f\^i^- ■■■'■■■■■"■' '■" ■'■' §B 3 571 b^^ -?/.' V Srte Sd£ t t i ^8 U) f till II^KS to xi e of ti)e 23^ tb ou ftt ab le ^ tpnt t Bab a = p an t^us ♦ ♦ • J 73 3" IS TO THE READER. HIS Work is a fac-simile of a very scarce Romance, in the possession of the Editor, and is supposed to be unique, as no second copy is known to exist. It is not to be found in the Libraries of Oxford, Cambridge, or in the British Museum, nor is it mentioned in any of the valuable publications of Dibdin. It formerly belonged to an old woman near Shrewsbury. No printer s name is mentioned, but the type is very much like that used by SlOpniipn Ut 2183ortre. The Romance is without date, but from two paper-marks, of which an engraving is here given, some light may be thrown upon the antiquity of this singular and scarce work. London : He-printed by E. and A. Taylor, Shoe Lane, 1820, 75 Copies on Plain Paper, 3 Copies on Coloured Paper, 2 Copies on Vellum, Not printed for Sale. M349457 PAPER MARKS. Fig. I. From a fly-leaf. N. B. The dotted lines show the part torn off. I. II auntitnt irapes tl^^r UUeU an tiatUie et a 0tronge manne tf^at tiigl^t tf}c Ualourous ^tpntt UsCOapantt^u&t 0onne of tDe most mi0f)tte 0j)ijeraigne itpnlKe ^broUontc antr f}i& faivt ^mtnt (itoMi^^ ^il0U3 on a tgme Ujfianne if)t ^aUt nigl^te gan fatftei if^t glorpou^ 6un to ealcUj tfjc goltrfn trapc anU glatrtrcn tl^e lierte of nianne, wprci^e t!je piiieeant prince l^atrapantl^U0» ct fjaDtng Donnett !)g0 sfjgning armoure, anJj gtaspeU f)i& gotrclj? siuorJJc ^jFitjma^ iirantre, fjc mountctr fiis fierp steUe (JSruffoenorto, anlr foUotoed tip f)i0 gentil equitc )^mtatronte> tfjcp 0an|)t0 fortti in quest of aUijenturc, Cfiep lianceDf on tfjcir journep, U)!im totuartrs p noon of tja^e tfjep entereJj into a ttipcfee ant» t^atfescnie forest, tufiere tfjeir steps V>Kri/?v»:?^SS4^»^»;^5£>3>i:SS^ 2 iK?P0torif of Ujcrc fiinUrrfU ftp ttjc tf)ornr0 avOj tJtambU& anH mutfjcl annopattnrc from toUce antt ecvpcnu&, STtje tirpncf UJit!) f)p0 0lJDorDfe t)fUJcli !}i0 Ujap t))rougl) tfie t)U0f)C0» U)f)fn pcraUDrnturr striding a stone tijr Uartu nessf of t!)c forrcet DioapprarrD, et tt^nj founUe tfjrmsdUfs in a pas^tng large plapne, fiut still our- rolunUeli lip tt)e forest on eUerp siUe, anU in tf)e mpUUest tfiereof Ujas a transparent lafee, pclepeD I3elplaisant» in tDtjpefi U)as a gootrlp anH a faire gontielapt ppainteU ful dene, Ujit!) purple saples, anU at tf)e fjelm sate a tieautiful anU a comelp Damesel, ftetfpgtit in ajure anU golUe anU a transparent beil ober !)er tieatr tiespangleU tijpt!) spiuer stars. STfje prnpee Ujas saleiuetr in moUest guise ftp tfte damesel, et UJit!) fjps squire lijer uioste glaDsomelp ret eipelr into p^ ftote : tfjep gliUeU along tfje lalie till tfjep came to a passing faire rifter ftorJJerelr on eaeft spjje luitfj manp gooUlpe trees, fterp pleasaunt to ftefjolti, as tfte ©fee, tfte (!?lme, t!)e iJlane, tfje ift?oline, t!|e Cljeffepn, tfte Utcf}Cf tfje ilopelere, tfje |t?asel, ttie fHaple, tfte Oorne et tfje iioxc, lDf)ile tfje ftanbs Ujere gaplp ornateU luptfj floujers anU flourettes pfretteti in tiifters colours, anU UispreUUe oUer alle tfje plaine. H^afting proceeUeU in tfje ftote, tfjat glotre along tfte tppntipng streme for a U)f)ile, tfte iJrpnee liaUapantfjus anD ftis squire UisemftarfeeU. ^o soon as p' fJrpnce pulletr off a rose a\^ gafte it to tfje Damsel, tfjen all att once sfje tDptft fter ftote sutrDenlp ftanisfteli, tfje sfep toas quirfelp oUttca&tt, an atueful noi^t \3ya& lierU, et efteoon a 0ttonge Ijapour of clouUe ei 0tnc&e luaft eren to xi&t out of t!ie grountr ; anU in t!ie mptrst tl^erof arose a frpgfjtfuU anU ntoete uncoutf) (jRpant, f^c l^aU a 0U)artf)p Ullage, a peUoUD tiearlr, anU a mo0t eternfuU l)t0nomtc; f|c U)a0 completelp armeti antr mountel^ upon a ttxU Dragon, Jtoiu tfje gpant gan uio^t grufflp to groUjl Ujitti grete triocourteousne^s at tl^e tirpnce Maliapantt)U0> anl^ lifting up a grete iron mace banceH totoartrs t)int* I3ut tf)t balourous )$rpnee» mounted on !)i0 tior^e^ruffosnorto, coucfieU tlis lance, antr tuitfj greate !)artiif)ooti IrraDe it into tfje trragon*0 ntabD0, anU ijting unfjatile to regaine tl^e oame, trreU) l^ps sljDorDr anU emote off tfie left legg of t!)e (S^paunt. Cl&e (jSpant roaretr U)ptT) dolourous papne, bDfientfie Dragon raiselT 1^50 taple, et strucfe p« i^rince on tHe fjelmet, fiut ma- Dfapantf)U0 toitf) !)i0 trenchant tilaDe dtral^e off tfie Dragons taple, et fialjing regained t)is launce, tfje Dragon sanfe DoUjn tuptf) passing grete paine, p' tjorse snuffeD tf)e topnD anD rampeD most furiously on ttie necb of p* Dragon, tDtien tf)e balorous prpnce lifteD up tlis goDelp siuorDe ^IFirmatiranDe, et cleaUeDtfje (Brpant tl^orougf) tl^e mpDDel, from tfie 5eaD to tl^e saDDel. STl^e ©pant fell DoUjne on eacfi stDe of tfie Dragon tuitti a tremenDous crasfi, tDt)ile tl^etilooD toas DespreDDenall otier tlje tielD. jK?i)0torte of S^etccmc U)ttf) fattgttr antr (oUcrcti tpttf) bitttv baicQ tf|c iJrpncc fell into a 0U)oitnti, U)i)ait all attonr c tf)c ))apour antr dariuiee^e of t!)c air UanislifU, anU p^ tlooUc kJDfjtcf) (otierctr tfje fielU outiUfnly trteappcarclTt tt a gleam of lig!|t arose from out of tfje grounUe. CTfien tfje Uamesel of tfie laUe agapne etoUc liefore fipm taitlj a nip of encf)aunteU liquor, et f)aPing tjesprinlile!! otjer tfie face of tfje ilrpnce lialrapantfjud, et utteretj some strange et uncoutfi iDorlres, slje mounted a golUen cfjaire t)elTpgf)t toitf) liiamontis anH topa> aiUT Uralon tip mpngeD serpents : so slje rose in t!)e air et eftsoon QtsappearelT. ^^iJing recotiereU from !)is stpountie tjp tfje encfjanteU liquor, ttje prpnce arose, mounted f)is fiorse C^ruffosnorto, folouped tip !)is feitfjfuU squire 4lintaUonte, et purs sueU !)is atrbenture, et fjabing UanreD to tfje enlre of tfje forest, tjis ears Ujere greeted iuptfj a Distant sounlr of muspclk, kufjiefj encreaseU still more as fje DreU) nigfj, tDfjanne fje gan to spie come rptring fortfj on a mplft lufjpte stetie in ricfj arrap a beauteous laUpe pclepiH tfje renoU)metJ princess iifjilamante, luitfj liotrp gentiU et miUliel small : sfje Ujas cloatfjetr in a mantle of grene felljett et a feirtle of tileU) pUjrougfjt toitfj JbprUes of suntrrie colores ; sfje toas attenUeU tip ten comelp et )|r|)nce ltlatrapantf)U0. 5 tuxome lramc£icUr0» tratmc|)ng anti plaijtng en DtUtto &ottc& of plcaoatmt mudtcii ct foUolucH hi) a tiuiarf Ujitf) a padding great fjc Imett on tips tjcU, longc spurred on t)i0 fjeeld, an?j a great clolie oUer Ijyd dfioultierd, tlie U3f)tct) traplelr along tfie grountre* ^fje trujarf, fjigtjt ^ir i^unp, Ujad foUoUielr tig a dquire, carrying !)j)d dUJorUe, anU lealring a large Ijlaefe fjoree Uiytfi goIUen trptrel et daDtJfel dtutitiieti iJDttf) pearld antr mudtcal tielld of mani? euntrrie dfiapeo, et a Gf)icXtj tearing a golUen appel on an a>ure t^eizr* © dooner tjaU t!ie triuarf ^ir ?|unp pere eiijeH tlje prpnee )^atrapantf)Ud tfian fje baneetr et dalebpeDr \)im tnodt courteoudlp, anti df)oU?eti l^pm to ttie modte peerledd prineedd ill^ilamante : tfie prynee Ujad gretelp adtountyetr Uuitf) tfie tiantrdomenedd of tfje prineedd, daletoceU f)et mcdt tuxomelj), U)!)iet) Uiad returned ftp a modte graeeful antr doote dmile, et eontredeentJing to reeeiiie Ijgm ad tier feitfjfttl &npgf)t» in U)t)i(^ tf)e prinee tuad padding glatr, et do t!)e|) proeeeUetr in eompanpe, et toU3arDd t!)e nigl^t arriUeti at ttje court of tfje l3mperor ilrimodo, tfje fatfjer of t!ie prineedd )lt)il^ntantet Uuf)en f)c Upad iiintrlp tDeleometr, antr predentetr to t^e C^mperedd ISellafronte, lfSip»tovie of 3^ Bir aroijo tije gollren gate of It^caUcn gan to open, iDfian gcntu Htjebiis fame jopfulli) fort!) anlT caste f)i)« glitterpnge fjemeo up to p' eltie, anU «>!|otc fortfj tfje glatreome Uape. Oproee tfje Dalouroii0 ilrpnee liatyapantfjuu, ants wprcee tfjemperour anti all t)i& corte ; anU, lastlp, uprose p' peerless ilrpneess i|!)ilamante ijclaU in a samite rote pfretteU in golUe antr splUer sf)eene. tSTfje ropal emperour llrimcso, as ^rtntf)t ©lerfees sap, toas four foote fjpgfi : tie Ujas ropallp eroUjneU tuitfj a quintuple crotDii, et a loftw spire an ell longe, stuHliieli Ujitf) Diamond tjells et surmounted tip a goliren pl)ane. |t?is majestie tDas eloatfjeU in a vets anUf pelloU3 rolie, ijesprinlUeU tpitf) sl)inpng stars, antr IjelU in !)ps rpgl)te fjanU a seeptre, surmounteU Ijp a erpstall pmage of justice, pWinUeD et f)olUing a sUjorlr anU liallance, Ujfiiff) scepter toas neDer out of tfie emperours spg!)t. " 2rf)e emprrsse l^ellafronte, ti)f)0 Ujas sePen foot !)igf), Ujas most gloriouslp rroU)neti uoptl) an emUattletr rroume, sur- mounted lip ppnacles in topa>, et mas eloatfjeU in ctminc anti purprl paUe, ct in a feirtlc tic eprinlilctJ aUc atjoutc tijijt!) &i)\\)tt 0tarrc0» rt plcttcreD Ujitfi gomcu letters iijfl tcmoltortr; tin* stjoonc tucre ornateti in (urtouo trrUirro tjclilie unto ttif SiHlinlTotJDro cf ijoules e0 t)m sUJorU, anti fjaPing mounteti 5is gooUlt) Ijorse ©ruflfosnorto, proceeUetr in quest of ift^urlotc- tiumpus : fje met fjim in tfje courte of tfie Dalactt armelj tijpt!) a clulilie et mountcDr on a reU roan steUe. STfje gijant, ti)f)o careU not for no manne nor pet for no U)oman neitfjer, Paunceti U)itf) a sternful Pisnomie, anU UJjjt!) migf)tie strengtfi f)c lifteH up l)is ponDerou^ cluhh, tt fitapcU iiIoiJU0 on tfjt ofjicm of iaaDapantl)U0, totipft) protiufcU DrcUfuU eoiinlrfe, ct 0f)oolkc tfje ijDimlJoUPfo of t\)c paUacc. STfjc pryncc etaggcrcU lip tfje forte of tlje WoUj, Ijiit fftsoouf recolJcreO : ijf opurreJj 1^10 etetre, van ftiriouslt) at t!)c gpant, ants Ujitfj t)i)0 gotjelpe trrnctjant tAatje (Ijopt fiim in tiuc tieloU) tfje Ujaist ; tfjc tiolrpe UJitfi tfje fjeati antr arnif fdl UjitTj a loutre ft ti)untr(ranl) sounDfe ttU^t nnto a loftp ©afe on tf)c plapn : tfje fiorsie fleD iuptl^ tfje !otUf r part of tf^t ggant rontcpntng tl^f legs tt part of t!)c ijoUp UJtiicI^ rfmaint0 tixrti on tije eatrtreU ^t!50on tl^e nfUjs of I)' Ucatf) of tfje gpant arritJtD at tfje fiaU of tfje (J^mpfrour, it Ujas jopfuUic tjaiif Ujitfj grete jop tjp tfjr jopfnU people : tfjemperour, t!jenipere00, anH t^e nto^te peerless prpncess of all prpne esses, et tfje corte, greeted tfie Ualourcus prinee lilauapanttjus, et iuelfometi t^im U)ptt) ntanie steeet fonuDes of ple= saunt miisif . iH a felp Uapes after ttips strange anU perilons tattle a rigl^t faire DameseU anIJ a gooUe, Ujptl^ suffnsetr epes, arriljeU at p* tourt of tfje emperour i^rimoso, to 0emauntr aiUe for tfje ?lal5ie Jttirrafonte, against a gpaunt tDt)o tiaJj iurongftiUp tretaineU f)er anU aUe tier fenigt)tes anO ladies in tier (H^astle as footr to satisfp l|is lo |!?p0torie of f)tingrie matDc, totien tjc UcDoureU rtocrp Uape for !|ift Uinncr tujo of Ijcr luingfjts, ct ttotrie nigt)tc a fairc Damocl or a fatt frpar for tjio eoppcrc: ttje aatric fWirrafontc 10 reecrijcu for tt)c last ; ft if efjc 10 not rc0fefU)cli U)ptf)tn tf)rcc Uapee, oljc tniiet lie DoomtD to t)[catf)0aiin0 faile,to eatiefp tfjc raucnouo Ijungcr of tt|c !)ungerf0t of all fjiingrij gpanto, iuf)o fjao tatien poeof 09ion antr ec nirctJ t\)c gate of v' f aetle, lip placing t!)crcat a large stone, U)f)ief) no man tint linmgelf can moUe. •:5rtie tiameeel f)aDnng tolUetfjps U)oeful tale totfie emperoiir anU ttje court, t!jree &nigf)te0 aroee to proffer tf)eir ailre : Sir ^terrigogle, linpgfjt of tfie ©omet : ^ir ;iFilli(jut0, linigf)t of tfje (iirupo, an0 d' Paillant prynce liatrapantf)n0. aote fieing tiraU)u for tlje orUer of comliat luptfj tf)e gpant, tfje first fell on Syr S^errigogle, Ujfjo Ijore on tjns sfjieltre a>ure, a goltiene comet tietlueene eeUen starreo argent, ^it ^iFillignts Ijore Urgent, a bentr B^lle tfiree silUer cups, rtje iJrynce liatrapantfjus tore on tjis sTjielUe, a>ure, U)ttl)in a tJorUore ©r, a portrait of t!)e peerless princess iJljilamante. I^tpnce iaAliapAntt)U0. II ^Uapant})us et ti)e 0qutre0 aiUJ ttje ijame0cU f)aDpng ta&en leaUe of t!ie ISmperor anU all f)p£i corte, iajent fortfj in queet of tfie cattle of t!)e lalipe ifttirra- fonte, STfiep journ^peU on tl^eir tijap for manp a mple, iintill tl^ep reacl^etr a barren plaine, anU at a trietance tijep ti^gan to spie a tuall, tDfjicfi arose out of tf^t grountre» anU asttiep proceeUeti foriBarlJ,t!)ep guUdenlp founH t^cm^tltye^ durrounlreZi tip it, et t!ie plain, txsf)itf\ toas tirent tip tf^c fieat of p« sunne, toas all attonce (otioreti tip tfiorned anU tiramtiel0 ttjat tuere risen out of tt}t grountre : tl^ep spieU a flat stone tDittj an in= scriptton in un¬un ftjaracters, anU f)abpng tuit!) grete latiovr liftetr it up, tl^ep foun5 manp steps rulyelpe tarbetr out of tfje solilr rock, lealrpng dotJDne to a sut- terranean passage. Ct)c linigfjts toitf) tf)e squires anD ttje Hantesel UescenUetr, until tijep came to a tieauteous anU splenUpU c aOe, pligfiteU up tuit!) gollren lamps, anU in tf)e miDtrest ttiereof ranne a twilliant anij transparent rpijer, t!)at malre a murmuring anH soote sounH. ^n F id l^pfltorteof eunOrp plates of tf)c crpstaH otrcmc tijfjfre it ranne dinootf), iDfrc seen golDcn avUs eylljcr Uj&f} &XBt)mm^nQ ct frpelimg all atiottt^ aim in Ui\icx& parts of p^ rotbs tocxc 0ccn t00uing out grrat anU small fasfoUrs, anU Ujptf) sunUrie faire anU gooHlie fountapnirs, U)f)tcf| gu0f)cti out of tt)c rartfje, anU gliUfti tn tirauteous stttmcs ot)tv tfje pctitilcs of rutjp anU topai, inters ntpngleU tuptf) curious sfjels. au abottt t!)t caUe Ujerc setne ntanie passing faire tiprtres, gaplp bttrccbcii in Uiucrs colorcs, singpngc sUJtte f^arntonpous musiCt anU Ujl^pctie ttDitterctj Ujptf) tfieir golUcn and silUcr topnges oUer tbcrp part of tf|t caOc, tint lyisturbcti not tf)e latnpst I0f)ic1) tiong around tf)c same* i^rapt antr encTjaunteH toptf) tl^e lol)clpness of tfie catitt et ficpng tDearieU tuptfi ttje icngtti of tfjeir journep, ttje baliant linigl^ts anU t!)c Uamcscl re stctr tficmsclbcs atufjple. ©ftsoon tljep arose, anU pursuing tficir aUbcnture tfirougl) a UarUsoinc passage, tfjep came into a spacious court, anIT saU) a golDcn troor guarHcti tip tujo porters pclaU in apncolne grene. ^Tfje tramesel liaOpng pronounceti manie strange UJorUes, tf)reU) some tDater at tfje Uoore, tofjen suUUenlie it ftetu open, et tfje porters ijanistjeU aiuap. STfje t!)ree linigl^ts anU tfjeir squires foUoUjeU Ijp tfje Uamesel, tpll ttiep came to a splendiH f)alle, coOereH U)itf) auncient tapestrp anlr t\oatt)^& cf taulrciipn, ujel firoiDcrelr Ujitf) goitre et ^plDt'r, f ontcpning ti)c ftit!)ful fipstorp of ^iv ^vgtntt ti ^it ^oticvtc* 2r!)e celpng Uiae totl tov\)tlf, anD tlD^ pantl0 i)patmetr iDttf) a^ure (olorc0> antr ornateD iDitf) eplber stare ftrsprcDlrcn aU aboute* nat tfje furtfjer txiOe of tfie IjaUe tfi^p founlre ^ix fjorees of 0OUJJ goUy^", Ujptf) ealrtiele anU lirplrele te= trec&cti tuptf) perU0 antr rutips^ anlr a falre palfrtp of 0plljcr UJit!) gol0en Ujpngs, IfSTDe fenigl^tes anD tfjeir squires ^abing seated t^t Damesel on tfie silijer Horse, toofee tfie goltren Horses antr ntountetr tfjem, iuHanne straitUDaps a rutn= Wing noise Ujas H^arU, et t^e tialle sulrDenHe ijanisfielr ; ttje earijetr celpng Heing e^angeD into Wacfe clonUs, anU t!)e tiespangleD stars fiabing tieeotne t!ie firma- ntente in tfie sfeie, a feUj iaj!)ereof Ujere just seen tamong tlje tlouljes, antr a treep antr som!)rous trari^ness eoijeretr tfje H^atrens Ujpt!) trementrous storms of tfjuntier anti IpgHtenpnge, Hoceedpng on ttjeir journep tfje prpnee et t)is companions eame into a forest, tDHanne t!)ep iuer annopelr fig t^e fearful roaring of freastes, as of ?lpons, l3eres, atififiartrs, anU (Griffons, pet pursetueD tfjep tfieir atrUenture till t^e traUjne of trape, ^nnH noUj fjatfi tjame Aurora rising out of tfie jbeDi of tier oltre manne ^ptans, cfiaseO tfje mornpnge 14 l^petorif of 0tarrf, auU uetjerfD fortl) tf)f golDrntJapt : etnottj Dan ^f)etm& mounting f)i0 glittr ranH car, t)at!) UriDfn on f)i& praundjing strUce, U)t)cn ttjc Valorous prince lialiapantl)U0» tijc tree Ualliaunt ^ir ^tcrrigoglr, et tijr rrUonWcU linig!)t fi«pr dFiUiguts, foUotucU ftp tfjeir ff itfjful 0Quirc0 anil ttjc iramced, pureetDfU tfjrir tuap, Ujfjanne tfjep gan to spp a furious anlr rapiti rpber, anU oijcr it a eplcnUpU tiriUgc tuel pftattlcU rt aUorncU U)it!) crpstaU ppnatlcs, anU at crij enUe of t!je tiriUgc tDcrc turrets of alWaeter enlaiU ttuptt) golUe ppouUereH U)itl) safKre, anti surmountel} tp siltier tiaggs. ^^0 soon as tfie bnigl)ts anU tfje Uamesel iuere passetr oijer tfje tiriUge, tfje squires tuitt) tfjeir !)orses sunfe into tf)c eartl) anU disappearetr. STfje prince arid fjps tfjree companions natf)eless purseUjeDf tijeir a0= Venture, et t!}ep soone perceikjelr tfje ©astle of tfje aatJie fHirrafonte, anlr aHPancpng nearer tfjep gan to spie tfje f)tats of t!)e Opant, anU tlje top of f}is clutj otjer tt)e tiattlements of tfje outer iuaUs, U)atcf)ing for tfiem. ©n tfje top of tf)e castle tuas scene tfje forlorne laUie iHirrafonte, tDl)o from tt)e sorroUjfuInes of fjer grete sorroU), tuas passing sorrotoful, anU sfje toaPeti a flag to Ijasten fortuarDe f}cv expected cfjampions. titpnce iaalrapantf)U0. 1 5 l^e ©t)ampion0 aUtjaunc cU to tfje gate of t!)e Caetir, tDtjan out crept ttje fjorriticl I %S i^ ©paunt, Uj|)tf) a grctc moutf), trcmcntroue >5S^ tDf)i0fecr0 on tips Up, anU a ticrU of porcuplncfii quiWfi ; fjis nose U3a)3 Ufet p' tjorn of a rfjpnoccrus, out of tl^e U)!)pci)f arose t!)rf c f)uge epen, lifee liurning glaesce; fjio trttfj iuerc Ufee t!)e iron epifeee of a HorttuUis : tfje sfeuU of !)i0 cmptie f)eli Ujas matre of iron, anti !|i0 tares tuere Ufee tDe ears of an ©Up!)ant. Wtic gpant Uias e otnpleatlp armetr in copper gilt, !|is legs Uiere cobereH U)itt) iron maple, anO !|is feete U)it!) sfeins of mice ; in steaU of f)anUes, moreover fie t)aD claujs lifee tfje claUjs of Popsters, anti f)e fiellre a !)uge cluti inptf) a sDarpe eUge, in met) guise tf)at it serpen alifee for fenocfeing trotDn or cutting up* IFiio sooner U)as t!)e gpaunt preparetr for tl^e comMt gainst tf)e rigtjt noble cf)ampions, tt)anne tfie silPer f)orse fleto off tpptfj t!)e iramesel, antr percl^eli on ttje top of an fjie mountapne. ^ tfje UretifuU comtjat of tfjps DreUful trape, ^ing © iffi^oUtresse ©lio ; antr tl^ou ISellona, sister unto tfje goU i*lars, come tijptfi tljp flaming torcfje, UriPe fortl^ tfjp car tuit!) ,\\{ tf)i> fnvif, .Tn?i nolJDr mni^c tt)c l»o!t»r«*t 1f)f rtr >=> •?f|i\icv 1 6 Iftpetorieof tDit!) a0toimtrrmrnt» anD tfjc stoutest courage max tf nUrr in t!)C liolurUd of tfjr mtgl)tic, for tiirr tuae tlje fonflift, dFiret ^ir ^tcrrigoglr, a passing strong tnannr, fiaUpng fouc!)rU i)is launte, rannr furioudip at tf}c gpant, but unl^^Wr to pierce tf)t armoure inroiic t)is spfarc : tf)c gyauntc raisctr !)i)s clubbc agapnst tfjc imigfjtr, antj smote off fjis fjelr, tufjcn tfjc goUc rcU WooU spoutcU fort!) from out of fJiJS ncclic ful t)otc, lilic a fountaimr, ants t!jc iJoUpe fell on tf)c plaint, Cfianne ttjc moste rrtrouWcU iinig!)te ^pr ^illpguts, fenigt)t of tfje ^ilticv dtup^, tiJitf) fioUp rounUe, anU milriiel large, atiijancelr against tfje gpant, U)!jo agapnc raisen fjis fjuge cluti, anD most unfientrilie ctjopt off ttje f)eatr of tf)e gomen fjorse ; ttje fjeaU ffeuj into tfje air, anlr tfje tjolrie fell UoUjne iuitli a golUen sounUe, a sounH lilie golUe : tl^^^n tfie legs of t!je tinigtjt tieing unUer tfje f)orse, tfje gpant tramplelr fjim tijptfj fjisp feete. STfje )|rince Hatiapantfjus fjaUpng esppeU tfje fate of fjis companions, ijanceU forujarlre fans^faile, Ujfjan ttje gpant most furiouslp grolMleU at ttje Daliant prince, shearing tip iWafjounUe anty CTerijagaunt, antr sapU, ^truance, caitiff, ^ am an fjungreti ; E tijant mp Dinner: pou sfjal fie eaten stelueU in onions; tfje aaUp iHirrafonte sfjal tie UresseU for mp soppere, et sfjaU tie eaten Ujptfj apple saujce, so atiUance. JTfjou rasliallp gpant, saptr tfje l^rpnce, fiefore ttjou tfjpnfe of tfje sbpnne tirst catcfj tfje tare : tiut liefjolD most tii0coutteou0 et gteetrie tirttte^ looUc atiobe pou> tfie ))ulture0 aiitr if)t ftptc^ are iDaittng for tiour liarl^ade. ^0 raping tje Uretu $10 sUJorlre dFirmatirantre, ^truci^ a t)loU)e at tfje gpant, liut maDe no impression on l^ps armour* CTfje gyant lifteU up fJS^ eluU, Ujfjen tfie prpnce liatrapantfjus eluUeU tfje tilotpe ; tfie clnfjbt fell iuptf) a loutre anD irretrful sounlre on t!)e plainer et tfiretD up t!ie trust antr t!ie stones into t!)e aire* STtie llrpnce trtsmountelT from tips golden steelr, and tijitt) ttDo puissaunt strokes eleaUeU oflf ttie legs of t!)e gpant telobD p' angles, spite of tl^e mouses sfepns, iDliiet) Suere cfiarmeU in Uain : tl^e ©pant UJl^o Ujas tigi)ting near t!ie tualls of t^e eastle, fell against one of p' gates» tut trains fiatinge none, t)e tirol^e f|is emptie sliull, et fenoclfceU off one of t!ie turrets anti tattle^ ments* © sooner U)as t!ie furious gpant slain, tl^an tt)e tutiole aire Ujas eoUerelr tijitf) a passing grete 0arfenesse from p' number of t)uU tures anU feptes, anU ot^er eurious tiprtres of prape, from far anDf neere, some tijptt feete lifee Irragons, some Ujitf) Ujpngs of butterflies, antr otfjers UJitfi elaiijs lifee mannes fianUs, anU manie bpitf) large teafes lilie files, to cut atuap tfje gpants armoure to get att tfje mete. 1 8 l^pstorw of •[Srtie tjalouroue ilrpncc UaunceU puto Vt)e courte of tfje castle, U)!}an fjc tuae moetc courteouslp rcceiUeD Up tfjc most comclp ants Detjonaire laUp, t!)e aaUie fttirrafonte. ilolu fjat!) tl}e giant tiecn HelJourcU, anD eaten up to tf)e fionee, U)t)en tf)e tiprUes UieperseU into t!)e aire : tf)e eilOer f)or&c fleto oOer tl)e UjaUe, anU UeecenUeU into p^ court, tfje Iramesel aligf)teD, anU ujas fiinUlpe saleUjelr tip !)cr aaUie. 1[UaUapant!)U0 fjaOing tirolien open tfje Uoors of tfje Dongeone, releaeeU tf)e toel fatteU tut uneaten fenig!)te!9 from tf)eir moste tpoefuU of all tooful situa- tions, antr ))al)ing restoreU tt)e castle into tfje tjantres of tfje ilatrie fHirrafonte toofe !)ps leaOe. I^e luent into a passing grete fjalle pclepiU tfie tjall of ^canUal, U)f)erein Ujere seen on tf)e luaUs tlje tongues of aaliies ttjel tjenapleU tfjereon, aniJ mucfj eten tjp tf)t Ujormes, manie of tf)e tongues Ujere tfie tongues of auncient sppnsters. at tfi'enU of tfje tjalle tuas a teauteous casiienet, ornateU luitt) tfje ^affpre, tfje (!?meralUe, auTi tfje earaoncle stone, ujptfj tfje gooUlpe UJorUe ^ilentium in golDen letters, anU UJittjin tfje sameUjere seen certain tongues, Uiell preserPeU, eacfj of tfjem fjaPpng yruUentia ujritten tfjereon. ^3nU noU) fjatfj dan iJfjeOus follotoing tfje fjeeles of Dame Aurora, usfjereti fortfj tfje cfjeerfull Uape, U)fjan tfje puissaunt Drpnce liaUapantfjus, fjaOing talien tfje fjeatJ of tfje gpaunt, purseijpeti tjis Ujape to tfie Court ofif^eiSmptvov )|timo0O» et fiabtng ttod^etir tf^tntf^aunitts htiUgtt f)e \3}a& a^toutilrelT to &te it in'omiACf et to tintr it iuptf) all tf)^ turtetd aixij ppnacle^ l)ant0fiel)f atuaie. Cfie prpnce entercty tfie forest UjearieDf toptfi ttje U3etg!)t of t!|e iron tieU, UJtitn f)t jop? fuUpe epiclr a glittcranlr car trraUjn tjp Oriffone, et tiabing mountetr it, anH placed tf}c f^taU 6p tfje mXfc of l^im, pureeUjetJ !)i0 tpap oUer tl^e forrcet, ct arrtbetr iiefore tfit dtp of tfje lEmperour* |^e U3a0 mucl^ a^tountretr Ujfien tie saUj ttje tfiree Io0t oquire^ cun= ninglp pcorUeU in altlaster oijer p* gate, antr pplaceD on eurioud tatilemente in nitcfjes oljerarclietr, antr on tfie top of tf)e gate t!ie turrets anU ppnacle0 of tl^^ encfiaunteD tirpDge, Cfie Hrpnce entered tl^e gate, et arriijeJj at tlie paUace, et fjaUing ealebjeU tlie dSm- peronr, ttje ©mperese, antr all tl^e corte, retired to tfje emtioUjreDf fioUjer of tt)e most jopfuUeet of all iopful prpnce00e0, tlje princess iltlilawante, Ujfjo to see fjim toas passing glatr, anlr so slje maUe a speecli, sucti as netier luas t)ear3J before, anU it finisfieU in tl^ese UjorUes, ilrpnce MaUapantfjus, mine oUjn l^erte sinete, let us fie glaUsome ttiat ttje are l^eere, antr not in ttje gpaunts maUJs, merrie anD not mangletr, stoellpng ixiitfi iop antr not sUiallotueDr, mirttjfull molding antr not eaten up alibe* i*lanp otfjer plesaunt UjorJjes passetr tietujeene tliem ; tiut Ujtiat ttjep septr et tufrat ttiep tritr is not recortreD in tfjis storie* G 20 ittjpstoric of ilrpntc UaUapantfjus. HiD^ccrc cnXjctf) tl)e Iftp^toric of tfje rclioubtaliU dFmptcntcli for ^. U. and to te oolUe at fits 0f)oppe at t!ic ^pgne of t!)e Catte anlr ^iUDcl, nccrc unto tf)c Iptlc jlortfjc Doorc of |loU)le0 Cf)urcf)c* A READABLE REPRINT OF jlTRUE/ND FAITHFUL HISTORY OF THE REDOU B TABLE PRINCE RADAPANTHUS. JHIS little jeu d' esprit, or "a trick on Bibliomanists," is a pretended reprint from a unique copy of gSgnkDit tic Aortic, and written by John Adey Repton, son of Humphrey Repton, the author of Sketches and Hints on Landscape Gardening, 1794; Designs for the Pavilion at Brighton, with the assistance of his sons, John Adey Repton and G. S. Repton, London, 1808, &c. , &c. The ornamental initial letters commencing the chapters of the foregoing version of " The Pretender" will be found to fonn the author's name in full, thus : TRUE AND FAITHFUL HISTORY OF THE REDOUBTABLE PRINCE RADAPANTHUS. N ancient days there lived a hardy and a strong: man that was called the valorous Prince Radapanthus, son of the most mighty sovereign King Abrodonte and his fair Queen Collinella. Now on a time when the sable night began [to] fade and the glorious sun to salute the golden day and gladden the heart of man, uprose the puissant Prince Radapanthus, and having donned his shining armour, and grasped his goodly sword Firmabrande, he mounted his fiery steed Gruffosnorto, and followed by his gentle squire Pintadonte, they sallied forth in quest of adventure. They advanced on their journey, when towards the noon of day they entered into a thick and darksome forest, where their steps 24 History of were hindered by the thorns and brambles and much annoyed from toads and serpents. The Prince with his sword hewed his way through the bushes, when peradventure striking a stone the darkness of the forest disappeared, and they found themselves in a passing large plain, but still sur- rounded by the forest on every side, and in the midst thereof was a transparent lake, called Bel- plaisant, in which was a goodly and a fair gondola, painted full clean, with purple sails, and at the helm sat a beautiful and a comely damsel, bedecked in azure and gold and a transparent veil over her head bespangled with silver stars. The Prince was saluted in modest guise by the damsel, and with his squire were most gladsomely received into the boat : they glided along the lake till they came to a passing fair river bordered on each side with many goodly trees, very pleasant to behold, as the oak, the elm, the plane, the holm, the cheston, the beech, the poplar, the hazel, the maple, the thorn, and the box, while the banks were gaily ornated with flowers and flowerets fretted in divers colours, and spread over all the plain. Having proceeded in the boat, that glided along the winding, stream for awhile, the Prince Radapanthus and his squire disembarked. So soon as the Prince pulled off a rose and gave it to the damsel, then all at once she with her boat suddenly vanished, the sky was quickly overcast, an Prince Radapanthus. 25 awful noise was heard, and immediately a strong vapour of cloud and smoke was seen to rise out of the ground : and in the midst thereof arose a fright- ful and most uncouth Giant. He had a swarthy- visage, a yellow beard, and a most sternful counte- nance ; he was completely armed and mounted upon a fiery dragon. Now the Giant began most gruffly to growl with great discourteousness at the Prince Radapanthus, and lifting up a great iron mace ad- vanced towards him. But the valorous Prince, mounted on his horse Gruffosnorto, couched his lance, and with great hardihood drove it into the dragon's maws, and being unable to regain the same, drew his sword and smote off the left leg of the Giant. The Giant roared with dolorous pain, when the dragon raised his tail, and struck the Prince on the helmet, but Radapanthus with his trenchant blade struck off the dragon's tail, and having regained his lance, the dragon sank down with passing great pain, the horse snuffed the wind and ramped most furiously on the neck of the dragon, when the valorous Prince lifted up his good^ sword Firmabrande, and cleaved the Giant through the middle, from the head to the saddle. The Giant fell down on each side of the dragon with a tremendous crash, while the blood was spread all over the field. 26 HibTORY OF jVERCOME with fatigue and covered with bitter bales^ the Prince fell into a swoon, when all at once the vapour and darkness of the air vanished, and the blood which covered the field suddenly disappeared, and a gleam of light arose from out of the ground. Then the damsel of the lake again stood before him with a cup of enchanted liquor, and having besprinkled over the face of the Prince Radapanthus, and uttered some strange and uncouth words, she mounted a golden chair bedecked with diamonds and topaz and drawn by winged serpents : so she rose in the air and immediately disappeared. ^^'AVING recovered from his swoon by the enchanted liquor, the Prince arose, mounted his horse Gruffosnorto, followed by his faithful squire Pintadonte, and pursued his adventure, and having advanced to the end of the forest, his ears were greeted with a distant sound of music, which increased still more as he drew nigh, when he began to espy come tiding forth on a milk white steed in rich array a beautiful lady called the renowned Princess Philamante, with body genteel and middle small : she was clothed in a mantle of ^/reen velvet and a kirtle of blue wrouorht with birds 'Bale.— Giief, aiij^ry, suitow. Prince Radapanthus. 27 of sundry colours : she was attended by ten comely and buxom damsels, dancing and playing on divers sorts of pleasant music and followed by a dwarf with a passing great helmet on his head, long spurs on his heels, and a great cloak over his shoulders, the which trailed along the ground. The dwarf, called Sir Puny, was followed by a squire, carrying his sword, and leading a large black horse with golden bridle and saddle studded with pearls and musical bells of many sundry shapes, and a shield bearing a golden apple on an azure field. O sooner had the dwarf Sir Puny perceived the Prince Radapanthus than he advanced and saluted him most courteously, and showed him to the most peerless Princess Phila- mante : the Prince was greatly astounded with the handsomeness of the Princess, saluted her most buxomly, which was returned by a most graceful and sweet smile, and condescending to receive him as her faithful knight, in which the Prince was passing glad, and so they proceeded in company, and towards the night arrived at the court of the Emperor Primoso, the father of the Princess Philamante, when he was kindly welcomed, and presented to the Empress Bellafronte. 28 History of ND now the golden gate of heaven began to open, when gentle Phoebus came joy- fully forth and cast his glittering beams up to the sky, and shot forth the glad- some day. Uprose the valorous Prince Radapanthus, and uprose the Emperor and all his court ; and, lastly, uprose the peerless Princess Philamantc clad in a silk robe fretted in orold and silver sheen.^ The royal Emperor Primoso, as French Clerks say, was four foot high : he was royally crowned with a quintuple crown, and a lofty spire an ell long, studded with diamond bells and surmounted by a golden vane. His majesty was clothed in a red and yellow robe, besprinkled with shining stars, and held in his right hand a sceptre, surmounted by a crystal image of Justice, blinded and holding a sword and balance, which sceptre was never out of the Emperor's sight. The Empress Bellafronte, who was seven feet high, was most gloriously crowned with an embattled crown, surmounted by pinnacles in topaz, and was clothed in ermine and purple pall, and in a kirtle besprinkled all about with silver stars, and lettered 'Sheen.— Lustre, brightness. Prince Radapanthus. ig with golden letters well bemottoed ; her shoes were ornated in curious devices like unto the windows of Paul's Church. The royal Emperor handed the Empress Into the royal hall of the royal palace, followed by the Princess Philamante, and the renowned Prince Radapanthus, attended by all the Lords and Ladies of the court, bedecked in their best array and clad in the newest guise. A grand feast was prepared in the great hall, which was covered in tapestry : here were depictured Adam and his wife Eve, with a serpent ; Tobit and his dog ; the King of Aye hanging on a tree ; Madam Susannah and the two old men ; Potiphar ['s wife] and her friend Joseph, in a coat well bepainted in divers colours, and Duke Joshua with a golden sun standing still ; the three Kings of Colen riding on their prancing steeds ; the Prodigal Son without the pigs. The windows of the hall were ornated with royal glass, containing the achievements of the renowned Prince Potomodo, great grandfather unto the Emperor Primoso : the upper part of the hall was ornamented with ancient armour. The ceiling was most cunningly carved with antique imagery and devices, containing the coats and genealogies of the Emperor. At the upper end of the hall on the high dais, under a canopy of state, curiously carved and pinnacled, sat the Emperor, the Empress, the Princess and the 30 History of valiant Prince; then the dukes, earls, barons, knights, squires, and all the ladies and damsels of the Court. URING the time of the feast, while the minstrels were playing in sweet concord- ance and pleasant harmony many most joyful songs, and while the Squire Carver was hold- ing up the huge knife and fork to cut the meat, a messenger ran suddenly into the hall in great terror and dismay, declaring that a huge and horrible Giant called Hurlotobumpus, was advancing to claim the hand of the peerless Princess Philamante. The whole Court were thrown into great confusion and dismay, the minstrels ceased their pleasant sounds, the Princess much awed fell into great dis- quietedness. From the marvellous mighty strength of the Giant, the knights of the Court were awed ; none dared to combat with him but only the valorous Prince, who rose from the board, without fail, put on his glittering armour, seized his sword, and having mounted his goodly horse Gruffosnorto, pro- ceeded in quest of Hurlotobumpus : he met him in the court of the Palace, armed with a club and mounted on a red roan steed. The Giant, who cared not for no man nor yet for no woman neither, advanced with a sternful visage, and with mighty Prince Radapanthus. 31 strength he lifted up his ponderous club, and heaped blows on the shield of Radapanthus, which produced dreadful sounds, and shook the windows of the Palace. The Prince staggered by the force of the blow, but immediately recovered : he spurred his steed, ran furiously at the Giant, and with his goodly trenchant blade chopped him in two below the waist ; the body with the head and arms fell with a loud and thundering sound like unto a lofty oak on the -plain ; the horse fled with the lower part of the Giant containing the legs and part of the body which remained fixed on the saddle. IFTSOON^ the news of the death of the Giant arrived at the hall of the Emperor it was joyfully hailed with great joy by the joyful people: the Emperor, the Empress, and the most peerless Princess of all princesses, and the Court, greeted the valorous Prince Radapanthus, and welcomed him with many sweet sounds of pleasant music. IN [in] afew days after this strange and perilous battle a right fair damsel and a good, with suffused eyes, arrived at the court of the Emperor Primoso, to demand aid for the Lady Mirrafonte, against a giant who had wrong- ^Eftsoon. — Immediately. 32 History of fully detained her and all her knights and ladies in her castle as food to satisfy his hungry maw, when he devoured every day for his dinner two of her knights, and every night a fair damsel or a fat friar for his supper : the Lady Mirrafonte is reserved for the last ; and if she is not rescued within three days, she must be doomed to death without fail, to satisfy the ravenous hunger of the hungriest of all hungry giants, who has taken possession and secured the gate of the castle, by placing thereat a large stone, which no man but himself can move. The damsel having told this woeful tale to the Emperor and the court, three knights arose to proffer their aid : Sir Sterrigogle, Knight of the Comet ; Sir Filliguts, Knight of the Cups, and the valiant Prince Radapanthus. Lots being drawn for the order of combat with the giant, the first fell on Sir Sterrigogle, who bore on his shield azure, a golden comet between seven stars argent. Sir Filliguts bore argent, a bend sable three silver cups. The Prince Radapanthus bore on his shield, azure, within a border or, a portrait of the peerless Princess Philamante. Prince Radapanthus. 2>3 ADAPANTHUS and the valorous knights with their squires and the damsel having taken leave of the Em- peror and all his court, went forth in quest of the castle of the Lady Mirrafonte. They journeyed on their way for many a mile, until they reached a barren plain, and at a distance they began to spy a wall, which arose out of the ground, and as they proceeded forward, they suddenly found themselves surrounded by it, and the plain, which was burnt up by the heat of the sun, was all at once covered by thorns and brambles that were risen out of the ground : they spied a flat stone with an inscription in unknown characters, and having with great labour lifted it up, they found many steps rudely carved out of the solid rock, leading down to a subterraneous passage. The knights with the squires and the damsel descended, until they came to a beauteous and splendid cave, lighted up with golden lamps, and in the midst thereof ran a brilliant and transparent river, that made a murmuring and sweet sound. In sundry places of the crystal stream where it ran smooth, were seen golden and silver fish swimming and frisking all about, and in divers parts of the rocks 34 History of were seen issuing out great and small cascades, and with sundry fair and goodly fountains, which gushed out of the earth, and glided in beauteous streams over the pebbles of ruby and topaz, intermingled with curious shells. All about the cave were seen many passing fair birds, gaily bedecked in divers colours, singing sweet harmonious music, and which twittered with their golden and silver wings over every part of the cave, but disturbed not the lamps, which hung around the same. BNRAPTURED and enchanted with the loveliness of the cave, and being wearied with the length of their journey, the valiant knights and the damsel rested themselves awhile. Immediately they arose, and pursuing their adventure through a darksome passage, they came into a spacious court, and saw a golden door guarded by two porters clad in Lincoln green. The damsel having pronounced many strange words, threw some water at the door, when suddenly it flew open, and the porters vanished away. The three knights and their squires followed by the damsel, till they came to a splendid hall, covered with ancient tapestry and cloths of baudkin,^ well broidered with gold and silver, containing the faithful history of Sir Argent and Sir Poverty. *Baudkin. — A rich and precious species of stuff. Prince Radapanthus. 35 The ceiling was well carved, and the panels painted with azure colours, and ornated with silver stars spread all about. At the further end of the hall they found six horses of solid gold, with saddles and bridles bedecked with pearls and rubies, and a fair palfrey of silver with golden wings. The knights and their squires having seated the damsel on the silver horse, took the golden horses and mounted them, when straightway a rumbling noise was heard, and the hall suddenly vanished ; the carved ceiling being changed into black clouds, and the bespangled stars having become the firmament in the sky, a few whereof were just seen among the clouds, and a deep and sombre darkness covered the heavens with tre- mendous storms of thunder and lightning. ROCEEDING on their journey the Prince and his companions came to a forest, when they were annoyed by the fearful roaring of beasts, as of lions, bears, leopards, and griffins, yet pursued they their adventure till the dawn of day. And now hath dame Aurora rising out of the bed of the old man Titans, chased the morning star, and ushered forth the golden day ; and now Dan Phoebus mounting his glittering car, has driven on n 36 History of his prancing steeds, when the valorous Prince Radapanthus, the very valiant Sir Sterrigogle, and the redoubted knight Sir Filliguts, followed by their faithful squires and the damsel, pursued their way, when they began to spy a furious and rapid river, and over it a splendid bridge well embattled and adorned with crystal pinnacles, and at each end of the bridge were turrets of alabaster inlaid with gold powdered with sapphire, and surmounted by silver flags. So soon as the knights and the damsel were passed over the bridge, the squires with their horses sunk into the earth and disappeared. The Prince and his three companions nevertheless pursued their adventure, and they soon perceived the castle of the Lady Mirrafonte, and advancing nearer they began to spy the head of the giant and the top of his club over the battlements of the outer walls, watching for them. On the top of the castle was seen the forlorn Lady Mirrafonte, who from the sorrowfulness of her great sorrow, was passing sorrowful, and she waved a flag to hasten forward her expected champions. |HE champions advanced to the gate of the castle, when out crept the horrible giant, with a great mouth, tremendous whiskers on his lip, and a beard of porcupine's quills ; his Prince Radapanthus. 37 nose was like the horn of a rhinoceros, out of the which arose three huge eyes, Hke burning glasses ; his teeth were like the iron spikes of a portcullis : the skull of his empty head was made of iron, and his ears were like the ears of an elephant. The giant was completely armed in copper gilt, his legs were covered with iron mail, and his feet with skins of mice ; instead of hands, moreover he had claws like the claws of lobsters, and he held a huge club with a sharp edge, in such guise that it served alike for knocking down or cutting up. No sooner was the giant prepared for the combat against the right noble champions, than the silver horse flew off with the damsel, and perched on the top of an high mountain. [F the dreadful combat of this dreadful day, sing O goddess Clio ; and thou Bellona, sister unto the god Mars, come with thy flaming torch, drive forth thy car with all thy fury, and now make the boldest hearts shiver with astonishment, and the stoutest courage wax tender in the bowels of the mighty, for dire was the conflict. First Sir Sterrigogle, a passing strong man, having couched his lance, ran furiously at the giant, but unable to pierce the armour broke his spear : the giant raised the club against the knight, and smote off his head, when the good red blood 38 History of spouted forth from out of his neck full hot, like a fountain, and the body fell on the plain. Then the most redoubtable knight Sir Filliguts, Knight of the Silver Cups, with body round, and middle large, advanced against the giant, who again raised his huge club, and most unhendily^ chopped off the head of the golden horse ; the head flew into the air, and the body fell down with a golden sound, a sound like gold : then the legs of the knight being under the horse, the giant trampled him with his feet. The Prince Radapanthus having espied the fate of his companions, advanced forward without fail, when the giant most furiously growled at the valiant Prince, swearing by Mahounde and Tervagaunt, and said, Advance, caitiff, I am an hungered ; I want my dinner : you shall be eaten stewed in onions : the Lady Mirrafonte shall be dressed for my supper, and shall be eaten with apple sauce, so advance. Thou rascally giant, said the Prince, before thou think of the skin first catch the hare ; and behold most discourteous and greedy brute, look above you, the vultures and the kites are waiting for your carcass. So saying he drew his sword Mrmabrandc, struck a blow at the giant, but made no impression on his armour. The giant lifted up his club, when the Prince Radapanthus eluded the blow ; the club fell with a loud and ^Unhendilv. -Ungcntly. Prince Radapanthus. 39 dreadful sound on the plain, and threw up the dust and the stones into the air. The Prince dis- mounted from his golden steed, and with two puissant strokes cleaved off the legs of the giant below the ankles, spite of the mouses' skins, which were charmed in vain : the giant who was fighting near the walls of the castle, fell against one of the gates, but brains having none, he broke his empty skull, and knocked off one of the turrets and battlements. 310 sooner was the furious giant slain, than the whole air was covered with a passing great darkness from the number of vul- tures and kites, and other curious birds of prey, from far and near, some with feet like dragons, some with wings of butterflies, and others with claws like men's hands, and many with large beaks like f les, to cut away the giant's armour to get at the meat. The valourous Prince advanced into the court of the castle, when he was most courteously received by the most comely and gracious lady, the Lady Mirrafonte. Now hath the giant been devoured, and eaten up to the bones, when the birds dispersed into the air : the silver horse flew over the walls, and descended into the court, the damsel alighted, and was kindly saluted by her lady. 40 History of Radapanthus having broken open the doors of the dungeons, released the well fatted but uneaten knights from their most woeful of all woeful situations, and having restored the castle into the hands of the Lady Mirrafonte took his leave. He went into a passing great hall called the hall of Scandal, wherein were seen on the walls the tongues of Ladies well nailed thereon, and much eaten by the worms, many of the tongues were the tongues of ancient spinsters. At the end of the hall was a beauteous caskenet, ornated with the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle stone, with the goodly word " Silentmm' in golden letters, and within the same were seen certain tongues, well preserved, each of them having " Prudentia' written thereon. And now hath Dan Phoebus following the heels of Dame Aurora, ushered forth the cheerful day, when the puissant Prince Radapanthus, having taken the head of the Giant, pursued his way to the Court of the Emperor Primoso, and having crossed the enchanted bridge, he was astounded to see it invisible, and to find it with all the turrets and pin- nacles vanished away. The Prince entered the forest wearied with the weight of the iron head, when he joyfully spied a glittering car drawn by griffons, and having mounted it, and placed the head by the side of him, pursued his way over the forest, and arrived before the city of the Emperor. He was Prince Radapanthus. 41 much astounded when he saw the three lost squires cunningly carved in alabaster over the gate, and placed on curious tablements in niches over-arched, and on the top of the gate the turrets and pinnacles of the enchanted bridge. The Prince entered the gate, and arrived at the Palace, and having saluted the Emperor, the Empress, and all the Court, retired to the embowered bower of the most joyfulest of all joyful princesses, the Princess Philamante, who to see him was passing glad, and so she made a speech, such as never was heard before, and it finished in these words, Prince Radapanthus, mine own heart sweet, let us be gladsome that we are here, and not in the Giant's maws, merry and not mangled, swelling with joy and not swallowed, mirthful moving and not eaten up alive. Many other pleasant words passed between them ; but what they said and what they did is not recorded in this story. Here endeth the History of the redoubtable Prince Radapanthus. Imprinted for [J.] A. R. and to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Cat and Fiddle, near unto the little north door of Paul's Church. 3 > RETURN CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT 1717 TO— ^- 202 Main Library i LOAN PERIOD 1 HOME USE 2 3 4 5 6 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS j Renewals and Recharges may be made 4 days prior to the due dote. i Books may be Renewed by calling 642-3405. DUE AS STAMPED BELOW \ SERMJ99i MQ DISC OCT 03 '91 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY FORM NO. DD6 BERKELEY, CA 94720 iviSaMST cAse THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY