks of their Friends; when as the Duke De Nevers advanced with the right wing of Horse to their succour, but was so gauled with the shot of Arrows that the Horses mischiefet more the Riders than the Britain's.  
In this Confusion the King drawing out six thousand of his choice Men, charged upon the disordered Enemy with such courage that he pierced their main Battle, making lanes of death wherever he came, cutting off Arms, Heads and Legs, insomuth that the Danish General Gironeus imitating him, the French Soldiers (routed in all parts) left their Commanders and fled, insomuch that the slaughter of the Nobility was great, a Far even incident to that Kingdom; nor would they trust to the weak wall of Marselies, but flying to Lions and Paris, left that part of the Country naked, to be possessed of the Britain's.  
The terror of this overthrow alarming the French Court, and finding that brought home to them which they had used to others abroad, the People with Tears besought their King to appease the Conqueror in time, and thereby prevent worse desolation, who considering his tottering Kingdom was at stake, sent four of his prime Lords to beg a Week's Cessation or Truce, to which King Arthur (whose 〈◊〉 was more at Glory and Renown than Advanvantage) accorded, during which time, the King having raised a Mistion of Crowns sent them in divers Wagons, with other rich Presents, to purchase his Peace, and the depatrure of his new come Guest, yet prevailed they not e'er he had made his Acknowledgement for the indignity put upon the King's Ambassadors, and deliver the Town and 〈…〉 Marselies, to be possessed as a Pledge of future Peace by the Britain's for the spare of twenty Years to come and upon pain of forfeiting it for ever, no Hostilities to be used by Lend, nor Depravations by Sea. These Articles accorded, the Kin● hastened to his own Country with the greatest part of his Army, leaving only 〈…〉 Solders in Marselies; and having amply rewarded the 〈◊〉 dismissed them.  
Upon King 〈…〉 he found, to his unspeakable joy, his fair Queen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a lovely Boy, who, by the Advice of Merlin, he named Constantius, those Victories and great Exploits that Prophet for●…, which after his Father's death, he succeeding him in his Throne, exactly came to pass: and now the joy bring great throughout the British Dominisns, all the Saxon Kings came to King Arthur's Court, then removed to the then floursihing City of Hereford, and made their Homage, complementing him highly on his Marriage, and the birth of his Son, presenting the Queen and Royal Infant with great Presents, as jewels, Gold, and fragrant Spice of Arabia, promising for them and their Heirs to be obedient to the British Stepter though before and after the Death of King Arthur they broke their Vaws, though to their great disadvantage: For the young Prince (almost as successful in War as his Father) grasped the Kingdoms of the Mercians and East-angles with so hard a hand, that during his Life, they could not wrest them from him; but to our purpose. King Arthur being the chief Favourite of Fortune, and the eldest Son of Fame, began to enlarge the splendour of his Court, and increase the number of the Knights of the Round Table, in whom consisted his chief Strength, for scarce was there any one of them, but durst encounter ten ordinary Men hand to hand; and as he increased them, so he enlarged their Pensions, which drew the most Valiant of all Nations to serve him, though none were admitted before they were tried: The habit they ordinarily wore, when without their Armour, was a Vest lined with Sables, and on the back of it a red Cross, and on their Thighs Cushes of highest proof; their Stockings were in the manner of Bugkins, and their Shoes of Camelsskin, the Hair appearing outward: on their Heads they wore Caps made of Seal-skins lined with Silk and Cotted: and about their neck Silk of divers colours; each of them in War carrying a double Falchion, a Battle-axe, a Bow and Quiver, a Lance, being severally allowed a Esquire or Armour-bearer, who attended them in all Battles.   

CHAP. V.  
How King Arthur upon the Relation of a Hermit, sailed into the Holy Land, took joppa, overthrew Salmanezar, and took jerusalem, with what else happened remarkable on that occasion.  
ABout this time King Arthur finding nothing worthy of his Sword at home, and altogether impatient of ease, studied how he might employ it abroad, and whilst he was musing thereon, 〈◊〉 Hermit in poor array came to the Court, and filled it at once with pity and desire of revenge upon the dismal Relation he made, which was, That the Turks and Saracens had fallen upon judea and Palatine with an Army of one million of Men, and made such slaughter of the Christians in those parts, that such that escaped were forced to fly into Rocks and Caves of the Earth, and there were either starved to Death, or became a Prey to wild Beasts: And that they had taken the Holy City of jerusalem, after thirty days Siege, and put almost all the Christians they found therein to the Sword, polluting the Temple and Holy Sepulchre with their Heathenish Worship: As also, that they impailed the Patriarch alive for refusing to worship Mahomer.  
This Story coming to the King's ear, he could not refrain from shedding tears, when sending for the Hermit, in the presence of his Nobles, he most strictly examined him to all particulars, and finding he delivered nothing but what (as he said) himself had been an Eye witness too; the King turning to his Lords, said, Hear you this, my Lords, shall we suffer the Enemies of our Lord and Saviour thus to Triumph over the professors of his Name? To which they with one Voice replied, That it was intolerable, and they were ready to venture their Lives and Fortunes in that Holy War, and in his Service. Whereat the King highly commending their Resolutions, vowed by the Passion of his blessed Lord, whom those Infidels defied and blasphemed, he would not take pleasure in any thing till he had faced those barbarous Nations, and tried his Fortune to free the Holy City from its Pollution; and thereupon he sent to all the neighbouring Princess for Aid, resolving to set sail in the Spring, it being now the middle of August: He likewise laid double Taxes upon his own Subjects, and demanded double Tribute of the Saxon Princes, who did not so willingly pay it at that time as was expected, by reason most of them were unconverted, and therefore secretly rejoiced at the Prosperity of their Brother Infidels: But however the King raised a great Mass of Money; and caused his Navy to be augmented; so that from France, Denmark, and other parts of Spain, having received fifty Ships of War, most of them manned with Volunteers of those Nations, he with two hundred Sail, on board of which he had five thousand Men, in the beginning of April weighed Anchor, and having a fair wind, coasting France and Spain, he joined likewise divers other Ships, who were ready to attend him, for the noise of this War had overspread all all Christendons; where passing through the Straits into the Mediterenian Sea, he brought such a fear upon the Sea towns, that the 〈…〉 them fled with their substance to the Mountains, into which the Christians entering, found yet some booty; but (desirous to pass on to Jerusalem) the King sailed to the Isle of Cyprus, then governed by one Emanuel a Christian, where having refreshed his Arms, he again embarked, and sailing through that tract of Seas, arrived at Joppa. a famous Sea: port, and the Inlet of Palestine, which he found strongly fortifled, as likewise Salmanezer King of the Turks encamps with a Host of one million of Turks, Jews, and Saracens about six miles from thence; yet landing his Men, he resolved to besiege the City, and by taking it, secure the Port; whereupon causing his Engineers to make divers batterings after the Roman fashion, which under the favour of the night (notwithstanding the Besirged hurled down Wild: fire and stones in great abundance) they ser to the Walls on the North side, and by force of Cords battered with such fury, that they rend the Vamures in divers places, making the City tremble, which so alarmed the Infidels, that they sallied ten thousand strong upon the quarter, guarded by the Earl of Merioneth, but coming to handy strokes, were forced to retire five thousand lefs than they came; and the next morning, by King Arthur's express Command, a furious Assault was given on all parts, when as the Britain's with their shot of Arrows bearing the Besieged from their defences, mounted and planted the King's Standard upon the wall, entering and kissing the Infidels in great number, so that all the streets ran Blood, till such time as the King (upon their throwing down their Arms, and on their knecs brgging Mercy) bid spare the Sword; when having expesled them the Town, he placed a Garrison of divers Nations therein, and marched to join Battle with Salmanezer.  
The Victory thus happily gained, the Christians found such store of Treasure in the Tams, that 〈◊〉 was wounderful, the which the King sharing amongst his Sowiers, according as every and had deserved, and well refeeshed his Army, sending the Mounded of his  to joppa, and bursed the Slain; he with Banners spread marched towards jernsalem, bringing a great fear on all the Cities in his way, must of which surrendered upon the first Summons; so that coming before the Holy City, whither the greatest part of the scatrered Army was retired, he having summoned the Infidels to yield and save their lives, but receiving no answer, he batrered it with his Rams, War wolves, and other fearful Engines, till a part of the wall on the South side fell, upon which a furious Assault was given, insomuch, that the Insidels having drawn their greatest strength to defend 〈◊〉 breach, a great slaughter was made; yet the Thristians resolving to carry the City, which then was but small, and very ravenous, pressed on with such violence, that the fearful Enemy being overborn, were  slain; and the Christians enteing, plated King Arthur's Standard upon the Bulwarks, which so dismayed the Infidels, that such as could, fled by the Posterns, and over the Brock Cedron, others hide themselves in Caves till the fury of the Soldiers were over, and such is could not do either, fell for the most part by the Sword.  
This famous City, being the first time thus taken by the Christians, a great number of miserable Men and Women weré released out of Dungeons, who had for a long time been fed with Bread of Affliction, half starved, and miserably used by the Infidels, for publicly owning the Name of the Lord, who, not far from thence, purchased them with his precious Blood to their unspeakable joy..   

CHAP. V.  
How, upon notice that the Saxons invaded his Country, he retruned; and how upon his return, the Saxon Kings laid down their Arms: Also how King Arthur built many Religious Houses, and gave great Largesses to the Poor; and how he swore his Nobles and Knights to his Son Constantius, and so died.  
THe King having thus performed his vow, repaired the Walls; buit a strong Castle, and placed seven thousand Soldiers therein, besides the Christians of Syria and India, that daily flocked thither in great number; he received notice, that the Saxon petty Kings in his absence had cast off his Allegience, and being united, invaded his Country insomuch that his Queen, Son, and those that he has left in charge with the Kingdom, being overchrawn in a spirited Battle were fled to the softnesses of Snowdown Mounains. Which News greatly perplexed the King; so that having made his Offering at the Holy Sepuchre, and constituted Religious Men to keep it, he with three parts of his Army he brought, returned to his Ships, the other part being either slain in the Battle, peti●●●ed by sickness, or left in the Garrison; yet  he could 〈◊〉, twenty seven thousand, Turks, Saracens, and Egyptians, lying in ambush in a Wood for that purpose, fell upon the Rear of his Army, and cut off three or four hundred Britan's and Danes  the King with the Gross of his Battle could draw up to ●●eir relief; yet fatal was it to the Infidels; for being unexpectedly enclosed by the Christians, who fetched a compass behind divers littly Hills, they were almost all of them cut off.  
This second Overthrow given the King quictly embarked his Soldiers, and sailing by divers Islands, destroyed the Earisons possessed by the Infidels: When one day going on shore on the Promontory of Carthage, with a few of his Knights, he was set upon by four hundred Moors, who sallied out of 〈◊〉 is; but such was his and his Knights invincible Courage, that they drawing their Swords, slaughterens the Barbarians in such manner, that they fled with great cries, raking them to be more than mortal; whereupon the King causing eight thousand Men instantly to come on shore desieged the City, and with Wild since burnt it about the Batharians Ears, putting many of them to the Sword: And then marching up farther into the Country, there come against them six huge Lions, bred in the Muritatian Forest, with whom the King and twenty of his Knights encountering, killed tweive, and put the other four to flight.  
King Arthur, impatient of stay, lest whilst he conquered abroad his Country should suffer with great spoil put again to Sea, and sayiing homeward, met with a Fleet of Dyrates. who taking his Ships for Merchams, set upon the foremost Sovardran with loud Souts, casting great quantity of stones and Wildfire amongst them, but coming to grapple, they soon found their mistake, and then in vain endeavouring to fly, were miserable slaughtered, insomuch, that out of thiety but five escaped: In these Ships many miserable Christian Captives, both Men and Women, were found, of which the King taking compassion, sent them into their respective Countries, allowing them all things necessary for their maintenance during the space of a year, and so passed on towards his own Country.  
The King's approach being known to the Saxon Princes (who not long before had news that he was dead in the Holy Land, and thereby were animated to take up Arms) so discouraged them, that withdrawing their Forces, every one retired into his own Province, to sludy how to appease the Victorious Monarch, whom they had justly incensed by their persideons' Treachery, and as soon as they had norice the King was landed and preparing his Forces to War against them, they sent their respective Deputies with rich Presents, to excuse their rash and unadvised actions, promising never for the future to transgress in the like nature; yet the King being highly incensed, would at no cheaper a rate pass over their persldeous deal, than a personal acknowledgement, and the sum of two thousand Marks each: As to be the better assured of them for the future, that each of them should send his Son Hostage, and that those that had no Sons, to send their nearest Kinsmen. and over and above, to make reparation for such damages as could be by any of the King's Subjects proved to be sustained by their unlawful Arms. This being performed, a Peace ensued, and the King dismissed his Auxiliaries with great Rewards.  
King Arthur now having 〈◊〉 to repose in Peace, and think and think on his many wonderful Deliverances, resolved to apply his mind to deeds of Piety, and thereupon caused many Monastries and Religious houses be built giving yearly maintenance to divers poor People, but espersally to such as had lived in splendour, and were fallen to decay: And daily he visteed the Sick, giving them Christian Comfort: and using his utmost endeavour to therish Learning and Arts, 〈◊〉 which ended his proper charge he built likewise many Schools 〈◊〉 Colleges giving himself wholly up to the study of the seven Liverall 〈◊〉; and so well profited he therein, that he became the greatest 〈◊〉 therein of his Age: But most of all, he fixed his 〈…〉 upon his latter end, and with Solomon was frequently heard to say, All Worldly things were but Vanity and Vexation of Spirst; and that on Earth no real nor substantial joys were to be found. When in the fixeth Year of his Age, and the forty ninth Year of his Reign, falling sick, and by the opinions of his Physicians not likely to recover, he sent for all his Nobles, and the Knights of the Order, and he caused them to 〈◊〉 fealty to his Son 〈…〉 in the 〈◊〉 wise and thereupon, finding 〈…〉 pious Expressions, and Prayers, 〈◊〉 his Nobles to be careful of securing his Son in his Throne, and having great respect to his Queen. he gave up the Ghost, to the great grief of his Subjects, but more of his fair Queen, who took it so grievously, that soon after fading into a Fever, she died, and was buried with him in a Monastery, built by him at Monmouth, whose tomb (richly adorned) continued visible till the Dissolution of the Fabric in the time of Henry the Eight.   

Thus, Friendly Reader, I've 〈◊〉 ●ere,  
King Arthur's Noble Acts, which doth appear  
More fully in the larger ten Sheet Book  
If thou therein, will cast a friendly Look.  
FINIS.