Gerileon of England. The second part of his most excellent, delectable, morall, and sweet contriued historie continuing his meruailous deeds of armes, haughtie provvesse, and honourable loue: with sundrie other verie memorable aduentures. Written in French by Estienne de Maisonneufue, Bordelois: and translated into English, by A.M., one of the messengers of his Maiesties chamber.

THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE PLEAsant Historie , of Gerileon of England .

Cap. 1.

How the Infant Porphiria , daughter to the Emperour of Constantinople , being very sick for the loue of the Fairie youth that was sent by Ozyris : is brought ( by the meanes of Sagibell her Phisition , in the companie of Marcella and Harderin● her ●ousin , ) to a Castell neere Constantinople , for change of ayre . Where the wise Sagibell promised to let her see by art Magique , in what estate her friend was the Knight of the Fayries , with his originall and aduentures .

THe Princesse Porphiria hauing taken no rest , since the day and houre when falslie the maide Dynamia , sister to Pharisor , and Amidrea who déerely loued him , notwithstanding shee receiuing no loue againe , came to informe her , how the Fayrie youth on whom she had fastened such earnest affection , as it was not possible for any King or Prince like him selfe , to be belooued of any Princesse , as he was of the Infant Porphiria : was slaine , with Pharisor , who had wun like conquest of the Uirgin Amidrea , and that the murderer was gone to make his vaunt in the Emperour her fathers Court , of such a monstrous and vnhappie déed , clad in his Armour , and mounted on the good Knights horse that had vanquished the Giants , as is declared in the xvi . Chapter of the first Booke of this nistorie . After she had by insupportable gréefe , swounded many times , she fell into an extreame burning feauer : as what with the violence therof , and her balefull passions of loue together , she had at this instant dyed , but that she was continually comforted by the Ladyes Harderina and Marcella , after that the Giant Ergoferant , who followed in quest of the vnknowne Knight , and hauing found him , brought him to the Emperours Court , where in eight dayes his wounds were healed . By meanes whereof , these Ladyes ( who knew well the cause of the In●ants disease ) perswaded her so much as they could : with this hope grounded in them , that the death of the Knight and Fayrie youth , was no more certaine or to be credited , then the report of Pharisor : And that the vnknowne Knight who rumourd foorth these tidings , had doone it but for the aduantage of his glorie , or to couer the dishonour he receiued in the Ioust : which made her somewhat to recomfort her selfe , so that ( but for her feauer ) she might easily haue recouered her former state of health .

But if she suffered such anguish for her friend , the Fairie youth endured no whit lesse for her , in that his loue tooke life at that instant , when she did him the honour to girde on his sword with her dellicate hands : but he fearing that their loues were not reciprocall , languished in selfe same fits as the Infant did , esteeming him selfe so vnfortunate and slenderlie fauoured by loue : that he thought their wounds to procéed from shafts of contrarie nature , whereby the cure of either would prooue as different . Thus did the fire search through the bone to the marrowe , and he was so distracted in himselfe ( as hath béene toucht in the former Booke ) as wandering from the care hee had to séeke the vnknowne Knight , to reue●ge the death of his good friend Pharicor : he now hath lost himselfe , in thinking and contemplating on that heauenly beautie , which lay neerest his hart , and aboue all things else he most prefered . So that in steed of taking the right way , for embarking himself so some strange countrey : hee returned with his Squire Geliaste towards the Cittie of Constantinople , imagining ( neuerthelesse ) that he rode farre enough from it . On the other side , the Princesse Porphiria was euen at deaths doore , for the loue of her knighth , and so farre extended each extremitie , as notwithstanding all soueraigne remedies appplyed , from one houre to another , a daungerous end was still expected .

The Emperour and Empresse were wonderfull gréeued at their daughters sicknes , not knowing whence the occasion thereof procéeded : and therefore wholy committed her to the care of Sagibell her Phisition , a man most expert and skilfull in the art of medicine . This Phisition was likewise greatly experimented in the art Magique , and the Princesse of long time discerned in him very speciall affection and fidelitie towards her : wherefore among diuers contrarie opinions , which day and night combatted in her labouring thoughts , she imagined how to finde some ease for her afflictions , and sent for him by the Lady Marcella , who knewe much better then the phisition where the disease pained her , she beeing then to Harderina participating these secrets . Right prompt and readie was shee to obey the Princesse will , and suddenly went to finde this wise man , who was altogether confounded with greefe and pensiuenes , because he could not attaine the meane , whereby the faire Princes might recouer footing againe : for to her seruice he was intirelie affected , considering that all his happines depended on her safetie and health , and shee recured it would enrich him for euer : for the Emperour had promised him , that if by his skill he could restore his daughter , he would returne him such a recompence , as should both exalt and content him for euer . But without any such promise Sagibell was carefull enough of the Infants health , and failed not in his very vttermost endeuours : and Porphiria ( for her part ) was willing to bestowe on this skilfull man , what euer she might enioy by the Emperour and Empres , prouided , that her amorous sicknes might finde desired recouerie . Wherevpon , Marcella hauing tould him the Princes would speake with him , and that with speed he should repaire to her chamber : without further questioning with the Lady , he went thither immediatly , not a little ioyfull of this message , which he hoped might presage some good to ensue , because hauing so lately left her , he was now so suddenly sent for . When Sagibell was come to her , he demanded how she felt her selfe : When the Princesse ( breathing foorth a déepe fetcht sighe from the bottome of her hart ) thus spake vnto him . Ah Sagibell , impossible is it I should be well , considering the estate wherein I am , all your medicines and drugges hauing no abilitie to giue me my former strength , health and quietnes ; yet notwithstanding , your knowledge might doe me great good seruice , if you were so pleased . Sagibell was not a little abashed at the woordes of the Princesse , and knew not what to coniecture of them , because they implyed such a contradiction : for she said all his medicines and drugs could not helpe her , and yet she might be highly benefited by his knowledge , which made him to returne this answere . Why Madame , doe you thinke I haue made spare of my knowledge , and that I haue not endeuoured my vttermost ( according to Art ) to set ye on your feet againe ? Thereof I am perswaded my good friend Sagibell , quoth she , but your art of medicine is not auailable for me in this case : for were your God Appollo , Aesculapius , Hipocrates and Galen heere present to giue me remedie , yet could they vnderstand no more of my disease then you doo . But will yee promise to be faithfull and secret to me , as I did neuer yet finde yee otherwise : and I shall acquaint yee with the cause and originall of my greefe , which when ye haue vnderstood , easily by your knowledge may the effect be taken away . The Phisition who was quick conceited , began to waxe iealous of the cause , gathering by hir wordes , that loue had made a great breach into her tender hart : yet making shewe as though he suspected no such matter , he sayd to the Princesse . Beléeue ( good Madame ) that I will be secret to yée , and continue such fidelitie towards yée , as the Emperour your father and your selfe haue alwayes found in me . The Princesse being in bed , caused her pillowes to be raysed , to the end shee might deliuer her minde with the more ease : and hauing heard the answer of her Phisition , with voice faint and weake , entermedled with a thousand sighes , shee thus began .

My sicknes is caused by the loue I beare to the fairie youth , if he liue not , then thinke a speedie end will deliuer me from this anguish : except you take pittie on mee , and succour me in other sort then as yet you haue done , I know you are skilfull in the Magique science , and that by Art you can let me sée him aliue or dead : he is the man , whose onely remembrance giues life and content to my amorous passions . Then let me sée in what estate he is , for nothing else can ease my afflictions , and all remedies else are vtterlie in vaine , as by the applying and proofe you haue hitherto beheld . I had not knowne aboue fourtéene or fiftéene yeeres , when first his loue made seyzure on my hart , euen amongst the Ladyes of the Empresse my mother , where I was constrained to swoune in the publique assemblie : he then that hath occasioned this hurt to me , can take it away and giue me helpe , but it consists in you to giue me some ease by your knowledge , in shewing me my friend aliue , wherein I desire to be resolued , because I stand in doubt he is dead . If I be assured of his end , then mine hath no long date of continuance , so shall I bee freed from these extreame passions , which not alone wounds my hart , but deuides in sunder my very soule : leauing me so disconsolate , as but I was comforted by one of my Ladyes , long since had I pass out of this miserable life into a better .

Sagibell hauing attentiuely heard the Princesse , thus answered . Madame you haue well séene my faithfull seruic● towards yee till this present , and be ye assured , that though it valued the price of my life , yet will I hazard all for the safetie of yours : for so must I confesse my selfe bound to do in dutie , in regard yee haue discouered to me such a secret , as neuer could be gathered by the rules of phisick , beside , the many honors doone me , in being toward the Emperour and you , commaunds me to do my vttermost for your good . Most gladly then doo I yeeld to satisfie you request , but perhaps it cannot be so soone as you would , because heere I may not make proofe of any such practise by arte , for feare of being discouered : it behooues vs then to finde out , a place more proper and conuenient , and it were not much amisse , the better to couller our enterprise , that the Emperour were giuen to vnderstand , that it is needefull for your health to change this ayre , otherwise your life will be in great hazard . As for the place , both faire , delightfull , and agreeing with your intent , choose the Castell of pleasure which the Emperour hath hard at hand : and there may yee commodiously without any suspition , haue knowledge of him you loue so deerely , and vnderstand likewise of whence he is .

The Princesse intreated him very earnestly that it might be so , and foorthwith to mooue the matter to the Emperour : which he hauing effected , she would requite it with such liberalitie , as hee should haue cause to extoll his good fortune . The phi●ition hauing in this sort comforted her , and giuen her hope of knowing what most she desired : tooke his leaue , promising very quickly to returne againe , to tell her how he sped with the Emperour . Before whom when he was come , both he and the Empresse demanded of the phisition , the estate of Porphiria their daughter : when Sagibell answered , that he thought it méete she should change the ayre , to sée if that in any sort would amend her , for hee was of opinion , that the alteration of the ayre would do hir great good , and bring her to her former health and strength , next to the grace of God . And whither were it best ( quoth the Emperour ) she should be remooued ? To some fayre and pleasant place , replied Sagibell , that her body finding ease by change of ayre , her eye might likewise bee delighted with pleasing obiects . It were good then ( said the Emperour ) to conuay her to my Castell néere at hand , which is seatedmeruailous fitly for such a purpose . There cannot be ( quoth Sagibell ) a place more conuenable , but it were not expedient that any traine should accompanie her , for disquieting her head with goers and commers to speake with her : and I doubt not , but ( by Gods helpe ) you shall shortly see her as well and merrie as euer she was , albeit now she is more likely to die then liue . God prosper your attempt then ( said the Emperour ) and turning toward the Empresse , thus he proceeded . Do you ( Madame ) cause all her equipage to be prouided , and appoint such Ladyes for her companie as you shall thinke méete . In this time of their conference , Sagibell departed , and aduertised the princesse how he had sped , shewing likewise what resolution was set downe , to transport her to the place himselfe before had named . Whereof the princesse not a littlle ioyfull , though weake , yet hoping to receiue some comfort : intreated the phisition to hasten this iourney .

Sagibell was scant departed the princesse chamber , but the Empresse entred , hauing her eyes full of teares , and her hart cloyde with greefe , accompanyed with hir Ladyes and Gentlewomen , saying to hir daughter : that for recouerie of her health , it was thought expedient shee should change the ayre , and ( it she were so pleased ) she should be conducted to the Emperours Castell of pleasure , which was not farre without the Cittie of Constantinople . She answered with a spent and wearyed voyce , that she submitted her selfe to their good pleasures , and desired she might haue to kéepe hir companie , her Coosin Harderina and the Lady Marcella . You shall haue them ( quoth the Empresse ) with all things else shall stand with your liking : in meane while then bee of good cheere , that wee may ●ee yée well againe , so soone as possible may be , if ye regard the ioy of the Emperour and mee .

Hauing spoken these words , the teares fell from her eyes in such aboundance , gréeuing to sée the faire princesse of the world in this weake estate : as being ouercome with sorrow , she was constrained to depart the chamber , not saying any thing , but that shee should rest her selfe awhile , and shee would go giue order for her departure . Which accordingly she did , and after all things were in a readinesse , the day being still , calme and cléere , Sagibell aduised the Emperour and Empresse , that now the time serued most f●tly , for conuaying the princesse to the place appointed : without making any longer stay , least any contrarie accident should happen , as ●ight crosse theyr determination so sound and profitable . Wherefore the Empresse , with consent of the princesse Porphiria , ( who was pale , wan , and consumed with greefe , as nothing was expected more then her ●uriall , so woonderfully was she weakened and changed , hauing lost hir vermillion blush , the life and essence of her diuine beautie , which made her loued and honoured of the most fayre and valiant Knight of the world , to wit , the man so farre renewmed by Ozyris : ) caused a Litter to be brought , couered with greene veluet , and lined all through within with the same , the nayles and frindges of bea●en gold , and the arches ouer head richly embolished : wherein was layd the languishing and amourous princesse , who séemed therein as a bright shining Sunne , such as chased Diana amongst the troope of hir fayre Nimphes , and therein was placed with hir Harderina , to entertaine the time of iourney with comfortable spéeches . Each one may imagine ( without any setting downe in writing ) the wofull sighes and teares of the father and mother , and the generall lamentations on euery side at this departure , for they had neither heard or séene any cause of reioysing in long time before .

In this sort , and very well accompanied , especially with her phisition , she was conducted to a very faire and pleasant Castell , which the Emperour had caused to bee built fiue or sixe miles from the Cittie of Constantinople , wherin ( because it was seated and builded so meruailous stronglie ) the Emperours treasure , riches , and most precious iewels were kept . This Castell was erected very stately to beholde , for the walles wherewith it was enui●oned , was of sto●e , so white as ●ine Iuorie : the inclosures and base courts were on the one side guarded with the maine Sea , and on the other with ditches so large and deepe , as the space contained thrée quarters of a mile , rather more then lesse , so saith the Historian , that saw the measure thereof taken by a Geomatrician of that time when it was made . It was bodyed with many beautifull lodgings , in goodly faire Towers and Turrets , euery chamber being in most swéete and wholsome ayre , and backt with sundrie galleries of all sorts and fashions , the couerings whereof were of lead , wrought and cut into many curidus deuises of workmanship , hauing standing aloft thereon , fayre vaynes and weather cocks of golde and siluer . The Gardens and Arbours were he●d in with swift runnings riuers and cleere fountaines , and to say all in breefe , there wanted not any thing that could be imagined , both to strengthen the place , as also beseeming such a dain●ie compassed Castell . Heereinto was brought ( by the councell of her phisition ) the most faire princesse of the world , for more assured commoditie of knowing and seeing what she most desired , according to the promise of the wise Magitian : in whom she reposed very great hope and trust , and there happened to her what yee shall read heereafter , for now we must borrow a little leaue to speake of other matters .

Chap. 2.

Of the Sophie of Persiaes loue to the beautifull Porphiria , and how he forsooke and left his kingdome , to goe see if her exquisite perfections answered the report of her renowme . And how on the way he met two Pilgrimes of diuers sorte , the one whereof recounted to him the prowesse , beautie , and high chiualrie of the Fairie youth , during which time they heard a great noise in a Forrest , which caused them goe thither . Wherein one may note , how amorous passions do so maister the hearts of the greatest personages , as leading them from the pathes of reason : they forsake what is their dutie , and all important affaires whatsoeuer , cannot withdraw them from seruing their affections . And by the Pilgrimes discourse , wee may see how commendable true and sincere freendship is , and that a good turne ought to bee greatlie esteemed , and bindes him in no small bond that hath receiued it , especially the heart addicted to noblenesse and vertue .

I Haue héeretofore declared , as yee may read in the fourtéenth and sixtéenth chapters of the former Booke , that the great and puissant king of Persia , was wonderfully surprised with the loue of this faire princesse , whom because we so latelie left , yee cannot easilie forget : and that by all meanes possible he could deuise , he sought how he might attaine her to be his wife . So that imagining the contrarietie of his religion , might yéeld some reason of hinderance , he caused himselfe to be baptized , to the end all his people might become Christians , he sent for diuers diuines into Christendome , that they should come preach , and do all the other seruices of good and faithfull Christians in his kingdome . Notwithstanding this which he did was but counterfeit and dissimulation , that so ( vnder this pretext ) he might the more easilie induce the good Emperour of Constantinople father to the maide , without difficultie to grant his mariage . And to this end sent he messengers and ambassadours expresselie to him , to vnderstand his pleasure , attending which time , transported with impatience of so long delay : one day he determined secretlie to depart himselfe , that he might behold this so famous beautie , by whose picture ( drawne to the life by some excellent painter of that time , ) he had drunke this sweete sirrop of conceiued loue . And as he had suddenlie thus determined , as suddenlie did he put it in execution , not hauing any companie with him but a Squire of his owne , whose fidelitie he neuer called in question : to him he gaue his Helmet and Launce to beare , is Helmet ( I say ) which was beyond all other in temper and goodnes , hauing on the Creast thereof a bright shining Carbuncle , made in resemblance of the Sunne , which an hundred paces euery way about him , gaue in the night time such an exceeding cleerenes and light , as dooth the Moone when she is in hir fullest perfection . He sometimes wun it from a great and puissant king of Assiria , whome he had conquered in combate , that for the prize of victorie , had set his kingdome against a part of Persia : but after the conquest , he released him , and in recompence of such wonderfull courtesie , the Ass●●ian gaue him this Helmet , which he estéemed more then all his good . Héere vpon the Sophie did vsuallie weare it , when he went in any notable or signall expedition , and especiallie when he had any occasion to trauaile by night about any affaires of importance , as this which now he had vndertaken : leauing his kingdome in weake and poore estate , through diuersitie of religions which there he suffered . And this oftentimes is cause of the intire ruine and desolation , of the very greatest Monarchies and common-wealths , yet left he the rule to one of his bretheren , a young man , voyd of exper●●nce in such high affayres . And albeit hee was apt to armes , and a good knight in triall of his person : yet had hee not sence and vnderstanding , to gouerne the helme of so huge a vessell , as was the monarchie of Persia. Thus was the Sophie not assured of his suffiencie , and but that his head was troubled with amorous conceits , he would not haue reposed any such trust in him : but let it be , he did it by indis●retion , or else for more assurance of his secret departure , not thinking his voyage would be so long as afterward it prooued , suffice it he did not wisely , as you shall perceiue by the discourse following in the historie .

Hauing committed this poore kinde of order to his very greatest affaires , he departed in equipage as ye haue heard , riding many dayes and nights together , vnder cléerenes of his meruailous shining helmet , without finding any aduenture worthy the writing , and passed thorow diuers Citties of his owne kingdom , vnknowne of any one , and made such quick expedition , as he came to the vtmost merge of Persia : where finding a Barque readie to depart , in few dayes hee landed in the desert of Arabia , and from thence by great trauayle , not without enduring sundrie hazards and perrils on the way , he reached the countrey of Palestine , still carryed on with the inward remembrance of his loue , as he little regarded whether he rode right or wrong . Being thus arriued in this countrey , he entred into a Forrest thick beset with trées , which contained many mi●es both in length and breadth , wherein he had not ridden any long while , but he met two pilgrimes conferring together : the one of them being young of age , and endued with very singuler beautie , for his haire was yellow like wyers of gold , and the prettie downe on his chéekes and chin was of the same couler , in his face like wise stood the liuely couler of the Rose : his stature was neither great nor smal , but indifferent euery way : his broad ha● was garnished with Scallop shels round about , and Medialles of gold and siluer , intermingled with little pilgrime stones of Iuorie very artificially framed : his Cassock and hose was of fine linnen cloth , and at his girdle hung a little bottle , wherein hee had both wine and water , according as he had occasion to vse them , and in his hand a staffe piked at both the ends . The other pilgrime was an old man , the haire of whose head and heard was of reddish couller , griz●led among with many white haires , his visage drie and withered , and tand with blacknesse almost like a Moore , flat nosed , the tooth standing in his head very vgly to behold , of very euill fauour was he and disposition : his stature was grosse and short , big bulkt before downe to the girdle , and on his back arising mountaine : his garments were of old besmered lether , all ragged and torne , and his hat ( in stéed of shels ) was garnished with skales of some young Tortoise : his Medailles were of saffronned lead , where among stood little staues of the bones of dead beasts . The Sophie drawing néere them , saluted them very courteouslie , and addressing his spéech to the younger man , demanded of whence he was , whether he went , and wherfore he was disguised in that sort , considering that his countenance deliuered him to be a man of other qualitie then his garments made shew of : and if I be not deceiued ( sayd the Sophie ) you are discended of some noble linage , and are a man likewise of no meane valour . Sir , answered the pilgrime , if ye will somewhat slack the pace of your horsse , and ( withholding his bridle ) make him goe according as we do , if likewise ye will vouchsafe such patience , as to heare my discorsiue answere to all your questions : I shall satisfie ye concerning the matters enquired , and beside acquaint yee with other things , whereat yee will not a little meruaile . Beléeue me , said the Persian king . I am very well contented , and I thinke my horsse would gladly ease his pace awhile : then the pilgrime thus began . My Lord , because I perceiue both by your wordes and behauiour , that you are a man more accustomed to commaund then obey , I would intreat yee not to be offended , if talking familiarlie with yee , perhaps I haue indiscréetly said , that to listen what I conceiue worthie of meruaile , you should enforce your Stéed to a more gentle pace , that happily would run so fast as he could , according to the weightie affaires of importance you goe about : which hardlie will permit yee to stay my discourse , being ( in regard of your selfe ) not so worthie hearing as I estéemed , but rather may yéeld yée more discontent then pleasure . If then I haue offended héerein , or shall do by ouer tedious circumstance : I beséech yee imagine I was not well aduised , which in respect of my submission , may the more easily be pardoned . Well , well , quoth the king , vse no more words concerning me , but answere what I haue demanded : for were I not so desirous to knowe , I would not shew my selfe so inquisitiue , and if your discourse be worthie the hearing , as you haue sayd , it cannot be too long for me to listen , or displeasing any way , but verie acceptable .

First then ( quoth the Pilgrim ) you must vnderstand , that albeit in this estate you behold me , yet am I discended of noble linage , for my father beares the title and crowne of a king , and my mother was sister to the puissant Emperour of Constantinople , a man that ( for his manifold vertues ) deserueth to be highly estéemed and accounted of . In whose Court , both in my youngest age , and since the time of mine infancie , I was carefully nourished and brought vp : vntill the houre I receiued knighthood , which is no long time since . Notwithstanding , after I began to enterprise my first exploites of good or bad fortune , trusting more to the strength and dexteritie of my body , then reason would I should , for a proofe or triall what I could do : I was so hardie one day , to goe in person alone , to aduenture on the Den or Caue of Rock Alpine , and there assayled the horrible Giants Ferclaste , Androfort and Ergoferant , by whome I was vanquished , and long time kept as prisoner there very mimiserable . For after I had a great while endured the fight against Androfort , without suffering him to gaine the verie least aduantage ouer me : the cruell Ferclaste came trecherously behinde me , and gaue me such a weightie blowe on my helmet , as layde mee well néere dead at his foote : and strange it was that he tooke not my life from me , as my ouer much boldnesse had deserued . But as the Glead snatcheth vp a Chicken in her talents , so almost dead , and with like facilitie , did he graspe me vp , carrieng me into a streict and darksome prison : where I endured such miserie and dolor , as hardly could a humaine creature suffer the like , by reason of the woundes I had receiued in the fight , which with the hard enterteinment they gaue mee beside , ( being bloodie enemies by nature , and men in whome no naturall compassion harboured ) was insupportable . An hundred times they would haue put mee to death , if I had had an hundred liues for them to tirannise on , but that the remembrance of the grace of God , and his sonne crucified for the redemption of man , on whom incessantly I euermore called , was still my succour and comfort : and their brother Ergoferant , a man of more milde and gentle nature then the other were , did all that possibly hee might , to preserue mee from death . Neuerthelesse , the crueltie and rigor of the prison wherein I was so strictly detained , was such , as I knew not whether I liued or no : but the Almightie , in whome continually I trusted , taking compassion vpon my miserie , casting downe his eye of pittie , sent to deliuer mee out of this captiuitie , by an vnexpected helpe , as I shall declare vnto yée .

First giue me leaue to tell yee , that one ( without the knowledge of any man ) arriued in the great Emperours court of Constantinople , a young knight , so beautifull as an angell in all perfections : yet no one there knew him , neyther did himselfe know who were his parents , but sayd hee was sent thither by a Fairie named Ozyris , who from his infancie had nourished and brought him vp , likewise of her he receiued horsse , armour , and all things else beséeming a young gallant that sought the order of knighthood , without which it was not lawfull for any one to meddle with the search of aduentures , or to attempt exploits of armes and chiualrie , whereby renowme and honor was atchieued , and religiously obserued among the professors thereof . I will not trifle time with particuler discourse , how well shaped , lustie , and faire his horsse was , caparasonned so rich and costly , as all the beholders much admired thereat : it shall suffice in one word to tell yee , that neuer was séene in the time of our memorie , a young man , who in countenance , aspect , and assured behauiour , could promise more louely déedes of armes , and galliardise of person , then he did : nor was there any one , whose eyes could be glutted , or hart satisfied with looking on him , imagining that hee was sent from heauen by the grace of God , to do some act of memorie for the benefit of the Empire , as it was not long before it came so to passe . For he who by the aduise of the Fairie was thus sent to the court , to require of the Emperor his order of knighthood , after he had humbly intreated it at his hand : with great honor was it giuen him , and all the worthie obseruations thereto belonging , the most diuine and faire princesse Porphiria , daughter to the Emperour , girding on his sword : in the dooing whereof ( a thing worthie noting ) the sweete Roseate rednesse in her chéekes , suddenlie changed to such a liuely vermillion hew , that they which before imagined no addition could bee made to make her more beautifull , because she contained such an absolute perfection , by this effect were drawne to a quite contrary opinion . For she séemed such as the Knight himselfe did , vpon whose front sat an assured boldnesse , with a countenance immooueable , blandished with such a swéete grauitie , as if some alteration had suddenly entred his thoughts , and that present affection had surprised him , which ( as I learned of such , who take héedfull regard in like occasion , and therefore marked this the more na●rowly ) proued so in deede . The morrow after this young youth was made knight , for proofe of the exteriour valour that seemed to be in him , the Emperour feasting and enterteining him accordinglie : gaue him to vnderstand of the manstrous and inhumaine giants Ferclaste and Androfort , who too much iniured and oppressed the whole countrey . This hardie new knight , presently determined so go combat● with them , desiring to atchieue by the price of his blood and perrill of his life such immortall praise : withall , to expresse his thankfulnesse to the Emperour , for the great honor he had doone him , whereto he was bound by all meanes possible he could deuise : not being ignorant I warrant ye , that the power of a mightie enemie was not so much to be feared , as the fauour of so great a personage was to be cherished and maintayned .

Being then secretly departed from the Courte , to put in execution this faire enterprise , such was his happie fortune , after a long , doubtfull and dangerous fight , wherein he endured more paine then I am able to rehearse : that he got the victorie of the Giants , killing two of them , and the third he tooke to mercie . This déed which I haue discoursed to ye , was of greatest honor that euer was heard of in our time : and the Emperour hearing thereof , was driuen to no little admiration , especially when hee vnderstood the certaine trueth in deed . It is reported , that these newes being blazed abroad in sundry countries , as indéed they were in mo●● knowne places of the world : that the great Sea it selfe was sore troubled , and the greatest part of the forrest of Ardene was distraunched , and the rest of the Trees stood halfe rent in sunder , without any honour of their former verdure . The great flood of Egipt ouerflowed the banckes , and left the common course where it was wunt to glide , being so furious and outragious : as the people of Egipt were more then halfe part drowned , and the whole land so couered with water , as many were forced to endure famishment , others ( with conceit of greefe ) dyed presently . For my selfe , I can hardly be drawne to credit these reports , because such insensible things cannot be mooued by any so great a meruaile : I rather coniecture , that this came from some Poets of those times , who ( as Painters doo take an audatious licence , to iustifie by their writing and painting what neuer was ) to make the more ample discourse of this déed so full of admiration , did set downe the historie in this manner .

But howsoeuer it was , to come againe to my purpose , I know it well , and that for a certaintie , that the knight hauing vanquished the Giants , and annihillated all their forces , that he came to deliuer me out of that accursed prison , wherein I had beene so long time enthralled . And when hee vnderstood that I was named Pharisor , a knight of some fame , and Nephew to the Emperour : most kindely hee came and embraced me , suffering mee to doo the like to him , by whom I had receiued so great a benefit . Then began I to remember ( according as I had often times heard talked of before , and that by no meane personages in times past , ) that we should account the day of our desiuerance from any miserable bondage , much more happie then the daye when first we were borne into this world : because from the day of our birth , we g● on still forward into diuersitie of misfortunes , but on the day of our deliuerie , wee were restored from such a feare , as we neuer need to stand in doubt of any more : thus are we no lesse bound to the cause of our deliuerance , then to our parents from whom wee receiue life . And beere vpon wee contracted together such an intire l●agne of amitie , as death should not seperate or extinct our affections : nor was the loue of the valorous Achilles to Patroclus , Nysus to Eurialus , or Pylades to Or●stes , worthy to be compared with my affection to him . For albeit by vngentle fortune wee are sundered the one from the other , the greefe and sadnesse I endure for his absence , hath constrained me to disguise my selfe in these habillements as yee sée , thus barefooted as I am , to goe and visit the holy Sepulthre , wherein was buryed the precious body of the redeemer of the world : to which place I am bound , by a solemne vowe long since made , to giue him hartie thankes for my deliuerance , and with great deuotion and humilitie to intreat , that it would please him I might soone recouer and sée againe my true Achilles : to whom I owe not onely this office of freendship , but an hundred liues if possiblie I could haue so many , and this I doubt not but hee will permit me .

As thus the young Pilgrime continued his discourse on the way , they came to a place in the Forrest which was very spatious and plaine , in the midst whereof stood a great thicket of meruailous high trees : and there they heard such a clanching of swordes vppon armour , as all the whole forrest ecchoed therewith , which caused the Sophie and the young pilgrime direct their course thither ward , to see what it was : but as for the olde pilgrime , so soone as hee heard the noyse , he set foote forward more speedie then the winde , to seeke some corner where he might hide him . And there will wee leaue him , and proceed with the Sophie and the young pilgrime : what happened to them shall bee declared in the other chapter , for in this hath beene sufficient said alreadie .

Cap. 3.

How the Sophie found in the forrest two strong and puissant Knightes , that fought together ( at all extremities ) for a faire horsse , and other things of great value , exposed as guerdon to the conquerour . And how the Sophie would haue taken and carryed away perforce , the horsse for which the knights combatted , which made them run violently vpon him , and of the dissention that ensued betweene them three , how it tooke end , and what happened afterward . Where out may be gathered , how hurtfull a thing arrogancie is , to such as inconsideratly will enterprise more , then they are assured of power to effect : and how in all affayres whatsoeuer , it is necessarie to place aduise and knowledge in the forefront , ere we vndertake to performe any matter of importance .

THe great King of Persia being come first to the plaine , where the noyse caused him forsake his way , to know the occasion of that hurly burly : beheld two Knights , of more then common stature , being armed capape , who fought very violently together , to sley each other . The one of them was more mightie of body then the other , because hee was of monstrous and Giantlike composition : but in dexteritie of armes and valour of courage , he went not so farre beyond his enemie , but that the greater part of the day was spent , yet little aduantage was gained on eyther side . For if the Giants shield were battered in pieces , his body wounded , and his strength much diminished : the knight with whom he dealt had likewise his armour sore mangled , and his bodie iniured in many places , from whence the bloud issued in great aboundance , and at the time of the Persians arriuall there , they were vpon the point to pause a breathing while , being vnable to withstand each other any longer , so were they ouertrauailed with a sharpe and dangerous conflict , which as it had ▪ so was it still to continue betweene them . The Sophie , without enquiring the cause of their debate , or speaking any word to the knights ( for he was meruaylous proud and arrogant ) allighted from his horsse in great hast , and went to vntie a goodlie faire horsse , which he saw bound to a tree with great chaines of ●ron : but as he was about to do it , being somewhat to néere the horsse , he smote him such a violent stroke with his héele vpon the shéeld , as made him tumble along so amazedly , that hee lay a good while ere he could recouer himselfe againe : and had not his sheeld beene of some temper indéed , he had not liued to complaine of his hurt . But the goodnes of the mettall saued his life for this once , when being risen againe from his astonishment , he would not desist from his former en●erprise , which was to take and beare the horsse , that so highly liked him : as well for the beautie and likelihood of goodnes to be in him , as also for the necessitie he was in of one at that time , his owne horsse being ouer much wearyed with trauaile . When the two Combattants perceiued what he intended , they cryed to him , that he could not carry thence the horsse so easily , without buying him more dearly with the price of the combate : and that if he did not forbeare and let the horsse alone , he should by them be well beaten , as his boldnes did deserue no lesse .

The King of Persia hearing these hardie menaces , was enraged with such choller , that hauing fastened his Helmet on his head , and gotten his sword in his hand● he made presently toward them , with resolution to deale with them both , striking first at the Giants legge with such force , as if he had not quickly clapt his shéeld before , he had cut it quite off at that blowe : But the Giant who was readie at armes , as any man of his qualitie in those times , to defend this stroake thrust forward his shéeld , the greater part whereof was pared away with the blowe , and laide on the ground , which the other knight perceiuing to whome the Persian addressed him selfe , aiming at a part of his body , which he sawe was bare by losse of some of his armour : but he escaping the thrust , gaue the Sophie such a mightie stroke on the Creast , as had it beene any other Helmet , beside this meruailous one and not to bee equalled , as before I haue told ye : he had cleft his head downe to the shoulders , but of such soundnesse was the helmet , as certaine sparkes of fire issued thereout , not receiuing anye other harme by the stroke , whereat the Giant not a little enraged , sayd , that to him alone appertained the chastising of the Persian king , and not to any other : because he had receiued the first stroke at his hands , and besides , himselfe was the more able man for the combate . Likewise , quoth the Giant , to mee belongeth the defence of the horsse , and not to thee , as thou knowest well enough , and better can I maintaine the fight then thou , as the dealing betweene vs twaine hath well giuen thée to vnderstand , and would I haue vsed my vttermost forces against thée , I néeded not haue wasted so much time in vaine , for long ere this our strife had beene ended . Now because I perceiue there is some more valour in th●● then in him , I am willing to spare thee so much as possible I may : wherein ( notwithstanding ) I would not haue thee ouerweene thy selfe , in presuming to impeach me , when I shall chasten this rusticall fellow , who thus ventured to trouble vs , when I was vpon the point of giuing end to our strife , and thylife together : whereto the knight Combatant thus replyed .

I know well Giant , that commonly the people of thy sorte are mightie and strong , by reason of theyr greatnesse beyond other men : but withall , they haue much lesse courage , valour and vertue , then presumption and arrogancie , as at this present I may gather by thy wordes which I finde to be more hautie and proud , then either thy strength or dexteritie to armes is , albeit ( without shew of fainting ) thou hast doone thy best to vanquish me , and neuer dealt I with any one , that held me harder tack then thou hast doone , since the beginning of our combate , at the end wherof I am certainlie perswaded , that I shall remaine the conquerour : as long ere this I had beene , if this knight had not béene our hinderance . And therefore the correcting of him appertaineth to me , and not thée , as hauing more right to the horsse , the shéeld , and the Cup , the prizes of our combate , then thou hast : thou oughtest therefore to withdraw thy selfe , and leaue the fight alone to me , otherwise I shall be enforced to set my selfe against thée with him , thereby to offend thée the more . Much rather had I a thousand times ( answered the Giant ) to fight against ten such as thou art , then to giue thée such an aduantage : such is the small estéeme I make of thée . These words were no sooner ended , but the Sophie and the knight ran both vpon the Giant : the one to hinder him from dealing alone with the Sophie , and the other to beare away the horse , and alay the pride of the Giant .

Soone after , the Sophie and the Giant ( for the same intent ) put them selues against the knight , and immediatly ( without kéeping any order among them ) the Giant and the knight fought against the Sophie : by meanes whereof , the combate was of as long continuance as disorder betwéene them , which was very pernicious and dangerous for them , had it not béene that the young pilgrime , who but newly arriued there vpon this confused bickering , and séeing such an vnruly manner of fight , as in all his lyfe time hee had not séene the like , sharpe , rigorous , and cruell , on each side , and one or other must in the end beare away the woorst : he aduentured to seperate them with his staffe , but the blowes fell so thick , that it was quickly cut in thrée péeces , which when hee sawe , and doubting greater harme might happen to him : hee was enforced to keepe aloo●e , and stand as a beholder of this cruell combate . Long continued this reasonlesse fight , h●e not being able to iudge who had the better : sauing that the Sophie séemed more fresh and lesse wearyed then the other , but at length , with the consent of the Sophie , who had as then least need of all , they sundred themselues to breath a while , when the young Pilgrime thus bespake them .

My Lords , it were a great losse , if thrée such knights of so great valour , and endued with hautie resolution , as I perceiue you all are , that it may be iudged your equals liue not in the world : should perish so miserablie , as I know you cannot but finish your dayes in this combate begun , onely through want of due order to be obserued among ye , following such reasonable connsell and aduise , as might be giuen yée . Already haue you spent most part of the day , yet no one of yée can certainly make vaunt of any aduantage ouer his enemie : neither ( for ought I perceiue ) dooth any one of yée know which is his aduersarie , nor against whom he ought especially to direct himselfe : for sometimes two beares themselues against one , and then that one ioynes with one of the two against the third : in continuance of which most kinde of fight , it cannot be but all thrée at the last will miserablie end their liues : so that no man shall be able so say which is the conquerour , or who beares away the honor of the combate , whereby your intent was to merit commendation : but now on the contrary yee shall get no praise at all ▪ but rather bee esteemed as insensible and misgouerned , whereas well yee wot , that reputation and accompt is the principall guerdon of noble and valiant knights , that make profession of armes . Thus shall your parents if ye haue any be gréeued , your freends will be waile your mishaps , and your country , that challengeth your vttermost endeuours , will lament your wilfull losse , beside the sorrow of such as in distresse receiue succour by vertuous knights . Rather should each of yée take one of those launces that leanes against yonder Tree , and trie the fortune of the Ioust one after another , till it may bee séene which shall bee dismounted , and then to pursue the combate afterward , when the third may aduenture as he sees occasion . Thus shall the victor be discerned , and who is woorthie the honor of the field , when hee that paused while the other fought , may enter the Lists against the conquerour : but if yee continue in this order ye haue begun , the greater will be your daunger , and all three will foyle themselues thorow choller and ouer-weening .

Thus spake the Pilgrime , and the Combattants ( after they had rested a while ) creditting his councell , and liking well of his aduise : tooke each of them a Launce , and mounted on their horsses to begin the Ioust , whereto the readiest were the Giant and the knight , against whom he fought before the comming of the Sophie , who could not so soone recouer his horsse , because he had strayed aside , and was grasing alone by himselfe in the Forrest . In meane while these two ran fiercely against each other with their Launces , and met together with such ●urie , as when two billowes of the sea méet violently , when the winde carryeth them contrary to their course , and then breakes them aloft in the ayre with a most terrible murmour . The Launces being shiuered in a thousand pieces , flew like a fire thorow the ayre , and theyr horses being shrewdly hurt with méeting their shoulders together , brake their girts , cruppers , and their other caparisons , and tombled along on the ground with their maisters , each hauing the saddle betwéene his legs : making such a terrible noyse with the fall , as the ground trembled and shooke more then a mile about the place : and they , hauing theyr Shéeldes battered , and theyr sides mortally wounded , lay in a traunce vpon the earth , without moouing either hand or foote , but as though the life and soule were parted in sunder . Whereat the Sophie abashed , began not a little to meruayle , ●hauing stoode a good while wayting when the one or other would ryse and vrge the combate : and séeing neither of them stirre , he ran to the place where the horsse was tyed , which they combatted for . But séeing he was not there , and could not tell what was become of his Squire likewise , he followed a path that led further into the Forrest , which when he had trackt a long time , not méeting any one , it happened to him as you shall heare in the Chapter following .

Chap. 4.

What fortuned to the Sophie , after the hard encounter betweene the two strong and puissant knights , that fought the Combate in the Forrest . And how he tooke away perforce the great Lycocephall from a Damosell , that made a greeuous complaint holding him by the bridle , and howe afterward he departed with her . How the young Pilgrime mounted one of the wounded knights vpon his horsse , the succour which he gaue him , by conducting him to a place , where remedie might be giuen to his wounds . What the old mishapen Pilgrime was , and the speech he had with the mightie Giant Squamell : how hee found the Tree whereof the Pilgrime told him , and what happened to him . Wherein may be seene , what chastisement foolish and ouerbold women are woorthie of , that misprise and disdaine the seruice done for them , and with what punishment their ingratitude is often times recompenced . Then by the young and euill fauoured Pilgrime , and the succor they gaue to each of the wounded knights : is signified both vice and vertue , the one euermore accompaning the good , and the other the wicked . They that are guided by vertue , some matter of woorth continually ensues them : and they on the contrarie that follow vice , fall from euill to wursse , and to vtter perdition in the end .

NOw began it to were darke , and the heauens being couered with obscure clowdes , declared to humaine creatures , that the houre of their rest drew neere : when the great king of Persia , hauing long sought the proud and goodly horse Lycocephall , and perceiuing that he could not finde him , determined to passe that night vnder a Trée in the Forrest , for hee was so tyred and wearyed with going on foote , that he could hold out no longer .

Beeing thus armed as he was , and couched on the gréene grasse , he had not line there any long while , but hee heard a feeble voyce , which he gathered to be the voyce of a woman , lamenting very gréeuouslie , vsing these or the like kinde of speeches . Alas most miserable that I am , in what place or part of this darke vast Forrest may I méet with him , whose absence brings to my desires more obscure gréefes and anguishes : then this black comfortlesse night , or this place so hideoue presents to mine eyes . Alas thou hardie and valiant knight , the most faire and agréeable to my heart that the earth beares : in what nooke art thou hidden that I should not sée thée ? I haue the eyes of my remembrance so open , as all the obscuritie of this night cannot hinder me , but that I could and can behold thy image and resemblance before me : but to touch and hold thee according as I wish , my misfortune and thy crueltie dooth forbid me . Aye me , if heeretofore when thou soughtest for me , I was any thing offensiue to thée : pardon me I intreat thée . Pardon me ( O Loue ) thou mightie God of heauen , if in thus dooing I haue offended thy maiestie , that now I should bee woorthie of so seuere punishment . Tell mee faire horsse , tell mee I pray thée , where hast thou left thy noble maister ? I am deceiued if thou be not the beast he so highly estéemeth , and on whom he was mounted the last time I sawe him . How happens it that thou art thus strayed from him ? and what is the cause thou hast forsaken him ? But foolish that I am , speake I not to a beast , which hath no more habilitie to answer me then hee who is not present whome I so dearely looue ? O vnkinde , peruerse , and detestable fortune . O vnhappie Lucinda , what deitie hath coniured against thee , to make thée so miserable : as hee that looued thée when thou didst disdaine him , should now hate when thou féelest & estéemest more of him then thine owne selfe , thine eyes , or thy heart ? Ah Lucinda , mischaunce follow thée Lucinda , a Princesse most vnluckie and vnfortunate , thy mishap may well befall thy freend , because he flyes from thée now when thou séekest him . These lamentations in such sort pronounced , as if they had beene vttered out of the hollow of a Rock : or the strokes vpon an Anuile : that euen as the fire softneth waxe , so must it haue beene some Hircanian Tigar , or some vnnaturall deuouring Lionnesse , but would therewith be mooued to pittie . But the Sophie , who was so proud and arrogant as possible might be , was not any thing mooued at all : but hauing by the cleere light of his Helmet discouered a young beautifull damosell , that held the goodly horsse by the bridle , went presently to her , and giuing her a rude thrust , tooke awaye the horsse from her : whereon being quickly monnted , he rode to séeke his Squire , and the waye which guided him the day before . And riding part of the night by his lightsome Helmet , by this rough encounter and vnmanly iniurie , the damosell remained greatly astonished : yet recouering courage and spirit , she followed him , and a hundred times she called him théefe , robber , and discourteous knight , vnwoorthie to ride on such a horsse , or euer thencefoorth to weare armour on his body . And hauing breathed foorth a thousand such like hatefull spéeches against him . Canst thou ( quoth she ) inhumaine as thou art , thus vndeseruedly wrong me ? thou maist liue to sée the day , that thy Lady shall despise thy teares and intreats , as now thou disdaynest and makest small account of mine : and let a more cruell shaft , then euer Cupid bare in his Quiuer , wound thée thorowly , to bring thée into the middest of most violent flames , and then vtterly to consume thée to cinders . But of all these spéeches the Sophie made no reckoning , but held on his way , as I told ●ee before , where we will leaue him , and the disconsolate Lady in the Forrest : whose mishap may well serue as an example to young damosels , that beeing sometime beloued with true and sincere affection , hold such kindnes in contempt , and oftentimes make scorne of men of great valour , who merit better fauours then hatred and disdaine : which in the end they knowe so well how to reuenge , as they shall repent and bemoue their estates more miserablie , then did this Princesse , of whom we haue made mention in the former Booke , and whom ye now behold consounded with folly , discheneled running about the fields , hauing forsaken the king of high Misia her father , to meet the strong and puissant Giant Squamell : who thus badly recompenced the seruices she did him , by manifold hazards wherein shee aduentured her life , onely for his looue . Let Ladyes then bee carefull , least they fall into any such inconuenience , and so making like proofe , there ensue like punishment : for they are better taught , that learne to be wise by others harmes , then they that fetch wisedome out of their owne follies . So comming againe to our historie , we will speake of the two knights , whome wee left halfe wounded to death in the Forrest .

The Historie speaking of them , saith , that they both reuiued from their traunce , the one so soone as the other , and that the Giant was he who first espyed the Sophie to be gon , hauing caried away the horsse with him : wherefore all wounded as he was , he ran presently ( as he had béene mad ) into the Forrest , wherein when hee was but a little entred , hee met the old pilgrime wee spake of before , who ran thither to hide himselfe , when hee heard the noyse of the combate betwéene the Giant and the Knight . This was an old Necromancer , that could foretell to passengers their good and euill fortune to come , and knew by the lineature of theyr handes , till what age they should liue , and what day , what houre , by what aduenture , and howe they should dye . He knew by heart all the bookes of the Sibelles , of Circes , of Medea , of all the old liuing Magitians , and the Magitians of former times . And because he knew that the Fairie Ozyris was his aduersaire , and the greatest enemie in the world to his charmes and enchantments , likewise that she had greater skill and knowledge then he , and specially that for his ruine , and such as he loued , she had nourished the onlie knight the cause of our historie : he had opposed by an anticharme this strong Giant Squamell and his brother , who by theyr owne nature were endued with most high prowesse : yet notwithstanding by deuillish subtiltie hee preserued them still from death , and to them oft times he gaue admirable and supernaturall strength . So that knowing him to be in quest of his horse , his shéeld , and other aduentures , and chéefely , that he earnestly desired to haue the enchaunted Cup , whereof he sometime had heard great report : hee had put them all into the custodie of this strong Giant , hauing withall incited and perswaded him in a dreame , that he should combate against the most puissant knight on the earth , and so set downe ( as prizes for the conquerour ) the sheeld , the horse , and the Cup , whereof wee haue spoken . Heereupon hee should holde open Ioust to all commers and goers in the Forrest , causing the Forrest to bee commonly called The Forrest of great Aduentures : and alreadie had he performed many fayre exploits , by meanes whereof he was much renowmed thorow the world , and very ●arre were his deedes talked of : wherevpon the knight ( so hardly handled ) came to combate with him , of whom heereafter we will speake more liberallie , as also by what aduenture , and for what reason he was thither conducted .

But now let vs a little while speake of the Giant , who séeing the olde man , of whome hee had no more knowledge then if hee had neuer seene him : because hee could disguise himselfe in diuers sortes , as now he did in the habit of a pilgrime , to deceiue such great numbers as passed that waye , and as he had deceiued Pharisor , if the meeting of the Sophie had not preuented it . The Giant at the first sight of him began to be somewhat afrayd , seeing him looke so vgly and hidious : but the old Enchanter that very well knew him , began to reason after this manner .

Most generous and puissant knight , as this day liueth not thy like vnder heauen , who now being mortally wounded doost trauerse this darke forrest of high aduentures : stay thy selfe , and forbeare ( if thou be wise ) to run thus as thou doost , to finde and recouer what the destinies will not permit thée as yet . And if thou art not enemie to thy selfe , but hast regard of thine owne life , heare and credit my councell , and doo as I shall presently direct thée : concerning what I say vnto thée , who I am , and for what cause I am so carefull of thée , the effect shall acquaint thee withall . Know then that I am the old and auncient Necromancian Charonifer , father to great Minofoll , of whom ( it may bee ) thou hast sometime heard some spéech : such as thou nowe seest mee , haue I liued and reigned more than a thousand yeeres . It is in my power to make the black night a fayre and bright day , and the fairest day againe to make the most darkesome night . I can make the Moone and all the starres to discend from heauen downe to the earth , by my charmes and enchauntments : but a woman of great wisedome oftentimes hinders me from dooing what I would . Iknew thy graundfathers , who were great kings and Monarches on the earth . I haue seene to my ioy , the mightie Horfella thy mother , who ( in her life time ) was very deere to me , and whome I looued as mine owne life : for of thy forefathers and great vnckles did I receiue my first nourriture , and was brought vp from my very youngest yeeres : in recompence whereof , I haue euermore cherished and looued such as were discended of them , especially thee and thy brother Nabot , whom I esteeme as much as thee , you twaine beeing the most hardie and valiant of all your linage and race . So that for your aduancement , I haue dayly preserued yee from infinite perrils and ●●ortall dangers , whereinto ( according to your destinies ) you were readie to fall : but by mine arte I haue preuented all inconueniences , which I perceiued were threatned against yée . And namely , let me remember thée of the deuillish spirits that were in the Castell of the Enchanteresse Melanda , which could not be chased thence but by one of the best knights in the world : likewise the Combate thou hadst with them , by commaundement of the Lady whom thou seruest : then maist thou likewise bee mindfull , of the great sorrowe and vexation thou wert to endure , before thou couldst vanquish them , and from which ( for ●ertaine ) thou couldst not haue escaped without death , but onely by mine arte and by my meanes , which succoured and defended thee : for there did I so handle the matter , that in the end thou didst obtaine the victorie , as thy selfe doost very well knowe : and nowe againe thou art in farre greater daunger of death , if thou doost not as I shall say vnto thee .

Goe then and follow the path which now thou treadest , thorow the forrest , vntill that hauing many times turned by my circle , made in manner and forme of a Laborynth , thou perceiuest thy selfe to be in the middest thereof , where thou shalt see a great Trée , straite as any Ceder , which neuer had braunches , leaues , nor fruite , since first it sprang from out the earth . In that tree thou shalt behold a doore open , which notwithstanding is now so fast shut , as no one can discerne that euer it hath beene opened , neither shall such as come néere it , sée it , except it please me : those onely whome I will , shall perceiue it , but others that by chaunce light vppon it , shall imagine it to bee a huge great Rock , wherein is a strong Caue , full of Lyons , Tigars , Beares , and other sauage and cruell beasts . But see that boldly thou enter thereinto , and discend lowe vnder the earth by certaine stayres , which thou shalt finde made expressely for this cause : and when thou art discended an indifferent waye , thou shalt finde a floud , the water whereof runneth so violently , as the flood is very fearefull to behold . Uppon this water thou shalt sée a black Barque , furnished with oares and sayles , necessarie for conueyance to the place where I make my continuall abiding . Enter boldly into the vessell , enter as thou art , without dread of any thing , and coutching thy selfe therein , keeping thy selfe alwayes beneath , and thy mouth fast closed , remooue not at all : for from thence vppon the flood ( which continually runneth downewards ) shalt thou bee brought to a place , where thou shalt receiue helpe for thy mortall woundes , for in very déed thou art somewhat daungerouslie wounded . Afterward thou shalt be aduertised what is expedient for thée to doo , to merit glorie and reputation among the Gods , that make their aboad in the inferiour part of the world : and if thou doost other wise then as I haue tolde thee , thou canst not any way escape the death .

If the Giant were amazed at the first beholding of this olde man , no doubt hee was much more now , hearing his wordes , and yet was it more meruaylous then all the rest , that when he had concluded his spéech , there appeared in his place a flame of fire , which béeing conuerted into smoake , was carryed héere and there thorow the ayre , without appearance left of any other thing , which caused the Giant to stand along while pensiue , without aduenturing on any resolution an indifferent space : but after hee had considered with himselfe the wordes of the old Magitian , he gaue credit to them , and determined to do as he had willed him , by reason that the losse of his bloud from foorth his wounds , made him feele his strength to diminish very much , and a very great weaknesse conquer all his body . In this determination he put himselfe vppon the way , to finde the Tree whereof the olde man had tolde him : in which searche wee will leaue him , to speake of the other knight so cruelly wounded . He ( as writes the Historian ) being come to himselfe againe so soone as the Giant , could not yet arise so readily , for hee was of a more weake and soft complexion . Which Pharisor ( who had béene an eye witnesse of their encountring ) beholding , went to him , and hauing vnlaced his Helmet , saw that his visage , which naturally was faire : was now so spent and discoulloured , as one could perceiue nothing of his wunted perfection . Héereat he began to greeue , for hee was of good nature , very pittifull and succourable to the afflicted , and séeing the knight complained verye much of his woundes , which made him now feele a dangerous and mortall anguish : he began to comfort him so well as possiblie he could . And séeing that still his bloud wasted in great aboundanc● , he despoyled himselfe of his shirt , which was so whit● as hart could wish : and hauing torne it in p●eces , ther with he bound vp his wounds very handsomly . When the knight féeling more ease then he did before , and that his vigour in better sort encreased : he intreated to be mounted vppon his horsse , which he did by the helpe of Pharisor , who leading the horsse by the bridle , guided him by sundry pathes thorow the Forrest , séeking where he might finde any village or house , or any one that knew howe to cure the knights woundes : with kinde comfortings and other fréendly spéeches , he thus conducted him along the forrest , when the night being spent at their entrance thereout , they came to a very great champion plaine : when the auaunt courrer or messenger of the day , began to s●ew his Christalline beautie● thorow his siluer locks , whence soone after followed the bright splendour of the goulden Sun . Then can they discerne a farre of in this desert , a smoake that séemed to come from the Chimney of some house : which made the fayre pilgrime to guide the horsse that way . But hee had not gon much ground , till hee sawe the Knight giue a signe of falling from his horse , for he was suddenly surprised with the trembling fit of an extreame ag●● , caused thorow the deadly pain of his wounds : which beeing vnbound for ease , let the bloud againe issue foorth , as thor●w pipes or gutte●s . This was no little gréefe to the pilgrime , who tooke him from his horse in his armes , when setting him to the grounde , the knight began to swoune againe : wherewith Pharisor was so troubled , as fearing he was néere his death , hee layde him along on the the grasse , and bound againe his wide gaping woundes . Then taking him in his armes , hee got vp on the Knights horse , and so caryed him before him ouerthwart the saddle : and hauing long ridden that way as he beheld the smoake , there ensued as you shall heare in the following chapter .

Chap. 5.

How the wounded Knight , which the faire Pilgrime conducted , was brought into the lodging of a good and holy Hermit , where his wounds were healed , by the praiers which the good Hermit made to God . The great miracle that happened , likewise howe the Knight was baptized and made a Christian. Whereby is signified vnto vs , how God disperseth the effects of his almightie power to such as serue him : who are oftentimes found rather in poore and simple Cottages , and in desert places , then in the golden Pallaces or wealthie Citties . Likewise is in this Chapter remembred : that the ayde and succour of the meanest , may serue and profit the greatest personages .

PHarisor the fayre Pilgrime , so long , and by so many sundry pathes in the desert , conducted ( in sort as yee haue read in the former Chapter ) the halfe dead body of the hardie and vertuous knight : that about the houre of mid-day hee discouered the place , whence he saw the smoke to ascend ●oorth . Thither hasted hee with all the speed hee could vse , hoping in that place to méete with some one that could giue remedie to the knights wounds : for very great care he had of him , because of the bountie and valour he had discerned in him . But drawing néerer to this long expected place , hee thought his hope would be deceiued , by reason he sawe it to be but a little lodging , couered with Reedes and Rushes , in which he could not be perswaded to finde what he would . This made him halfe minded to change his way to some other part , yet something still houered about his heart , that hee should venture to continue on his waye , and sée what might be doone in this little ●lender habitation , builded in a desert so barren , for some vnlooked for body might ( perhaps ) abide there . Resoluing thus , he discended from the horse , and brought the knights body before the doore of the house , which hauing thrust open , he saw an olde man , with his head and beard as white as snowe , sitting before a little pan of fire , chafing his bloodlesse and withered vaynes , and reading in a booke which he held vppon his knee . The good olde man was somewhat astonished when he sawe the pilgrime , but much more when he beheld the Knights halfe dead body before his doore . In like case was Pharisor , séeing the old mans head and beard so venerable , with an aspect of holinesse much to be admired : so that albeit he was an assured hardie knight , yet was he surprised in such sort , as he durst not open his mouth to speake vnto him , but with more great honor and reuerence , yea , with more regard , then if he had spoken to the greatest Monarch on the earth . Beside , the historian ( speaking heereof ) saith , that he set his knée on the threshold of the olde mans doore , and spake vnto him in this manner .

Father , for that thy white head and beard , with the venerable aspect of thy countenance , makes me conceiue that thou hast experience in many affayres , and that in thée abideth more good then in other men , by reason of the holinesse of life which thou leadest in this desert , farre from all euill company or conuersation of the wicked , who oftentimes ( by their frequenting ) induce the good to doo ill , whereby they incurre the wrath of God and his indignation : where contrarywise , hee regardeth with a chéerefull eye such as doe well , and ( as thou ) hauing repented their sinnes , despise the manner of dissolute life , full of voluptuous and carnall concupiscence : lead a life austere and full of solitude , to temper and appease ( by these meanes ) the violence of inordinate appetites and euill desires , whereby they are naturally incited , and prouoked to doo badly , enclining rather to vice then to vertue . If thou haue any humanitie , and art not altogether naked of swéete amitie , whereby humaine societie is preserued : I desire thée in the name of God , to haue pittie and compassion on the miserable estate of one of the most valiant and braue Knights , that the Sunne euer vouchsafed to looke vpon , whome thou beholdest cruelly wounded , and readie to die heere before thy doore . Father , do thy best endeuour to cure his wounds , wherewith thou séest hee is vnnaturally iniured : and if the heauens haue not so fauoured thée , that by humaine cunning thou canst giue remedie : or if thou perceiuest them to be incurable , and that he must néedes presently dye : yet to the end the soule may not perish together with the body , let him receiue by thy hands the holy Sacrament of Baptisme , by the meane whereof , and the grace of God assisting , men are washed and made cleane from originall sinne . For he hath told me , that by nation he is a Pagane , contrary to the beléefe that Christians doo professe : doo thou then thy dutie , and God shall yeeld thée thy recompence in heauen . If my wordes may not incite thee to this christian worke : yet let the hardnes of the pittious estate wherein thou beholdest him , at the least mooue thée to humaine compassion . Thus spake the sayre pilgrime , whereto the good olde man thus answered .

Hee to whome all that liue and die doo seruice and obeysance , the great Father of the world , he that created it , and all things that inhabite therein , commandeth me ( pilgrime ) to doo what thou requirest : for it is his will that wee doo good one to another , and likewise that we should render good for euill , as well to our enemies as to our freends . And although the contrarietie of his religion from ours , might somewhat withhold me from accomplishing thy desire : yet will I vse my very vttermost endeuoure for thy sake , whom I know to be a Christian , because I am commaunded from aboue to do so . Not that I haue any skill in the art of medicine or Chirurgerie , for I vnderstand nothing tending therto , much lesse knowledge haue I in the nature or vertue of hearbes : but I helpe and giue remedie to the body by such meanes as thou shalt perceiue : bring him then into my lodging , and bow thy knées in prayer to God , as thou beholdest me to make my orisons . Pharisor obeyed the Hermits commandement , brought in the body of the Knight , which could not mooue or stirre more then a dead man : the old man knéeling downe by him , opening his eyes and lifting vp his hands , hauing thrée times made the signe of the Crosse vpon the body , and softly vttered certaine priuate suff●ages and Orisons , the pilgime being likewise on his knées : with an high voyce , and a hart full of deuotion , he sayd a prayer of this substance or effect .

The Hermits prayer .

O Mightie Sonne of God , Sauiour and redeemer of the world , whome God thy Father vouchsafed to leaue the essence of thy diuinitie , and to forsake thy supreme throne , to come heere on earth , taking the habit of our humanitie , and following the same , tookest humaine flesh and birth , in the wombe of a virgin of long time chosen and elected by thée , pure , white , and immaculate , of the race and linage of Iesse : to abide and endure with vs the self-same troubles and aduersities , which our miserable life is subiect vnto : thou God almighty , all good , and which euermore hast thy ●eat full of mercie and looue , wide open to rereiue the praiers and requests , which we make to thée in our necessities , and art alwayes readie to doo vs good , receiue vs euermore in thy mercie . O God of peace and concord , who being diuine , immortall and most mightie , hast power to quench the thirst of the thir●●ie , the hunger of the famished , to clothe the naked , heale all maladies , and comfort the afflicted . Thou ( I say ) who hast not only taken humaine flesh for life , subiect to endure many euils and afflictions amongst men : but also didst beare vppon thy diuine forhead , the cruell sweat of death , and endure the seuere passion therof , to saue vs from eternall death , whereto for our sinnes we were condemned . Thou ( O God ) who only hast power with one woord , or with one winke of thine eye , to arrest the strong horrible tempests of the winds , that canst trouble the earth , that roullest and calmest the waters in the Seas , and ridest on the heauens when thou pleasest , or slackest as thou likest the celestiall fierie lights . Thou that long since hauing taken humanitie amongst vs , being in Samaria , hadst power to giue health to ten poore lepers , they beleeuing in thee , prayed and were healed . Then a poore man troubled with the pal●●e , and one that was sick of the dropsie by thee were likewise cured , they being one day of the Sabaoth presented before thee : by the selfe-same power and goodnes , a poore crooked woman , that could not help her selfe , and shee that for the space of twelue yeares was sick with a flux of bloud : were by thee recouered to their former estate and health . The centurions seruant , that altogether grounded his hope in thee . An other Leaper , and one that had his hand dried vp , with the poore widdow lamenting for the approching death of hir Son . And Iayrus , whose daughter was euen ready to die : they all hauing recourse to thee , & calling for thy aid with a chéerful hart , & firm beléefe of thy omnipotent power : were all by thy goodnes made sound & comforted : séeing then that thy power is alwaies one , & asgreat at this present as it then was , and so shal be for euer , that thou art full of the selfe same mercie and goodnesse : I beséech thée , if euer I haue sayd any thing that hath pleased thée , if euer I haue doone any thing agréeable to thy liking , if euer I requested any thing , if euer thou tookest pleasure in this austere kinde of life , which héere I lead in this desert , by the intire affection I haue toward thée , and the burning desire in me to serue and honor thee : I beseech thée O good God , that thou wouldst deigne in pitty to regard this miserable corps . And if thou séest , ( as for certaine thou seest and knowest all things ) that thou canst draw any seruice to thee from out of it , by suffering it to liue longer time in this world , thy mightie hand being nowe vpon the man , and the healing of his mortall wounds so neere deaths doore : giue him thy grace , that he may see and acknowledge for truth , that it is by thy grace , and from thy hand , that hee receiueth all things hee hath in this world . If not ( Lord , ) but that thou wilt call him to thée , and that his houre is come : receiue and conduct his soule I beseech thee , into thy celestiall paradise , where ( for the rest ) giue him what thou better knowest then I , is necessary for him .

Thus prayed the good Hermit , and at the same instant baptized him , in the name of the Father , the Sonne , and the Holy ghost : saying and dooing all that is requisite in the holy Sacrament of Baptisme , in the presence of Pharisor , who serued as his Deacon . Then suddenly discended from heauen vppon the Hermits lodge , such a cleere brightnesse , more golden then the Sun : that the Hermit and the Pilgrime had theyr eies so dazeled therewith , as they were constrained to lye flat with theyr faces on the earth , as if they would haue kissed it . And more astonned were they , then if it had mightily thundered , because they heard a voyce from heauen , vttering these words : Be whole braue knight , to the ende thou mayst dye for maintenance of the Christian faith , whereinto already thou art receiued .

Then suddenly the bright s●lendour vanished away , when the Hermit and Phariso● arose , and the Knight so soone as they , as sound , lustie and pleasant , as if his body neuer had béene wounded . Notwithstanding , he greatly merueiled to sée himselfe in such a place , betwéene two men whom he knew not : hee béeing of the opinion , that hee had béene but in a sléepe , and all the paine hee had felt of his woundes , was no more then a dreame . Yet he remembred all that was past before , since , and at that instant , especially Pharisors request to the Hermit , and the prayer the Hermit made to God for him , also the bright cléerenes that appeared , the baptisme he had receiued , with the voyce from heauen , which he well vnderstood : whereat being not a little abashed , he was strongly confirmed in the christian religion , for which euer after hee determined to imploy all his forces till death , contrary to the promise he made , when he departed from the kingdome of Phez . Then being well remembred and certaine of all these things , which he had séene and vnderstood , he humbly thanked the holy man : who tolde him , that to God onely he should returne thankes , for his health came from him , and no other . As for him , he but praied , and afterward made a breefe S●rmon , wherein he examplified & declared the points of christian religion , wherin the king of Phez tooke singuler pleasure . This doone , the good man and Pharisor desiring him to tell them , of whence and what he was , and wherefore he fought so manfully against him that had so cruelly wounded him : hee began to recount vnto them all his aduentures , in manner as you shall read héereafter .

Chap. 6.

The high deedes of armes and chiualrie , doone by the Knight Gerileon , how hauing taken landing in a desert place , hee trauailed long time on foote , before he could any where rest himselfe . The pleasant talke and deuise his Squire Geliaste had with him in walking , to giue him pleasure and passe away the time . In which may bee discerned , how much such ought to suffer as trauaile to gaine honor . And by the speeches of the squire Geliaste , how ridiculous the reasonings of the Sophists are , who by outward appearance resemble sound men , and such as by their faces are supposed of good health : yet inwardlye are attainted with mortall diseases . Because ( at first sight ) their arguments seeme to bee matter of trueth : but beeing sounded to the bottome , they are found to bee nothing else but follyes , mockeries and meere dreames .

IT is now high time , that wee should remember the fortunes and aduentures , of the famous and vertuous knight Gerileon , because of him our historie beares title , and for his sake we haue composed in this second Booke , following the former order you read before : the aduentures of the loyall louer , of the Sophie of Persia , and the puissant Squa●ell ▪ By discontinuing a little in spéech of them , with repetition of them héereafter in time and place conuenient : we shall giue yee to vnderstand , that this whole discourse is builded to no other end , then for him , and to his euerlasting commendation . To this end , that the diuersitie of these things , which are most agreeable to the greater part of readers , may bring ye the more pleasure and recreation . To come then againe where wee left : yee must conceiue , that after he had long time sailed on the sea , with the fauour and fortune of the windes that then gouerned , when he had conquered the shippes of the Giant Squamell , with them that were his Pirates and théeues , that spoiled Merchants of their goods and treasure , where he heard tidings of his horse & armes , which he had stollen : he was in the end ( by violence of a sudden tempest ) cast vppon Armenia , in a place farre of from the Forrest of great aduentures , and which was as barren and desolate , as that which before we deciphered vnto yee , where by the prayer of the holy Hermit , the king of Phez recouered his wounds . Being arri●ed in a porte of ●lender assurance for the safetie of ships , he minded to go on land a while : till the tempest ( which raged so extreamely , and made the Seas vnfit for passengers ) were ceased , not for any longer abyding there .

Heerevppon , he commaunded the maister of the Ship to launche out a Squiffe , whereinto hee entred with his armour and his Squire : desiring the Knight , whome hee had saued from shipwrack on the Sea , as yee haue heard , which was he for whose méeting he enterprised this voyage , to tarie in the Ship for the safetie thereof , and to hinder that the Pirate which brought them against the aduentures and forces of Nabot and Squamell , should doo them no more iniurie , or flie away with the Shippe which hee had gotten from him , and so thereby driue his iourney to a further delay or lingering . The knight , who had learned all his disseignes , the occasion of his searche , and other aduentures , promised to fulfill his request : so vnder this promise going on shoare , he was somewhat abashed , to sée a place so great and spacious , to be so desert , barren , and comfortlesse , for he could not discerne one Tree , where vnder he might take a little repose : which he not a little desired , because hee was crazie and ouer much wearied , with his long continuance in the Shippe on the Seas , whereto hee was not accu●●omed , and in soothe it cannot but bee yrkesome and tedious , to such as are not acquainted with that kinde of trauaile . So finding a little path on the port where he landed , he kept on his way , to see if wandering further from the Sea , which was inhabitable by the sterilitie of the place : he could finde anye bush or shadowed plot , where hee might rest awhile and take the fresh ayre . For the countrey of it selfe was naturally enflamed with extreame heate , and the shade of the ship which he had so lately left , was likewise hot and troublesome to him . But when he had gon about the space of a mile , hee found himselfe so ouercharged with his armour , which till then hee alwayes had worne vppon his body : as he was constrained thorow the extreame weight be felt thereof , to disarme himselfe , hauing desire to walke longer time , and more at his ease , vntill he could sée some place conuenient for him to rest in . And as Geliaste his Squire was beginning to take off his armour , perceiuing that hee must beare this heauie burden on foote , hee thus spake to his maister .

In sooth my Lord , this Armour dooth so well become ye , as no heat ( me thinkes ) should cause yee to disarme your selfe : for in mine eye , séeing you armed by me , I see Saint Michaell the faire Acchangell , leading me with such securitie into paradise : as all the deuils in hell cannot get me into their hands : you are so proper and of so goodly appearance , when you are armed , as ye cannot méet any Lady vpon the way , but presently she will become enamoured of ye . And it is no small thing , to gaine the loue of faire Ladyes that may be met withall : for such a one she may be , as is not to be refused . To others likewise you séeme so redoubted , as there is not a beast in all the world , but beholding you approching , will 〈◊〉 farre enough from yee . Whereas if ye vnarme your selfe : I am afraide I shall bee driuen to trie the goodnes of my legges , which were my great sorrow if any thing should so happen . It seemeth when you are armed , that you were brought into this world , and fourmed an excellent m●uld for an armo●r , or that you were borne armed , and made expressely to beare this ornament . If God had béene so gratious to me , as to haue made me of such perfection and propertie , as that I had béene borne to weare armour : I would neuer make my selfe naked thereof for any other clothing , notwithstanding the greatest heate that might be , but he hath not made me apt to beare such honor , or any way to defend it . If I carry it in mine armes , and any one méete me therewith , hee will say : that I am some Iugler , so decked to make the world laughter and pastime . And therefore ( my Lord ) I beséech yee credit my councell , to suffer your Armour still on your body as it is : for what know ye may suddenly happen , and what but your armour can do ye seruice . As for me , these armes will not serue me to doo any thing therewith : because I know , as I haue bin a little instructed , that from my birth I should be but faint hearted and a coward . Whereto the knight , who knew wel his squire spake these wordes but to make him merrie and pleasant : smyling to himselfe , thus answered .

My freend , I pray thée carry no such dismay in thy minde , as to vaunt whether I am armed or vnarmed : for I rather doubt this will make thée become ouer courragious , whereby I may be held suspected , that I haue not ●nstructed thee as I ought to doo , but rather haue kept thee fasting wursse then in the time of Lent . Therefore onely do as I command thee , carrie mine armour : and thou shalt sée , we shal be as merrie afterward , as now , and that no furious beast dare venture to make thee trie thy legges .

My Lord ( quoth Geliaste ) I am most constant in obeying your commaund , yet doo I esteeme it a much better aduice , that I should weare your armour on my body , for the more easie cariage : and that you should come after mee , and call me my Lord , and I to call you my sq●ire Geliaste , yea , it is necessarie you should doo whatsoeuer I command yee . For when you are armed , and I not , I come after yee , I call yee my Lord , and you call mee Geliaste , and which is more , I obey and doo all that euer ye bid me . And questionlesse , reason requireth this which I saye , because there is no other difference betweene vs : for wee are both men , and as you haue beene armed , so am I nowe at this present , doone by your helpe and assistance : it followeth then , that you do me the selfe same honor , and much more then I can doo to you , when you are as I am n●w . For it is but armes and gaye garments that honors the person , and you will not deny , but that you are honoured by your armes . See I pray ye if the strong Nabot , if his brother Squamell , if the Sonnes of the old Grandowin , if the puissant king of Phez and his bretheren , if the great king of Persia , if the braue king Floridamant , of whome is made such rumour and renowne thorowe the world . If the monstrous king of Scithia , or any of so many other woorthy personages , that gayned praise and reputation by armes : had euer w●n such honour and account , if they had not béene alwayes armed : your selfe , had you euer vanquished the strong Giants , which I feared would haue eaten mee , Ferclast and his bretheren : if these weapons had not beene in your hands , and this armour on your body ? Truely , without these armes you had beene but in bad case : and thereof ought honor be doone to armes , and to such likewise as beare them . Certainly ( quoth the knight ) Geliaste my good freend , there is too much sophistrie and déepe sence in thyne argument , to perswade that which thou proposest . How ? sophi●●rie my Lord ? sayd the Squire : nay rather reason enough , when I receiue no sufficient contrary answer . For there is no other difference betwéene vs , b●t that you are oftentimes armed when I am not , and then I honour yee , when yee make no account of me , but in dooing yee seruice . It then ensueth by like reason , that when I am armed and you not : you should doo such dutie to me as I haue sayd : In other things wee are equall and alike , as by reason I will prooue vnto yee , which ( as yee know ) should alwayes be held of greatest trueth . For when you laugh , I laugh likewise : when you weepe , I weepe also : when you goe , I goe : when you are on horsseback , I am not on foote , and when you are on foote , I am not on horsseback . If you be agreeued , so am I : if you be amorous , I am so as well as yee , when yee eate , I eate : when you drinke , I am thirst●e : when you sléepe , I snort . What will yee that I shall say for further proofe ? in breefe , there is no other difference betweene vs , then as I haue sayd . By my faith ( sayd the knight ( who tooke great pleasure in hearing him thus prate like a Parret , ) Thou saist true Geliaste : but tell me I pray thée , howe canst thou saue thy selfe from this answere , and not confesse thy selfe to bee v●●quished ?

Thy father , thy mother , and mine : are they one selfe same persons ? are we● two as great , the one as the other ? thou well perceiuest we are not , for I am far greater then thou art : we are not likewise of one teiucture , nor of haire alike . When we dine , when we eate or drinke , we ●●t not both at one table , thou dinest and suppest at my dispence , or by my meanes , I neuer dine or sup at thine , nor by thy helpe . When I combate , thou doost not : I looke the enemie in the face , and stand to him , thou turnest thy back and flyest : when I am assured , thou art fearefull : and sometime when I smite , thou bearest away the blowes , or takest thee to thy heeles , and so escapest .

Continuing these speeches , with diuers other to passe away the time , as the Knight was highlye contented with this pleasant kinde of arguing : they followed still the path that had conducted them from the Sea , and were come now the space of two good myles , when a far off the Knight discouered a little thicket , which was round beset with fayre Bushes : this gaue him some hope , that there hee should find so●e Spring or Fountaine , where bee might quench his thirst , which pained him greatly , and shaddow sufficient to take the frew ayre , and rest himselfe as he had some néed . Here vpon he continued his way thither ward , and beeing there arriued , was glad hee had found the thing he desired . For this place was round enuironed with great goodlye Trees , where vnder was a most pleasing shade , and in one part thereof was a most fayre cléere fountaine , the sourse whereof was engirt with a daintie sweet spring , the greatnes whereof contained three acres of ground . The grasse was there so greene and cheerefull as possible might be , and cheefely there , more then in any other part adioining : wherat the Knight greatly meruailed , and without care of seeking after any other particuler occasion , but contenting himselfe with the naturall fertilitie of the place , proceeding from the riuer the onely cause thereof : hee went about to beholde , and mounting on a higher part of the ground , to rest himselfe vnder a coole shaddowe , he fell a sleepe , and so did Geliaste likewise , where ( for necessitie sake ) we wil giue them leaue to rest a while .

Chap. 7.

How Gerileon being at rest , and sleeping in the wood neere the fountaine , which he had so fortunately found : was awaked by his squire , to heare the pleasing lamentable voyce of a Lady , that did sing there hard by , which hauing vnderstood , he intreated the Lady to sing the same Song againe . The talkes which the Lady had with him , during which time , there came vppon them an horrible cruell monster , called the sauage Polippe , wherewith Gerileon began a fierce and daungerous fight . From whence may bee gathered , that there where man dooth purpose to be safe and at quiet , sleeping long time in delight and voluptuousnes : there sinne ( which is a sauage monster , and which changeth and enchaunteth it selfe into diuers fourme , yet all most dangerous ) commeth and assayleth him so fi●rcely , as hee hath worke enough to defend him selfe . But if hee can ouercome him , then is he greatly to be commended , and merits wonderfull renowme and reputation .

THe good and vertuous knight Gerileon remained a sléepe , according as you heard in the end of the former chapter , about the space of two houres : but Geliaste could not sleepe so long , because in his slumber he dreamed that he heard a swéet hermonie , wherein his thoughts tooke very great pleasure . So that when he awaked , he plainlye heard what he dreamed on , no imagination , but a very perfect voyce singing a song . He heard a femenine voyce , very swéete and mellodious , which sang with pleasure to the eare , yet pittifully in regard of her cause , a song in the Spanish language , the substance whereof héereafter followeth . Nor was there any humaine heart that heard it : but as it would haue beene highly pleased , so could it not choose but compassion would haue mooued it . The Song was thus .

The Ladyes Song while Gerileon slept . BLinde , cruell bowe-man looue , that with enuenomde dart : Outragiously enflamest my brest , and murdrest my poore hart . Alas , what wouldst thou more ? thou makest me lingring stay : And wilt not send Phinander home , whom all my thoughts obay . The promisde day is come , when fayre Ozyris sayd : My long distresse should haue an end and all my greefes allayd . Yet am I still detaynde , within this cruell prison : Of fierce inhumaine Polyppe , who keepes ●e gainst all reason .

Alreadie six times together had the voice sung this song , ere the Squire would arise to awake his maister , who as yet had heard nothing : but the seauenth time , as the song was halfe finished , or at this place where we haue paused , he well vnderstanding both the words and sence : arose , and awaked the knight that slept , saying . My Lord , I pray yee take your armour , for I imagine you shall finde some aduenture heere , that will incite yee to the combate . As for me , I shall not , because I haue bound your armour so long , as I am wearyed therewith . I pray yee this once stand in my defence , and fight for mee and in my place : because I finde my selfe so spent with choller , by reason of the greefe I conceiue at the Ladyes song which ye heare , that if I should lay hand to my weapon in this rage and agonie : I am afraid I should kill my selfe , which I should be very sorry to doo , not so much for the looue of my selfe , but because if such inconuenience should happen : you should be left all alone , and so haue no body to carrye your armour . Well Geliaste ( quoth Gerileon ) thou hast reason to be so carefull of me , and I take it in very good part : but what Song is that thou tellest me of ? and wherefore hast thou awaked me ? Listen a little my Lord , quoth the Squire , and you shall heare what it is . Then the Knight heard the same voyce which his Squire had doone , continuing the Song in this manner .

But causelesse blame I thee , fayre looue that stayest my blisse : Because Phynander feeles like fire , as in my bosome is . But cruell , vnkinde fate , that holdes me seruile so : Infortunat● Orphyza , when will time abridge thy woe ? Seauen yeares aduentures spent , as bird and beast from me : Is it not time then now at length , my braue knight I should see ? The hardie Champion for my sake , in dreame I did discerne : Fighting in fire with Polyppe , my libertie to yearne .

The knight hearing in a place so farre from the company of men , and withall 〈◊〉 desert and barren , a humaine voyce singing with such sweetnes and mellodie , as the best singing birdes might ●ease their notes to listen , and the harpe of Orpheus had beene but rude to the eares of such , as first had heard the heauenly hermonie of this song , was no lesse drouen into admiration , then ouercome with pleasure in the hearing . But when the squire tolde him , that in the beginning of the song mention was made of the nymph Oziris , he was sodainly prouoked with an extreame desire , to knowe on what occasion the Ladie song , and who conducted her into that place . So putting on his armour , except his helmet , which he lefte as yet in the hand of the squire , ●rauersing among the highest trées , he went straight to the place , where he heard the voyce , and there hee found a great déepe dungeon , which was round about enuironed with trées , wherevnder he had before seated himselfe , there he beh●ld a huge hole into the earth , the mouth whereof des●ended downe into the dungeon , where he sawe a Ladie that sometime had bene of exquisite beautie , as yet the feature of her countenance discouered : but the long languishing solitude , which as it séemed , shee had no little while endured , had so extenuated and chafed awaie her perfection , as she séemed nothing in beautie to her former estate , Besides , her garmentes , that whilome gaue her some fourme , being now olde , rent , & ●●rne , made her séeme lesse beautifull than indéede shee was , notwithstanding men of iudgement may easily conceiue , that were she reduced to her wonted plight , shee would appeare more excellent than euer she did . The knight beholding her , began to reason and talke with her , as thus . Faire Ladie , ( quoth he ) I wish that once more for my sake you would sing the song , which not long since ye did , for you haue a voice so swéete and agréeable , that in hearing yee , I conceined excéeding great pleasure . Or if you thinke me not of such desert , yet at the least doe me the fauour to sing it againe , for the loue of Phynander , him whom you haue so great desire to sée . The Ladie was somewhat abashed when shee hearde the knight speake , especially when shee behelde his wonderfull beautie : then came to her memorie , that this was he she had so many times séene in her sléep , combatting against the cruell sauage Polyppe , and of whom she had heard the faire Ozyris speake : wherevpon she chaunged sodainly into a vermillion colour , like a fragrant gilleflour , when with a trembling voice she thus aunswered the knight .

If thou art not he that must bee the cause of my deliuerance . I praie thée friendly knight , for the youth and beautie which I beholde in thée , and whereof I haue verie great compassion , staie not héere to listen my singing . For it may so fal out , that if once more thou giuest eare to my song , thou wilt receiue more displeasure , than therein thou tookest delight and contentment . But without further expence of time in questioning wherefore , I pray thée ( whilest it is yet permitted thée ) to be gone spéedily , and with the greatest diligence thou canst possibly vse , out of this place , assuring thy selfe , that I would not refuse to graunt thy request , as well 〈◊〉 the vertue as the beautie which I conceiue to be in thée , 〈◊〉 also for the loue of him in whose name thou doest require the same . For thou must knowe for certaine , that if while I sing , the sauage Polyppe ariue héere , he will kill thée though thou hadst an hundred liues . Therefore I counsell thée as thou louest thy life , to get thée gone from hence as soone as thou canst .

I neuer feared ( quoth the knight ) the thing I neuer saw , nor whereof I euer heard anie spéech , therefore you labour in vaine in perswading me to flight , I rather imagine that you vse these wordes , to excuse your selfe in the request I made vnto you .

The Ladie would haue spoken something more to him , but sodainely came a swift foule whistling with her wings , and flying hard by where the knight stood , pearched her selfe in one of the highest trées about the dungeon . At the hearing whereof the Ladie was so ouercome with passion and feare , that her tongue stood as fast bounde in her mouth , in such sorte , that shée ( not hauing the power to speak anie one worde ) was constrained to withdrawe her selfe farther into the denne , tourning her backe towardes the knight . Uppon this accident Gerileon hearde a greate and fearefull voyce , which without customable order , made a meruailous noise , lyke vnto the bellowing of a Bull , when he is strayed from the troupe of kine that he conducteth . Then presently among the bushes entered the cruell and fierce sauage , carrying a dead béefe vppon his shoulder , and in one hand he helde two other deade béefes , intending with this prouision to make his supper . The aspect and forme of him , at the first sight , made the knight somewhat dismayed , for hee was couered all the bodie and face with long shagge haire , as black as a coale , and no manner of white appeared about him but his téeth . The eyes in his head were lyke fire , hee was of a Gyants stature , and right before his nauell he had the head of a dragon , verie hideous and vgly , with a greate mouth , whereout appeared two mightie long hooked téeth , sharply pointed , and verie dangerous . On his necke he bare a great staffe , made in the fourme of a mase , wherewith hee was wont to take and kill both men and beasts of all sortes . So soone as he espied the knight , he presently layde downe his load , and taking his 〈◊〉 staffe from his shoulder , beganne to laie at the knight : who seeing the vnaccustomed furie of the monster , quickly caught his helmet from his squire Geliaste , which when his maister had , hee ranne to hide himselfe in the hole where he had seene the Ladie . The Sauage leaping to the dungeon , which was as large as it was high , first smote at the knightes head with the staffe , from which to shield himselfe , he turued with such dexteritie and lightnesse , as he was not auie ●●te hurt thereby . Which the monster perceining , redoubled another blowe on the other side so violently , as the knightes shielde was thereby verie much brused , and his arm● stonnied greatly with the stroke . Notwithstanding , he stood firmely against him , and entered into such coler against the monster , that his face and bodie became all red , and his eyes ●parkled as fire , so that the sauage who neuer before feared anie man , and imagined that this was but a signe of feare in him , sodainly thought that he beheld the knightes ladie enuironed in a flame of fire , that séemed ( as it were ) to issue out of him .

This happened not to him of himselfe , but by the succor and aide of his nurse Oziris , who made him appeare in this fearefull resemblance , thereby to weaken the vntonquetable strength of the sauage , against whome the knight so abuanced himselfe , with his broade brandishing swoord in his hand , and reached in furie such a stroake at him , that had it met with the head of the monster , as it 〈◊〉 with his staffe , which was as great as the most of a shippe , he had 〈◊〉 it in two partes .

But the vn●●nted sauage , hauing quickly adua●ced his staffe before , was not hurt by the stroke , only his staffe was néere cut in sunder , although it was very hard wood , and beset round about with knagges and knottes , which lifting vp againe , he 〈◊〉 so rigorously vpon the knightes helmet , as it was broken through the middest , Gerileon likewise beeing so a●●●nied , as hee knewe not whether it was daie or night , and staggering therewith , he was readie to fall to the earth , yet he fell not , but recouering fresh courage , smote with his swoord to cut off the monsters head , who espying the blowe comming , ranne fiercely vpon him , and grasping him about the bodie , stroue to ouerthrowe him , or by his fast holde to strangle him . Then forcing him to the Dragons head , which naturally was fixed right against his nauell , most cruelly he bit him by the vpper parte of his thighes , his armour for that part not auailing him , but the two crooked téeth entered quite thorowe . The knight fel●e verie greate paine hereby , and entered into such excéeding fury , when by strong wrastling he had gotten forth of the monsters armes and withdrawing himselfe thrée or foure paces backe , hee smote fiue or sixe terrible blowes at his bodie , all thicke together , not one ●arrying for another . With one of them hee cut off his arme , albeit it was couered with rough and harde haire , which was of great defence for his bodie , but that the knights strength was meruailous and incomparable . By the other blowes the sauage receiued fiue great wounds , as well on his head , as on other partes of his bodie , which iniured him more then the losse of his arme , because in stead thereof immediatly sprang forth of the same place a Lyons clawe of meruailous greatnes , so that he felt no defect of the other losse : but the paine of his other woundes made him ●rie and roare so horribly , that the knight saued from shipwracke , and the marriners in the shippe at the sea side , not knowing what it was trembled with feare , some of them swouning and falling into trances , especially when by this ●oise they beheld the sea moued with so great a tempest , as the cables that held the anchors were almost broken in the middest , and Gerilcon himselfe beeing amazed , yet not that he minded to giue ouer the fight , though immediatly he felt himselfe caught by the shoulders with the Lions clawe , so ●ately risen vppon the Polyppe , as therewith hee was verie grieuously wounded , euen to the losse of verie much bloud . But being ( by meruailo●● force and vinacitie ) gotten once more out of the monsters hold , he doubled many strokes vppon him , slicing the haire and skinne awaie by greate gobbets , notwithstanding the extreame hardnes thereof . And the sauage defended himselfe couragiously , wounding and offending with his clawe and téeth the vertuous nurse child of the faire Ozyris : who in this manner combatted all the rest of the daie , vntill such time as the night being come , the sauage hauing lost great store of his bloud , and with the losse thereof féeling great weakning of his forces , chaunged himselfe from his first forme , into the shape of a huge meruailous roaring lyon , which so soone as hee had giuen the knight to beholde , he fled into the obscure caue , where the Ladie and Geliaste were hidden , whereby Gerileon remayned verie greatly perplexed .

CHAP. 8.

How Gerileon being in great trouble , & feeli●g mortall paine of the wounds which he had in combat against the Sauage Polyppe , was succoured by the Nymph Olympia : of the talke likewise they had together . And howe afterwarde hee fought againe with the same monster , hee beeing in the shape of a Lyon , and beeing vanguished by him the second time , was constrained to hide himselfe againe . Whereout may bee gathered , that a vertuous man feeling himselfe iniured and wounded by sinne , being in great griefe and displeasure with himselfe , is euermore succoured by the good Angell that comforts him , so that by such good and speedie remedies , which giueth him courage to resist it manfully ▪ he proceede vntill hee haue altogether vanquished and chased it awaie . By the diuerse mutation of the monster into the forme of cruell beastes , is signified nothing else but sinne , what sundrie shapes so euer it receiueth , yet it is alwaies cruell , onely to trie the consciences of such good men as itassaileth .

WHen Gerileon sawe that the sauage had changed his shape , and was departed from the combat , he knewe that hee shoulde haue somewhat to doe to vanquish him : and withal hee considered , that if hee could escape this vnexpected danger , he shoulde deserue praise and reputation for euer , which was the greatest guerdon and ●●compence , that all his aduenturous 〈◊〉 aimed at , for which he not at all dreaded the hazard of his life . There vpon hee determined to abide in that place , yet not in the caue or dungeon , but aboue vnder the trées , where he had rested himselfe the daie before , attending when the Polyppe should come forth againe in his new receiued forme , to finish the combat he had begun : yet hee not knowing the originall or behauiour of the monster , nor for what cause he abode in that place : but in this determination hee went from the caue and layde him downe to rest for that night , vntill the cleere light of a new day should shew it selfe to the world . But it was not possible for him to take anie rest hauing ( as one sayth ) thrée tinglinges in his eare that hinde●ed him . The principall whereof was , the continuall thoughts , whereby he was rauished in contemplation of his Mistresse . The second was his feare of his squire , least he was slaine or outraged by the monster : for he loued him so deerely , as he could not sleepe , vnlesse he were assured that his Squire was as well as himselfe , such was the care he had of him . The third , which was no lesse hurtfull to his body , then these other twaine were to his minde : was the great paine he felt in his thighes and shoulders , by the téeth and clawes of the monster , by meanes whereof all his body became enflamed , by reason of the venim wherewith the nailes and téeth of the Sauage was infected . Heereby he became meruailouslie spent and ouercharged , and euen readie to fall into a mortall feauer : when suddenly he being in this paine , heard the water ( which as I tolde yee before enuironed the dungeon ) to mooue with a great murmure , as if some one had bathed himselfe therein . Héerevpon he presently lifted vp himselfe , as it were to knowe the cause thereof , when hee beheld come foorth of the riuer the fayre Nimphe Olympia , chamber maide to the Fayrie Ozyris . She hauing oftentimes seene him , was fresh in memorie , and knowne immediatly : when suddenly running to him , embrasing him louiugly , she entred into these spéeches .

My sweete friend , within these two houres am I come hither , guided by the channels of vnder-ground , from whence these waters ascend to this place : euen from the Pallace of the Nymphe Ozyris thy Nursse , whome I serue and reuerence , shee louing thee extreamly , as well thou knowest . Hither am I come from her to preserue thee , and to tell thee withall , that if thou suffer me not to embalme the wounds on thy body with this precious vnguent , which she expressely commaunded me to bring in this golden bottel thou beholdest in my hand : thou art in very great danger of thy life , so that thou canst hardly escape the death , if thou continue in this estate but till to morow morning . Therfore disdaine not to discouer where thy wounds are , that I may put in execution the command of my lady , wherto I dare in no wise be disobedient . I may not ( quoth he ) faire Olympia , & my friend , refuse the succour of my most deare Oziris , nor of thyselfe likewise , for albeit the necessitie wherin I now am did not incite me to take it , yet the obeisance which I owe both to the one and the other of ye , marie more great to the mistres than to the seruant , commands me to obey all that you can command in a knight . So saying , he discouered his woundes to the Nimphe , who applyed to them the precious ointments in the golden bottell : which was no sooner spread vpon them , but presently he felt no paine at all , and became immediatly as whole and sound , as if he neuer had béene wounded . Hereof was he not a little ioyfull , when imbrasing , colling and kissing the Nimphe more then a thousand times , who was in part the cause of so great good to him : he often enquired of the health of her Lady , and the rest of the companie , and chéefely if she had receiued any charge from her , to tell him what issue the combate should haue which he had begun , whether he should be the conquerer , or himself he brought vnder and vanquished . Enquire not at all gentle knight ( answered the nimphe ) what shall happen to thée , either in this combat , or any other enterprises , wherein thou art to hazard thy life : for it is not lawful that mortall creatures should know things to come . Only be thou of good courage , and take no gréefe of the multitude of trauailes , which thou must procéed in . Let it suffice that I say to thée in generall , howbeit I néed not specifie so much before hand to thée : that thou art destined to vndertake & finish before thou diest many hautie enterprises . And of all them to behold the end , it behooueth thee to endure much to expose thy self to a thousand thousand dangers and perilous hazards : especially before thou canst know who is thy father , or maist behold the place of thy birth , or what thy cheefest desire is to see : as oft times I haue heard the great princesse of the Fayries , the high & mightie Ozyris my mistres say , to whom it is necessarie that I quickly returne , because shee so commanded me . Therefore I say God be with thee , to whom I recommend thée , desiring him to guarde and preserue thée from all mortall daungers . Hauing so sayd , she kiss the Knight , and then vanished suddenly before him , he not séeing her , till she came néere the Fountaine , where he beheld her plange her golden tresses into the siluer waters , whereinto likewise she diued her whole body , being for this time séene no more , notwithstanding the manifolde intreaties for returne that the knight made : whereby he continued all the night so displeased , that he could entertaine no thought of rest , but when the vermillion blush of day breake began to showe his red locks , and disperse his splendour ouer the earth : hee put on his Armour againe , and wen● before the Caue , to attend the Polyppes comming to the combate , whereout if hee would showe himselfe this day : yet hee intended to speake with the Lady he saw the day before , to enquire of her the cause of this aduenture , as also for his Squire , for whose losse ( which he imagined vnrecouerable ) hee remained full of gréefe and sorrow . Long had he not stayed there , before the Polyppe came foorth , in the shape he had taken the night before , which was like a mightie huge Lion , fierce , rauenous , and very fearfull to behold , farre differing from the naturall beasts of the same kinde , which ordinarily are not so great , hideous , and monstrous in view : which had terrified the Knight with feare , but that hee remembred the last woordes of the Nymphe Olympia , and as they began to quicken his memorie , so they made him become more hardie , fierce and terrible , then the Lion himselfe , who comming ●ha●ing foorth of his den to run vpon him , seeing him stand with such resolued hardinesse : minded once to returne againe into his Caue . But the fire of his rage was so violent , for loosing the combate the day before , as his heate could contey●e no gouernement , but that in all furie hee would flie vppon him : and snatching at him , stroue to teare away his shield that hung about his neck , and with such vigour did he catch hold thereon , as he brake the arme braces of strong brasse , and the buckles of steele wherewith it was fastened , in dooing whereof , he well néere had ouerthrowne him in the place : had not the worthie knight ( more braue then the Lion himselfe ) reached such a blow at his head , as but it was quicklie defended , hee had beene cleft therewith to the shoulders . But the sturdie beast , who the day before had made proofe of such like weightie strokes : let goe his hold , to make a step backward from the blowe . Euen as a mallicious enraged dogge , seeing a waff●ing man with an yron piked staffe , passing before a doore in a village where he lay sleeping , without any noyse or barking , runneth suddenly vpon him , tearing with his téeth the flesh from one of his legges , wherewith the man being agréeued , turneth the yron poynt of his staffe to strike and kill him , which the dog fearing , giueth back and turning againe vpon the man , enforceth himselfe to runne againe vpon him , to get a greater morsell from him : and he still standing vppon his guarde , threatnes the yron pointe more dangerouslie to the téeth of the Mastie , who perseuering still in his rage , constraines foorth himselfe still to giue him more woundes , yet being constrayned to flie , no lesse chafed then he was at the first , returneth vanquished into his kennell : and the man ouer-trauailed in this strife , féeling and séeing himselfe wounded and bléeding , to rest himselfe , is likewise enforced to go lay him downe in an other place . In like sort , this fy●rce and inhumaine monster , hauing left his fyrst holde , fearing to be smitten with the brandished swoord the knight helde in his hand , with the point whereof he menaced fatall death : keeping himselfe of the whole length of the swoord , turned againe , watching where he might fasten his renting pawes and enuenomed téeth , without enda●gering himselfe : but the weapon being so neere him , eyther to loppe off a legge , or else to slice his head from his shoulders , as he perceiued how well the knight could handle his sworde : yet raising himselfe into rage and choller more then before , presseth on himselfe néerer and néerer , to throwe a violent blowe on the braue warriour , which ( notwithstanding all his subtiltie ) could not hurt him . For hee beheld the weapon aloft , wherewith the knight verily thought to spoyle the Sauage : but the blow missing the aymed intent , falling to the earth , entred more then halfe the length of the sworde thereinto , which he being vnable presently to recouer , was left destitute againe . On which aduantage , the cruell beast got opportunitie to close againe with him , and getting hold about the midst of his bodie , he held him so stronglie with his dangerous clawes , as with woonderfull force they pierced through the mayle of his haubergeon and his armour , euen to the tearing of his flesh : whereby hee felt such exceeding anguish , as he was ready to sinck downe , for the black bloud came forth in foure or fiue places , where the clawes were entred euen to the entrailes : which the knight too well féeling and perceiuing , considered , that if he applyed not his verie vttermost deuoir● , quicklie to recouer himselfe out of this holde , and lost any iot of courage in this extreame néed , the losse of life likewise would immediatly follow .

Heerevpon , he smote fiue or six strokes with the pommell of his sword on the Lyons head , for otherwise hee could not reach at him : and with such woonderfull puissance were these blowes deliuered , as he brake the scull of his head , and made his two most hurtfull teeth fall out of his mouth , the bloud likewise gushing foorth in great aboundance . When the Lyon felt himselfe so grieuously wounded , fearing least woorsse should befall him : endeuoured all he could to auoide taking and getting farre off from the knight , forbare to turne againe as he did ere be came to those assaults : whereby Gerileon felt himselfe much eased , for the beast pressed him in such fort , as hee was well néere sweltred and out of breath . Thus continuing still the combate in extremetie of furie , the rest of the day was spent , when the Lyon at one stroake thinking to finish the combate : let driue a very dangerous blowe at the knight , who foreséeing his mallicious rage , carefully regarded least , hee should abide any more gripes , and therewithall deliuered him such a stroke on the crest : as he was compelled to stagger backward , yet not to giue ouer the fight , when lifting vp one of his pawes , hee thought therewith to rent away the knights helmet : which Gerileon perceiuing , preuented him with such a sound salutation , as made him fall to the ground very weightily : then redoubling an other couragious stroke vpon his head , cleft it in the middest , the one halfe whereof ( with the right chéeke and braines ) fell to the earth . At this instant the Lion changed his shape againe into the likenesse of a Beare , that halfe breathlesse and ouerspent with trauayle , fled into the Caue againe , and there hid himselfe .

The knight well contented to pause a while , went from the Den , and returned to the place where he might rest all night , and there fynding the Golden bottell , wherein the Nimphe Olympia brought the pretious vnguents , and healed such woundes as he receiued the day before : hee tooke and opened it , and applying the same againe to his hurts : in lesse then halfe an houre they were soundly healed . So féeling no anguish or paine at all , saue onely that his bodie was wearied very much : being ouercharged with sleepe , he layde him downe and closed his eyes , where two whole houres he tooke quiet rest , and there will we leaue him , to finish this Chapter .

CHAP. 9.

How the cruell Polyppe came againe the third time to assaile the Knight , who was greatly agrieued that the Polyppe waked before him in the morning , Howe afterwarde hee entered combat with him againe , hauing vowed not to rest or sleepe , till he had vtterly vanquished & put him to death . What was the end of their combat , and what perplexitie ( after the fight finished ) the noble Gerileon remained in . From which things may be gathered , what labour a good and vertuous man endureth to conquere sinne , when hee beholdeth the frailtie of his owne nature , that would make him sleepe in faire resolutions and deliberations , thereby to cause him loose the victorie which was before promised him . Then what trouble and busye care hee hath to ouercome such a horrible monster , that is prouided with sundrie sortes of force & defence , to violence the most couragious and hardiest that shall withstand him . Afterward is shewen what strength and efficacie is in the oath of well minded man , and that it ought not to be broken for any accident whatsoeuer that may happen .

I Tolde ye before , when the Polyppe first came to the caue , and when first hee me● with our inuincible knight , that a foul● fluttered thether somewhat before , or euen in the same instant was there pearched vpon a trée , from whence as yet 〈◊〉 not remoued , but both while the comba● endured and afterward , still she sate vppon one braunche of the tree , to behold all that should passe betwéen the two combattants , desirous in her selfe that the fight should soone be ended , and that the knight should be the conquerer , for causes wherewith yee shall be better acquainted hereafter .

Now about two houres after the Knight had begunne to sléepe , the Polyppe ( more furious in his new shape of a beare then before ) came foorth of his darke den , where he reposed himselfe awhile , now to finish the combate so long since begun : determining to die himselfe , or else vtterly to exterminate the knights daies , for whom he fought very seriously , both within the Caue and euery where without . The Bird beholding all this , and fearing least the monster should méet with the knight , he would kill him in his sléepe , as hee certeinly intended : flew right downe where Gerileon slept , and with her bēake and winges so smote at him , that hee awaked , and rising vp tooke his Helmet , looking euery where about him , to see who had so rudely waked him from sleepe . But no where could he perceiue the dooer of this deed , only he heard the Polyppe turmoiling and rauing on each side , séeking where he was , yet could not finde him , braying with a very hideous and fearefull noyse : whereby he coniectured , that hee was waked by some other then humaine prouidence , to end the combate begun , & now perceiuing he had slept ouer long , he began to chide himselfe in this manner . Unhappie that I am , to sleepe so long in this place , where I rather ought continually to haue had mine eyes waking , considering the enterprise I haue taken in hand , whereof now ( it may be ) I shall neuer sée the end . Am I not most indiscreet and badly aduised , to haue so little care of my selfe , as he●re to sleepe soundly , without dreading the danger and hazard of death , where I haue opposed both my life and honor , for safetie of which I ought to watch continually ? Certeinly I con●esse , & very well I know it , that I little deserue to make profession of armes , to ●nd such doubtful and perillous attempts , as dayly I endeuour my selfe to meet withall : séeing hauing now found them , I make so slender account of them : as I aduentured to sleepe , when honorable deuoire bids me wake and do my dutie . High time then is it for me , by meruailous diligence , and chiualrie , such as beséemeth a man of vertue and account , to amend this fault : whereon I sweare , that I will neuer sleepe or take any rest , till I haue slaine this mutable and inconstant monster , that disguiseth and changeth himselfe into so many shapes , to deceiue and depriue me of life by an ouer long lingering combate . Hauing thus spoken to himselfe , he lightly stept aloft to the large den , wherein was the lothsome kennell of the sauage , whom he found in such manner and forme as alreadie I haue told ye : to wit , in the likenesse of a Beare , excéeding meruailous in greatnesse to behold , yea , more then I dare report vnto yee . For in his head , in steed of two eyes , you would haue ●ayd were two burning torches , and you would haue imagined when he opened his mouth , that there ye beheld fire & flaming brands , when his teeth shewed like glowing red fire hookes , and were of such greatnesse withall , as he could not containe them within his mouth , but were seene out on each side the length of more then halfe a foote . All his body was couered ouer with very long hayre , vnlike such as other beares haue , his clawes were great and sharpe , & his skin was of such proofe , as it could not be pierced thorow to the flesh , as the knight well perceiued at the very first stroke , which hee deliuered at him so soone as he came to the Caue , & with such force did it fall vpon his shoulder , as the sworde hauing sliced away a great quantitie of the hard harsh haire : hee might see it fall on the ground , but no hurt at all was doone to the flesh . For the weapon grated vpon the skin , as the noise of a file vpon hard mettall , when it breaketh through the place where it enters : notwithstanding , the monster felt some paine hereby , for he was no sooner smitten , but he braied aloud so horribly , as he was heard more then ten miles from the place . This could not withhold him from running on the knight , against whom he so bestirred himselfe , as he fastened his two feete about his necke so rudely : as the knight had no meane to hurt him , or defend himselfe . Then with his teeth he would haue bitten him by the throat , in which place if he had wounded him , he had bin dead though he had an hundred liues . But the knight foreséeing the danger well enough , got the shéeld from his shoulder right before him , where against the monster could not any iot preuaile , because he could fasten no hold thereon , so the knight stood wholy couered therewith . Now striue they to throw one another down , when Gerileons strength against the Polyppe was to small purpose , such was his wonderfull and vnmeasurable power : on the contrary , the monster so roughly shooke the knight , as if he had not had more agilitie and skill , then force , at the very first offer he had bin cast : but he vsed such nimblenes and sleights , in succouring that part where he was most in danger , and containing himselfe still firmely on his féete : as the beast thus contended with him more then an houre , and yet could get no other aduantage . In the end hauing incessantly tormented himself in this maner so long time , he ( for al this ) made him measure his length on the earth , euen as the mightie huge Pine trée , long laboured with the forcible strokes and cuts of the Carpenters axe is in the end compelled to fall , and with his fall , leaues the marke of his goodly branches imprinted on the ground where he lies , by the noi●e wherof all the beasts in the forrest wher it is hewen down , stand quaking and trembling with feare . Euen so the valourous knight , making a fearfull thundring with his armour , fell so weightily on the earth , as the marke of his armes , his helmet , braces , & print of his shoulders , remained engrauen on the ground , he being also sore astonied with the fal . The beast that wonderfully laboured for this aduantage , vnable to containe himselfe on his legs , fel also vpon him very fiercely : yet the knight was not so lost in his sences , but that he tooke speciall guarde , how thus lying on his back , he might bestowe some hurtfull wound vpon the monster , and thrusting fiercely at the armes and legs of the beast , hee made him glad to leape from him hastily , in which leap taking vnaduised heed , he fell with such weight vppon his owne head , as he became in a traunce with the fall . This gaue the knight libertie to recouer footing againe when aduauncing himselfe to this sauage disguised Beare , he gaue him so many strokes with the sharpe keene edge of his sword : that a great part of his body séemed to be shorne in like sort , as when a cittizen is barbed or polled by a yong apprentise Barber , vnskilfull in his occupation , his head appeared circled , notcht , and very euill fauouredly handled : but when he saw no little gutter of blood was drawn from him he grew into exceeding choller , when presently he beheld the beast come vpon him with wide open mouth , to get hold of him by some mortall morsell : for since the rec●iuing of this new shape , he had not yet receiued any great harme , which made him run likewise at the monster with the sword point and seeking to pierce it in at his mouth , by entring further into his body or head , deuised how to take away his life from him : but herein he was deceiued , for the monster féeling the sharp weapon in his mouth , held it with his teeth more hard then the stéele it selfe , in such sort , that if the knight who ( fearing what might ensue ) had not quickly xecouered it thence , he had broken it in many peeces . But he rather intended to suffer the monster to take hold on him againe , then to lose his weapon and be a naked man , wherof if once he were depriued , hee then knew that he could not escape with life . The beast hauing thus fast seazed on him , wounded him with his teeth so cruelly on the right arme , as he well pierced quite thorow : wherby the knight felt such pain , as if his arme had bin pierced with hot yrons , such was the venim of the monsters téeth : this anguish prouoking Gerileon to anger , made him thrust violently with his sword at the belly of the beare , but it was as hard as the rest on his bodie , notwithstanding he still laboured that place with thrust vpon thrust , till hée had the skinne there so soft and tender , as at last the swoord passed in a great waie . Now began the sauage to be so mad and fierce , as snatching at the sword which was in his belly with his téeth , brake it in the midst and then getting foorth of the knights power , tooke his former shape of the sauage againe , and ranne to hide himselfe in his denne , as before hée was wont to doo , when he thought himselfe to be depriued of life , leauing nothing in the knights hande with the péece of his sworde , the breaking whereof did not a little grieue him . Neuertheles being so couragious and magnanimious as possible a man could be , he chéered by his spirites , hoping that night ( which alreadie was come vpon him ) to imagine some meane whereby he might victoriously escape the danger , for otherwise hee had no care of sauing his life , vnlesse he might haue thence with him th● honor of conquering the monster , And such confidence had hee in his volour to performe this , as all fearefull doubts were now vtterly abandoned , and so he went from the caue , to the place where hee was accustomed to take his rest the nightes before : where being set downe , he opened himself to view such wounds as he had receiued in this last conflict , and applied to them the precious ointments that were brought him by the Nymph Olympia , whereof there was nowe remained verie little in the golden bottell , which made him th●s resolue , no more to hazard the combat without death or victory , because he wel perceiued , that to returne wounded from the fight , was but to bring the dart of death with him , beeing without hope of helpe , in that he receiued no wound on his bodie but it was mortall , and which ( without the vnguents sent him by Oziris ) had presently bene his death . Being in this determination ready to lie downe on the gréene grasse , which was embrodered with many beautifull flowers , he remembred that before hee entered the last battell with the monster , hée had sworne not to sléepe or take anie rest vntill hee had put the sauage to death , or else himselfe to die in the triall , and so farre herein he considered with himselfe , as thus hee began to parle with himselfe . Thou hast vowed not to sléep or receiue anie iot of rest , vntil thou hast slain this monstrous Polyppe , or thine owne life to perishe in aduenturing the combat . But vnhappie man thou canst not doe it , and thy vowe so careleslie made in choler , ought not so constrain thée but that ( necessitie so requiring ) thou repose thy selfe , in regard of such danger as hereafter may ensu● : which being other then thou art able to coniecture of , thou maist lawfullie excuse thy selfe , and by good reason take thy rest , without standing on thine oath , thou abide in anie offence of conscience . For it is sayd , that a thing spoken in choler and vnaduisedly , remaineth without effect : because till the humour be past , he hath no perseuerance to knowe what he sayd . In like sort if I binde my selfe by oath to doe a thing impossible for humane power , mine oath yeelds it selfe as vaine and vnprofitable , because of the vncertaintie of future euents and successiue affaires : in which case to be quit of mine oth , it ought not suffice that I haue done my endeuour , and all possible I coulde to doe what I haue vowed , albeit for the greate difficultie of the thing sworne , I farre differed from compassing it in such sort as I tooke mine oath . But howe now ? quoth he sodainely , why séeke I reasons to excuse a matter sworne , where there is none to be admitted ? I haue vowed to God , then can it not bee that mine oath is vaine : for breaking of such an oath , is a thing that verie weightyly chargeth the conscience , and God is the onelie punisher of so great and greeuous an offence . For before I swore , I might verie heedfullie and aduisedly regard what I doe , and the fault committed by folliie is as punishable as that done by aduise , in that all faultes are committed willinglie and by knowledge : in that God hath giuen reaso● to man , to take heed that he in no wise offend , so that a man not v●●ng reason in the beginning of his actions , wroght his own knowledge . Moreouer . I haue sworne voluntarily , without the compulsion of anie one to cause mee sweare , séeing then I began thus willinglie , it followes of necessitie that I kéep mine oath inuiolable , without any breach whatsoeuer hereafter . Nor ought I seeke anie cauils whereby to excuse my selfe , for none at all is to be allowed , in that a man of vertue making profession of honour and armes , ought to keepe his vowed faith , with all other matters belonging to his oath , euen so dearely as his proper life : lesse then which wee ought not to esteeme our conscience and our honour , both which in me I should account greatlie iniured , if I shoulde not die rather ( a thing not impossible ) or vanquish and put to death this monster before I sleepe , accordings as I haue vowed : it behooues me then not to sleepe tyll I haue done the déede .

Reasoning thus a long time within himselfe , hee began to thinke howe in the mean while he should weare the time awaie , and thinking 〈◊〉 goe to the first place of rest , to seeke the swoord of his squier and companion , he changed quickly that minde , in that the sauage might begin i● the meane space : beside , he was vncertayne whether the Ships stai●ed all this whyle at the place where he lefte them , and if they were gone , what then might ensue to frustrate theyr hope . Nor was ●ee certaine lykewyse , in so darke a nyght to finde the waie that brought him thether , so straying hee knew not whether , it would be long ere he returned again ▪ and so shuld loose the commoditie of gaining so great fame , as was the victorie to come of this monstrous sauage , and whi●h most of all grieued him , hee had no reason to forsake Geliaste his faithful squier . Then comparing these reasons with others , he thought it ouer-much boldnes to staie there , ●hinking with hands and nails so soft and tender , to combat ●ith a beast so cruel , & wéeing to do that without his sword ●hich when it was whole and sharp he could not compasse . Then came another opinion into his head , to laie a greate deale of wood on the mouth of the caue , and putting fire ther to , so smoother the sauage therein . But séeing hee wanted fire , and yet if hee had it , by this meanes the Ladie shoulde likewise die that he heard sing so swéetly : hee forsooke that conceit , imagining a new deuise , that the den of the Sa●age had many nookes and corners in it , where happily Gel●ste and the ladie were , in some place not knowen to the Polyppe . For heretofore hee had séene the caues of vnder-ground belonging to the Gyants Ferclaste and his brethren , & therefore he entended to cut with his swoord great braunches of trees neere adioyning , and therewith to stopp the mouth of the caue , that the monster shoulde receiue no breathing in , but so should die stifeled . So thinking this last determination to be the best , he sodainly arose to performe his intent . What happe●ed to him you may reade in this discourse following .

CHAP. 8.

Howe Gerileon resolued to trie againe the combat against the Sauage Polyppe , for the vanquishing of whome ( after hee had deuoutly praied vnto God ) he determined to get a great staffe , and to fashion it in forme agreeable for the combat : wherwith ( after a harde and daungerous conflict ) hee killed the monster , for which he rendered thankes to God . And howe afterwarde the Ladie Orphyza and the young Gentleman Phynandermet and ioyed together , thanking Gerileon for their deliuerance , & of the conference they had together . Whence may be gathered , that a man louing and fearing God , putting all his confidenc● in him : is in the end so inspired , that beeing assisted with his grace , he vanquisheth sinne , wherewith he hath long time been assaulted and tormented . From which such as receiue any fruite , taking it well in worth , and thanking him with humilitie : they attaine more contentment thereby , then if they had gained all the treasure and riches in the world .

GErileon being thus determined , to giue an end to his last resolution , remembred that when bee parted from the statelye Fayrie Ozyris , aboue all things she recommended to him the loue and feare of God , saying to him : that if hee had recourse to him in his aduersities , and with a good and cheerefull courage , did implore his assistance : he would neuer faile him , but euermore ( according to his accustomed kindnesse ) would shewe himselfe readie to helpe , not permitting him to ●arrie long time oppressed . And sundry times before this vertuous Lady had taught him this faire lesson , which nowe in extremitie the knight well remembred : whereof lifting his eyes on high , bowing his knees with great humilitie , and holding his two hands knit together vp toward Heauen , where , with great admiration hee contemplated the disorder well ordered of the Moone , the Starres , the woorking powers , and generallie of the celestiall bodies , according as his eyes were capable of this sight : hee began to bee rauished in contemplation , and made his prayer to Almightie God in this manner .

The Praier of Gerileon before his last combat with the Polyppe .

ALmightie God , whose power is infinite and incomprehensible , séeing thou hast created and appointed man on the earth to honour thy diuinitie , and extoll thy might , which so much the more procéedeth from thée , as thou makest men admirable in greatnesse , in knowledge , in wisdome , in fortitude , and all other effectuall vertues , which thou rainest downe on them with thy right hand in greate abundance : making some more wise than strong , others strong and lesse prouided of wit and knowledge , others ( as a principall worke wrought by thy powerfull hand ) wise & va●●ant , prudent and strong together . And according to the gettings of a couetous merchant , that counteth his debtes with booties , vseth places for each accordingly , so beeing of of great value , and others of little , euen so hast thou ordayned , some more high , others in a place of more lowe and inferiour degrée , yet all neuerthelesse contented with theyr roomes , exalt thy Godhead , and render thankes for the good they haue receiued from thy bountifull hand . In like manner ( by thy goodnes ) eache thing is maintained according to his place , with such prouidence , as no one ought receue discontentment , or hath occasion to be agreued , but to la●d and glorifie thy high name . Ought not I then that am but a litle colde earth , yeld thée thankes , for that thou hast appointed me in this world , to bee in some degrée among humane creatures , yea among such as thou hast ordained to fight against monsters , which the enemy of nature nourisheth and maintaineth to afflict poore creatures , and heereby to bee among the number of those , whom thy almighty power hath yéelded most admirable , a thing which I knowe in my self to proceede from thy only might & bountie . I yeld thée thankes then O my God with all my heart , for the good I haue receued from thy largesse , and intreate thée in all affection , that continuing in me the giftes of thy liberalitie , it will please to regard me in this mine enterprise with thy eie of pitti● , and suffer me not to fall therin with shame and dishonour , but displaying thy grace in me , thou wilt inspire mee with thy goodnes , and make mine eies to beholde the beames of thy holy spirite , cleerly to know and discerne the meane and waie , whereby I ought to do such things as are pleasing to thee : among which , if the combate that I haue begun may be numbred , vouchsafe that I may by some meanes return and escape with victory , being assured that without thy help all my strength is vaine and vnprofitable . Heare then Lord with gracious eares , and listen to the praier of thy afflicted seruant , that craues it in humilitie of heart , and giue beside what thou knowest more expedient for him than himselfe doth , and which the weake cogitations of man are not worthie to know .

With these words he made an end of his praier , & beeing risen vp , he went with the piece of the swoord that remained in his hand and lopped diuerse branches from the trées , and especiallie he cut an oake , containing in compasse the bignes of a mans thigh , euen of the best membred man that might be found . This oake was straight and full of knots round about , which taking in one of his hands , he cut away the little branches or shrigs , that grew on each side : and when he had shaped it according to his mind● , it came into his head , that with this staffe he should attempt to vanquish the Polyppe by mightie downe right strokes , being perswaded to accomplish and performe with this staffe , what hée could not doe with his weapon . In this determination hee continued fashioning it in ample fourme for the purpose , sharpening the knottes on euerie side , that as occasion serued , hee might the better preuaile with his blowes : the ●oint likewise thereof made hee so piercing , as easilie the ●●onster should not scape both strokes and thrusts . After he ●ad thus busied hims●lfe an indifferent while , hee beheld faire Aurora come dauncing with the mornings garland in her hand , which made him not a little ioyfull , in that he had assured hope to bring his purpose to passe : such was his confidence in God , from whose fauour onely he expected an answere of this hope . Whereupon immediatlie he armed himself , and taking his staffe , went to looke if the Polyppe were come againe to the place , where the dayes past they had continued their fight . Now came foorth the monster more terrible and furious to behold , than at any time before , being armed with a huge strong buckler of yron , which he held in one hand , and a sharpe ●●icing Cimetarie in the other , by the kéene edge and pointe whereof , this day hee was promised victorie certainelie .

The knight also this day shewed him selfe , and appeared more meruaylous and fearefull to the Sauage monster , then euer he did before : for looking on him , ye would haue thought , that as the Sunne when hee goeth to rest in the longest Summer dayes , is inuironed with Uermillion beames round about : euen so braue and beautifull séemed our Champion , and presenting himselfe readie to the combate , ●e thus spake to the Sauage .

Thou hast ( enemie to nature ) long made resistance against my force and strength , and by thy most strange disguisings hast alreadie thrée times escaped the daunger of of thy life : but nowe ( such is my trust in Almightie God , by whose inspiration and power I haue chosen a newe weapon to ouercome and destroye thee withall ) thou shalt escape me no more , but shalt now end thy dayes with vtter confusion .

The Sauage monster as he was about to answer , shewed him the Buckler and the Swoorde , which he lifted on high , and in so dooing , he brayed and cryed , so that it séemed by his cryes , that he made the earth to tremble vnder his féete , that hee menaced the knight so to murder him with his Cimetarie , and with the assistance of his buckler to performe what he had sayd . Hauing thus spoken in his language , he deliuered a meruaylous stroke at the knight with his cimetarie , who by his dexteritie escaped both the stroke and death likewise , whereof he had beene certainly assured , if the blowe had falne vpon him , but being started aside , he would now make proofe if hee could do any thing with his staffe against the Sauage , and thereupon smote at him so lustily , as if he had not quickly animated his buckler before ( which he held with one hand , though it was so weightie , as two men of this time could hardly stir it from the ground ) doubtl●ss● the stroke had bin his death : but he couered himselfe so well from the blowe , as hee had no harme , but his hand stonnied a little , whereat he being excéedingly angrie , rodoubled with his Cimetarie such a stroke on the knights sheeld , as cutting of a great part thereof , it fell to the ground , very hardly escaping the arme that held it , but no more harme or offence happened as yet . On the other side , the knight lifting vp his staffe with both his hands , hauing throwne backe his broken shield vpon his shoulder , intending eyther to end his life or the combate : and albeit the Polyppe stood vnder guarde of his buckler , yet he receiued such a violent stroke : as made him fall downe astonished , not knowing where he was , and as hee sought to rise againe , the couragious knight bestowed such an other greeting on on him , as he could not recouer footing , so heauily fell the staffe vppon his stomach . Gerileon séeing him lie thus along , and wéening the latest extremitie was come , ranne vppon him to wrest the Cimetarie out of his hand , therewith to cut his thr●at , or otherwise kill him : but the Sauage who was not yet so vnprouided of strength , caught him so roughlie by the arme , as made him like wise fall to the ground : when eche recouering himself , a great many violent blows were dealt betweene them , as it would haue required a verie sound iudgement , to know whether side should haue the victorie . But in the end Gerileon , being highly offended the combate endured so long , within him called vppon God verie deuoutlie , desiring him to strengthen his present stroke : and then lifting his staffe with meruaylous hardinesse , the blow fell so peisantly on the monsters buckler , as made him amazedly turne three or foure times about , during which time he redoubled such an other stroke vpon him , as broke the back bone of him in sunder , with all the ioynts of his neck , the bloud streaming from foorth his mouth in great aboundance , likewise out of his eyes , eares and nose , so that with the losse of this bloud , hee lost life and all together , though he might discerne as he lay vomitting , how with inraged anger he bit the ground , and the effusion of his bloud made a great lake in that place . Nor can I compare his fall but to the like noyse of a huge pine tree , that beeing ouerthrowne by the vnmercifull blasts of winde , cast downe from the top of an high mountaine , falleth to the bottome with meruaylous noyse , breaking and renting his small braunches on each side , as all the inhabitants neere adioyning , remaine astonished and affrighted verie fearefully .

Thus dyed the infernall monster , by the vertue and patience of this braue knight onely , who did more in this exploit , then the puissant king of Siria euer did in former time , with the assemblie of all forces and conquering armies , which hee only brought thether for the taking or destruction of this monster .

Being ioyfull of this gratious victorie , he felt no payne or labour of this combate , albeit he was bathed all in sweat , through vexation of long delay in the fight : like a woman after the hard trauaile of child-bearing , forgetteth the anguish of that bitter brunt , seeing her infant well brought into the world : for then such is her ioy , as she remembers no more the pa●●ed stormes . So with great ●umilitie and deuotion Gerileon gaue thankes to God , from whome hee knew proceeded this woorthie woorke of victorie , acknowledging that hee was but the minister or instrument , by whome GOD shewed the effects of his almightie prouidence .

Soone after he had thus giuen thankes , the Ladye that sung the Song which yee heard before , came foorth of the Den where the Polyppe was wunt to hide himselfe : she being pale , wanne , and trembling with feare , came and fel on both her knees at the knights feet , and embrasing his legs fast in her folded armes , she thus spake .

Most noble and vertuous knight , as euer was borne in this world , extracted and issued of high , princely , and generous linage : happy ●e the houre of thy arriuall in this countrey , blessed were the pappes that gaue so fayre a creature nourishment , and the mother that bare thee in her wombe , likewise the ship wherein thou saylest to this coast , neuer may it perish , but with safetie passe into euery place , free from vexation of stormes or tempests . Longer mayst tho● liue then the father of Amphilocus and Thrasimede , the strength and vigour of thine armes neuer féeling any weakning , but by the glory and honor of this blessed dayes victorie , to all posteritie may they make thee more famous , and after dea●h reuiue perpetually the renowme of thy valour . May each season by thy meanes taste the flourishing verdure and sweetnesse of an euerlasting spring time , seeing by thy her●yeall vertues I am this day deliuered from moste miserable bondage and seruitude , wherein poore desolate Princesse that I am , I haue beene too long a time detained . Thinke and consider vertuous knight I intreat thee , wherin my wretched selfe may doo thee any seruice . My father hath great store of riches and treasure , beside more store of welthie and honorable friends : to whom if it may please yee to beare me company , I am assured for this my deliueraunce , he will returne suc● recompence , as ye shall haue no cause to be discontented .

Ladie ( answered Gerileon ) riches and treasure are no such recompence as my trauailes do expect , neither did desire of any such matter incite me to knightly deeds , following the execution of dangerous exploits of Armes : but an earnest affection to do good , and bringing to passe such things as are pleasing in the sight of God : as is shortning the liues of the wicked , that ordinarily commit a thousand cruelties , displeasing to his maiestie . Nor am I ignorant , that among men of honor and vertue , I shall beare away more account and fame by the effects of this affection , then should I bee possessed of massie heapes of riches , the greedie desire wherof ( oftentimes ) prouoketh men rather to do euill then good . And this is my assurance , that thus I shall obtaine more easilie the fauour of the better sort , and no other guerdon doe I require , eyther of you or your father : if the pleasure I haue doone ye , in deliuering ye from this monsters captiuitie , may merit any recompence at all on my behalfe . But I repute the déed to bee of so slender valew , in regard of your deserts , as for all my labour bestowed , I require no other thing of yee : but that ye would tell me the first effects of this aduenture , and especially of whence ye are , how and wherfore ye haue beene thus deteyned by this monster , also why ye sung the Song before the beginning of our combates : perswading your selfe , that with this onely courtesie I shall holde my selfe sufficiently requited .

If I should ( most vertuous knight , answered the Ladie ) recount from the beginning to the end , the whole Historie and progresse of all my misfortunes : three times would the sunne and moone make their course about the world , before my discourse were ended , and so yee might thereby receiue more discontent then pleasure . But for your sake , I am content to reueale what you desire to know , and when my tale shall growe yrkesome and offensiue to ye , then will I end if so ye please to commaund mee . As the Lady procéeded in this kinde of language , the knight ( who held her by the right hand ) espyed her chéekes suddenly died with a Uermillion blush surpassing the Rose , whereby her beautie which was nothing lesse inferiour there●o , receiued more splendour then before it did , when the monster with feare still dismaied her heart , and this inward dismay , greatly altered and changed her beautifull complexion , making her looke pale , wanne , and coullerlesse . Now began Gerileon greatly to meruaile heereat , and withall stood as amazed , when be beheld the vnlooked for companie of a young Gentleman so néere him , fayre and of good grace , who had procured this loouely change in the Lady : nor did he take it anie iote displeasantly , though with a smiling and debonnarie countenance , the young Gentleman approached néere to touche her , saluting her with a swéet kisse , humble reuerence , and kinde embrace , expressing his inward affection and goodwill , which immediatlie was pursued with amiable and gentle spéech to Gerileon , full of gratulations and thankfull courtesies , as well for his deliuerance , as the Ladyes there present , where to when the knight had kindly replyed , as he was not to learne his court-ship , the Gentleman ran and embraced the Lady in such sorte , as they are wunt to doo , that haue béen long time without the sight and company of such as they extreamely loue and affect : and she like wise , as finding no small ease heereby to her amourous flames so strictly bound the Gentleman in the circle of her armes , ouercome with loue and intire affection , as if he had not had more discretion then the Lady , fearing least Gerileon would be offended at these ceremoniall actions of loue : I thinke they would neuer haue sundered till the worlds end : but he shewing a bashfull countenance for these amourous behauiours , ( which neuerthelesse were performed modestly and comely ) winding himselfe ( though loth ) from the anchorholde of his ioye , brake foorth in these spéeches to the Ladie . Swéet Mistresse , I heard that you made a promise to this knight , to whome both you and I remaine so highlie beholding , as you ought not delay any longer time , but to reueale what ye haue promised : aboue all things be so good as your woord , and obey whatsoeuer he shall please to commaund yee : being assured that hee will command no other thing , then what shall be agreeing with honor and honestie .

My good Lord and fréend , answered the Lady , I doubt not but this woorthie knight will pardon me , if I be a little forgetfull of my dutie towarde him : considering the sight of you rauished my hart with such ioy , that if euer he knew to loue , and what his conquering passions are : he will rather referre the fault to his power , then to any disgrace or discourtesie on my behalfe committed .

At these words Gerileon sighed and changed couller , féeing to kindle againe within him by this new touch or remembrance , the liuely amourous flames which not long since tooke beginning in his youthfull brest : and so much the more they encreased in him , as hee stroue to couer and dissemble the same , which the Ladie and young Gentleman well enough perceiued , albeit they made no shewe thereof , tearing to displease him to whom they were so greatly indebted .

In this time Geliaste came foorth of the Caue , quaking and trembling , which made the knight so glad ( fearing hee was dead ) as he forgot some part of his late remembrance : for next to his Ladie , hee intirely looued his Squire , and would not lose him for any thing in the world . His comming causing pleasure and content to them all , they went further from the Caue , and laye downe in the shade vnder a great goodly Trée : where sitting very kindly together , the Lady began her discourse , in forme and manner as ye shall read in the Chapter following .

CHAP. 11.

Orphisa recounteth the whole progresse of her aduenture to the Knight Gerileon , how the King Di●gonde of Lusitania ( after long triall of his fortune ) hauing espoused the Princesse of Spaine , named Pollyda , and hauing no issue by her : she beguiled him with one of her fayrest Damosels , called Olympia , of whom he begat the fayre Orphisa , who was carryed away by the Sauage Polyppe , and afterward deliuered as yee haue heard . Whereby we may note , how variable fortune is in this world , and how after she hath ( by her inconstancie ) ouertrauayled such as are vnder the guarde of their good Angell : in the end they escape with pleasure and contentment , more easily after they are brought to the porte of so many euils , then if they had neuer beene tossed in those pittilesse and dangerous stormes .

THe skilfull Ladie Orphisa , began then to recounte her aduenture to the Fayrie Knight , in this manner . You must vnderstand sir Knight , that I am daughter to the wise and vertuous king of Lusitania , a man , by reason of his prudence and valour , sufficiently knowne to all the world , as hauing doone many things worthie of memorie , the ●ame whereof is bruted euery where . He being named Diegonde , was in his younger yeares a most accomplished knight , euen in the time of king Dorino , father to the king of Spaine at this instant reigning , who had a daughter in yeares mariageable , called Pollyda . This Ladie , beside her excellencie of beautie , could cunningly twist , spin & sowe , as is most proper to women , likewise she was well instructed in good letters and the liberall Artes : in such sort , as she was able to disgrace the most wise and studious Philosophers of those times , so subtillie could shee dispute of matters depending in Morrall and Naturall Philosophie concerning her selfe .

By reason héere of shee became so proud and audacious , as shee imagined no man then liuing in the world , was worthie to ioyne with her in mariage , and therefore despised all : so that there was no one ( how woorthie so euer ) that durst enterprise to demaund the question , no , not the great King of England , who in those dayes was the most fayre and accomplished knight in the world , and highly loued of King Dorino , because of his valour . But the King my Father , who was become amorous of her , would put it in aduenture , either to gaine her in marriage , or be altogether refused . And in this resolution hee wente to the king of Spaines Court , where within short time after his arriuall , the Daughter hauing heard the cause of his comming thither , gaue him to vnderstand by one of her Pages : that he could win nothing but losse of time , by séeking to ioyne in marriage with her , and therefore he should do much better , to imploy his purpose about other occasions . Héereat although the king my father was extreamly offended , yet left he not for all that to pursue the cause , and made his request to the king of Spaine ( who would not marrie her against her will ) with such importunitie : as in the end the Father and the daughter were constrained to graunt the pretended marriage , yet vnder this condition . That eight dayes before the nuptials , my Father should be bound to hold open Ioust a whole day together , against all knights that should present themselues at this generall tourney , which expresselie was there appointed for honour of that day : and if hee were vnhorsed by any knight , hee should desist from his importunate sute and request of mariage . But if fortune smiled so fauourablie on him , as that he went away conqueror in this enterprise : then eight dayes afterward , the desired mariage should be accomplished .

My father , who was caryed away with ouer hot and ●urious heat of marrying this fa●re and skilfull Pollyda , accounting no danger to be in the enterprise , willingly yéelded to the mariage , vnder the condition proposed : although he knew right well , that those times affoorded great number of most hardie and braue knights , that knew how to behaue themselues in the Ioust , and could dismount such as carryed better estéeme then themselues . But amongst all , and beyond all the rest , was reckoned as most strong and valiant in each point of chiual●ie , the young knight Floridamant , sonne to the great king Brandismell of England , and him onely my Father doubted , as sundry times before hee acquainted me withall . Weighing then aduisedly the valour of this young knight , he began somwhat to dispayre of the issue of his attempt , and as in this thought he stood pensiue and troubled , he concluded to put in practise , what heretofore was sayd by the great Lacedemonian Admirall Lysander , to wit : that where the Lyons skinn● fell out to short to peece it out with the Foxes case : minding to vse industrie and cunning in these affayres , where hee thought strength and manhood might happen to fayle , hauing to deale with such mightie and puissant aduersaries .

In this determination , vnderstanding that the great king Belligande of Gaule had a Launce , the yron poynte whereof was so inchanted , as all such as were touched therwith should bee dismounted : eyther by sleight or force hee resolued to be possessed thereof , imagining which of these meanes were lykest to speed , and to aduenture both rather then fayle of his intent .

To bring about this stratageme , he went with all speed into the realme of Gaule , where beeing , hee heard that in a Forrest appertayning to that kingdome , dwelt a certaine man , which termed himselfe a knight , but commonly hee was called the cunning Théefe : and so subtill was hee in robbing , as nothing could escape his fingering , and all his attempts were so artificially compassed , as such as had lost any thing , or were otherwise robbed , presently the blame of their losse was imputed to him : he likewise séeing each one estéeme him such a famous thée●e , and so admire his sleights and pollicies , tooke great pleasure therein , and oftentimes would sit solemnly smiling thereat .

To this man the king my father foorthwith trauailed , and promised him very large summes of money , if he could rob the king of this enchaunted Launce , which he so safelie kept in his Cabinet , as it was thought impossible to get it thence . The cause why hee held it with such vigilant care , was for the loue of a fayrie named Oziris , who thereof had made a present to him : hoping withall hereafter to leaue it to a sonne of his , which as yet was but a very yong infant . Notwithstanding the great difficultie consisting in this busines : yet in respect of the large summe of money , the théefe promised to deliuer this Launce into my fathers hand , as he did the day after my father had this conference with him , but first he thus bespake him . Knight , quoth he to the king my father ( in that hee had no other knowledge of him ) it is necessarie , if yee would haue this Launce , that to morrow you goe with me to the great Cittie of Poictiers , where the king of Gaule at this present maketh his abode , and where hee is determined to holde a generall tourney , because as to morrow is the day , when he wan the victorie against the Giant Perceuall , who had long time before greatly trauayled and molested him with warre . I will stay for ye néere the place where the Torney is to bee kept , and you shall go to the king , telling him that I am the Knight Lorgolio , Cosen to the Giant Perceuall , whom hee slew by treason : wherefore I am come to defie him in combate man to man , to reuenge the death of the Giant my Cosen : with which reuenge I should thinke my selfe satisfied , might I but breake a couple of Launces with himselfe , no other in his defence to offer me iniurie : beside , hee shall not strengthen himselfe with his enchaunted Launce , whereby my Cosen receiued his death , and for better assurance heereof , he shall deliuer that Launce into your hand to keepe wh●le we Ioust , which I am assured he will not refuse to do : thus may you depart , and beare away the Launce with yee : but if this deuise should faile vs , assure your selfe that quickly we will finde another : for I will receiu● no money of yee , before yée haue this Launce so much desired , in your possession .

My father liked well of this councell , and ( to make short ) it came to passe euen as the theefe had before deuised : for the king of Gaule hearing the defiance , and weening that all my father tolde was true , made no doubte of giuing the Launce into his hand , and my father being possessed thereof while the king of Gaule went to put on better Armour : both he and the cunning theefe departed , so that none could tell what was become of them . The king and all his Court ( at the first tidings hereof ) was greatly abashed , but vnderstanding soone after the cause of this theft , and who was the inuenter of this pollicie : it was made but a merrie iest of . In the end ( notwithstanding ) this pleasure did not so con-continue , but this fine theefe , fearing to be taken , was glad to flye from the kingdome of Gaule , and passed thence into England , where afterwarde hee liued and remained a long time .

As for the king my father , he returned againe by Sea to Lisbone , and from thence to Saragossa , where the king Dori●o then held Courte , where beeing arriued , he behaued himselfe so well with this slie gotten Launce , as all the knights that Iousted against him , yea , euen the braue knight Floridament , were foyled and dismounted to the ground : where●●t the Princesse Pollyda ( who bare no loue at all to the king my father ) beeing greatly displeased , would haue re●used the mariage before agreed vppon by the king Dori●o : saying that for her parte , shee had giuen no consent , and without the Brides consent , hardly can any mariage be accorded , especially with such a one to whome shee could not vse any affection .

Héereat the king my father being highly offended , in furie flunge foorth of the Spanish kings court , giuing him many hard tauntes and iniurious speeches , for the di●●oyaltie that he sayd remained in him . On the other side , the king was full of rage and anger against the infant his daughter , whom he ceased not dayly to perswade , that shee should like well of marrying with king Diegonde of Lusitauia , least his credit and reputation should be condemned , in vsing trecherie and per●idie to so great a Prince . So what thorow loue and pleasing spéeches , as also force and frowning countenances , in the end she yeelded to his wyll . But this was after the Lady had had conference with a noble and excellent Fayrie , named Ozyris , who had beene greatly helping in her birth , endowing her with manifolde vertues and riches of spirit , for which she was not a little commended : and after the decease of her mother , Sister to king Barachen of Scotland , she had sometime nourished her in her rich inuinsible palace , which was in the realme of great Brittaine , and euer afterward shee perswaded her , that she should not marie with any liuing man , which was the cause shee helde so aloofe from this aforesaid marriage .

After she had well schooled her concerning this matter , the noble and vertuous Fayrie sayd , that in respect children by the diuine lawe ) ought obedience to theyr parents , and it was her fathers will she should match with the king Diegonde , who alreadie had doone so much for her looue , and was euen readie to despaire if he fayled thereof : shee councelled her not to withstand her fathers appointment . And although in former time she had diswaded her from mariage , it was because she discerned by her skill , that such issue as discended from her in mariage ( if shee fortuned to haue any ) should haue hard hap , and prooue very vnfortunate , which would be such gréefe both to her husband , as the greater part of theyr youth would bee spent in greefe and pensiuenesse . Notwithstanding , if this marriage must néedes be accomplished , she promised to vse the matter in such sort , as by this coniunction she should neuer haue child . And so found she meanes to comfort them sufficiently , as heerafter yee shall vnderstand the manner how , without iniurie to the beautifull Pollydon : but my father ( by himselfe and his ) should féele the euill and misfortune , whereto yet she promised a day of finall conclusion .

The Princely maide giuing credit to hir propheticall speeches , was greatly comforted and satisfied , and so resolued to marie with the king my father : after which determination once knowne , soone was hee sent for by the King Dorino , when with great pleasure and content to euery one , he espoused Pollyda , with her he liued more then twentie yeares , yet could he haue no issue by her , which so greeued him , confounding his thoughts with sadnes and melancholly , as the most part of the time he eat his bread in mone and teares : for I imagine it a meruaylous hart breake to a man that desires to liue after his death , and perpetuate his memorie by his children : to sée his mariage consumed without any generation , that might make mention of him when he is dead . And such ( heerefore ) was his intire conceit of gréefe , as oftentimes he meant to repudiate his Queene Pollyda : but such againe was the woondrous loue he bare her , fearing to offend God , and displease king Dorino her father : as hee was still diswaded when such thoughts entred his fantasie . All this likewise the Queene very well noted , and notwithstanding her former despisings , yet after her marriage she loued him exceedingly , pittying his gréefe , but shaddowing her owne so much as possibly she could , séeking by all meanes to remedie both , as in the end she did , by the aduise and counsell of the wise Ozyris , who euery daye and in all places assisted her , perswading her to doe as followeth . One of her wayting Damosels , whome my father vsed good countenance towards , because she was of perfect beautie , being named Olympia , daughter to he Duchesse of Terciede , a chaste and prudent dame : with her the Fayrie aduised the Queene , that my father should haue dalliance . She following this councell , one night when the king my father sent woord to haue her company in bed : so cunninglie handled the matter , that this damosell lay there insteed of her , for the maide was likewise secretly amourous of the king , which was the cause , that ( being where she would be ) she disliked not this swéet and pleasant deceit , but without any shew of displeasure , shee gladly endured the kings pastime with her , séeing the Quéene was so well content to affoord her her place and priuiledge . To such effect grew my fathers labours , who little thought he was thus beguiled : as the Maide was conceiued with childe : when afterward the Queene comming to sleepe with the King , sayd that she felt her selfe conceiued , answerable to his so long desire , for which good fortune hee should applaude the heauens , from whence procéeded so great good to her . Héereof was the king my father glad , thinking the Quéene had tolde the trueth indéed , as within short while after , he minded to goe on pilgrimage , to pray at the holy Sepulcher of Iesus Christ , and returning thence , to visit Saint Iames in Galicia , at each place to thanke God for this fortunate euent .

Beeing thus resolued , one day hee secretly departed in disguised garments ( feigning some other excuse ) to accomplish his intended voyage , in which time ( beeing the space almost of a whole yeare ) it chaunced that the fayre Olympia was deliuered of me , to the great content and pleasure of Quéene Pollyda , who nine moneths together feigned her selfe with childe , though but meere dissimulation : and vsing the Damosels deliuerance as her owne , gaue generally to be knowne by some of her , fauourites and moste familiar Ladies , that this long expect●d fruite had issued from her owne bodie . And to the end this mysterie might not be discouered , the wise Ozyris tooke to her inuisible Fairie house or Pallace , the faire Olympia my mother , where euer after she continued of selfe same nature as her other nimphes and faires , among whom at this present she is most beloued , as I certainly knowe by such reuelations that her selfe hath showne me . Now the king my father being ignorant of all these things , was so glad when he returned from his voyage to sée me growne to a prittie porte or stature , and that the Quéene was not sicklie or felt such paynes as other do after their deliuerie : as all his care now was for my education and instruction , not onely in curious weauing and sowing , but also of good letters , especiallie poesie and musique , perceiuing my voyce apt and proper for singing .

Héerein likewise did the Quéenes care agrée with his , and so dearely did shee looue me , as if I had beene indéed a braunche of her owne bodie : for neuer wente shee to any place , but still I must accompany her , through which continuall association , it happened one day among the rest , that she would needes ride on hunting , a pastime wherein she tooke excéeding pleasure . I being with her , the hounds egerly pursuing the graue , and she chasing that things fadged not according to her minde , roade so fast that wee had soone lost one another .

The space of a whole day almost , remained I thus alone in this meruaylous great forrest , wearyed and spent with séeking to finde my company againe , till at length by good happe I came to a fayre and cléere fountaine , from whence streamed foorth a swift gliding riuer , that made his course quite thorow the forrest : where alighting from my horsse , to rest and refresh my selfe on the soft tender hearbes that grewe about the banckes of the fountaine , I had not long sitten there in this sorte , but the fayre Olympia my mother appeared in sight vnto mee in the habit of a Nimphe , at whose sudden sight I was greatly amazed . But with her swéet and gratious language , she deliuered my heart from feare and dismaying , recounting to me ( as in a dainty compiled historie ) the whole discourse of my birth , in manner and forme as you haue heard , albeit somewhat more at large .

Moreouer she told me , how the mightie and skilfull Fayrie Ozyris her Mistr●sse , had disclosed to her , that by the craft and meanes of an old abhominable Necromancian , named Charonyfer , should bee nourished a cruell and hideous monster called the Polyppe , whose crueltie and puissance should be doubted and feared ouer the whole earth . This beast , to iniurie both her and me , should one day steale me from my parents and friends , to keepe me in extreame miserie and thraldome , vntill the best knight in the world , nourished and brought vp by this Fayrie as her owne childe , albeit extracted originallie from the best , puissant and most vertuous king aliue : should trauaile to the place of my imprisonment , and there by his prowesse and valiancie ( killing the monster ) deliuer me out of captituitie .

Beside this , shee tolde mee , that during the last seauen yeares of my detayning and miserie , a young noble man , brother to Quéene Pollyda , to hinder the monster from killing me , should follow me to the place where I was imprisonned , and there each day for six yeares space , changing into as many sundrie formes as the monster , should combate with him for my libertie : yet all his endeuours would prooue in vaine , because the monster was onely to be slaine by the knight of the Fayrie Ozyris . And to let me know when the last yeere of my miserie should ensue , she said , that from the beginning thereof , the noble man ( who loued mee with perfect loue ) should be changed into a Foule or Bird of straunge sort , in which shape dayly would hee come to visit and sée me , euen vntill the Polyppe were slaine , when hee should receiue his manly shape againe , and the day of the Polyppes death , should bee the finall extermination of my miserie .

After she had imparted to me all these things , she threw foorth such a perfume of Poppie vppon me , as ( from the end of her discourse ) I slept so soundly by the Fountaines side , that I neyther sawe or heard when shee departed : and as some while I continued in this sléepe , Queene Pollyda not a little displeased for my losse , hauing with her traine sought thorow the forrest , came at last and found me where I slept , when gently awaking me , wee thence departed againe into the Cittie .

Within a while after , it chanced , that by the aduise of the king my father , and his Queene Pollyda , I was sent to king Dorino my imagined Grand-father , who desired to haue me néere him , because he verely thought me to be his daughters childe , by reason whereof he wunderouslie loued me . Hauing continued certaine yeares in his Court , this young Prince heere present , named Phinander , youngest sonne to king Dorino , and brother to king Dorian , that at this day gouernes ouer the Spaniards , beeing equall in yeares with me , taking me for so néere in kindered to him : spent the time of his infancie with me , and I in like sorte with him .

Among these pastimes and sportes of children , it happened that we became amourous of ech other , and that in such manner , as we could not endure long without each others sight : which loue each one imagined to growe by naturall affection , that so neere kinne doe customablie beare one to another , and the young Prince verily perswaded himselfe , that the iouissance of our loue might not bee compassed , because of the prohibition of Christian laws , concerning mariage betweene so neere kindred as we séemed to be . Héerevpon , séeing him one day very sad and pensiue , being alone in the Garden , I faithfully discouered to him the manner of my birth , according as my swéete mother Olympia before had tolde me : which highly , comforted him , causing both in him and me farre greater affecton to each other , if more might be then was commenced before . Our passions were still worne out with honest sollace and pleasure , expecting that the long delay of time should minister more intire delight of our loues , according to the honest desire abiding in eyther of vs : but both our hope and desire were suddenly squandered , by a new and strange accident that immediatly followed .

Knowe then gentle Sir , that the daye when the Prince Dorian , eldest sonne to the king of Spaine , br●ught to his fathers court the fayr● princesse Amarylla , daughter to the King of Gaule , whome hee had newly espoused , there was speech of nothing else but ioye and sollace : in middest of which pleasure , this wicked monster which you haue slaine , entered the great hall of the Pallace with a most horrible noyse and crie , which made the Ladyes in such affright , as each one ●led for safetie of themselues , yea , though there were present many braue and hardie knights , yet beeing vnarmed , and thereby not fit to vse resistance , some ranne with spéed to get on theyr armour , and others to saue themselues from death . By this meanes the Polyppe had leisure to make choyse of mee , among all the other Ladyes of the courte , and after he had caught me fast in his armes , without any stay , he ran ouer the land and sea , what of his owne nature , and by the enchauntments of that curssed Magitian , who gaue wings to his course : that in short time ( astonnied and néere hand dead with feare ) he brought me to this place , where euer since I haue remained in greefe and torments , liuing the most part of this dolefull season , with raw flesh , and other viands , sometime good , sometime bad , such as the monster did eat himselfe : but to speake truth , since his first ●aking me , he neuer made semblance of any wrong to mee : but from day to day I s●w how his rigour encreased , and if he had fayled of his pray , or could not get it so conueniently as he would , I iudged that my selfe at last should haue serued to slake his hunger . But at the beginning , my deere mother Olympia so assisted me , and from time to time gaue me so good councell : as ( by many slight subtilties and inuentions ) I appeased his anger toward me , euen vntill this prince arriued heere : for yee must note withall , that from the first day of my surprising , as I haue beene assured by my mother , and since by him , that hee ceased not to followe the monster , and to enquire the place of his adode , when ( after long and painfull trauaile ) he found it : and one day when the monster was abroad , hee aduentured to come sée and speake with me , when I aduised him , as I did you , to beegon , least hee should chance to be taken or slaine by the Polyppe . He giuing credit to my words , went to the king of this country , who is the king of Assiria , a meruailous mightie , courteous , and debonnarie knight , to whome making himselfe knowne , and my misfortune : the good king ( that diuers times had layd ambushes for this monster , because hee had ruined and wasted all this countrey , yet by no meanes could be slaine or taken ) caused an assembly of most part of the best knights of his Courte , intending to assayle this deuill , and deliuer me from my miserie : but such slender successe tooke this attempt , as in one day ( by force and illusion of his manifold shapes ) he slew more then thrée hundred of them : and if the king had longer continued his p●rsuite , himselfe had likewise perished . Wherefore with this l●sse hee left off , and would no more enterprise my deliuerance , whereat this prince conceiued such vnkindnes , as in teares and greefe he went to a forrest , which is six or seauen leagues distant from this place , where weeping and lamenting day and night , continually he called for death to end his affliction . Then appeared to him , the powerful and wise O●yris , who comforted him with future hope of my release , al●●it it would be long before , euen seauen whole yeres : du●●ng which time , that he might liue safe ( els had he no hope of continuance ) she changed him into the forme of a wylde and sauage beast , giuing him power likewise to alter himselfe into so many shapes as the Polyppe changed : sauing at his last fight he should receiue the nature of a Byrd , and could no more attaine the forme of a foure footed beast , but might varie into sundrie shapes of Birdes .

The Prince being thus transformed , came euery day six yeeres together to combate with the Polyppe , without vanquishing or beeing vanquished , though all the day they would not rest from theyr trauaile , but fought most furiouslie , euen to the beginning of the seauenth yeere , when he changed into the likenesse of Foule as you beheld him : for this is the Bird that flutterd on the Trée at your arriuall , who since the Polyppe was slaine by your vertue , hath now recouered his former humaine shape : and for him sung I the song you heard at your first comming , which in that maner I composed in mine owne language . Thus haue you heard sir knight the whole estate of my aduenture , what yet remaineth , yee may be satisfied in by mee : so tooke the Ladyes tale an end , and therewith will I likewise ende this Chapter .

CHAP. 12.

How the Ladie Orphisa hauing ended the discourse of her aduenture , there came into the place before Gerileon and the Prince Phinander , a knight cruelly wounded , trayled on the ground by his horse : who intreated Gerileon to assist him , in reuenge of the wrong the puissant Adylas had doone him . And now after hee had heard of the ciuill warre in Persia , since the departure of the great Sophie , hee tooke leaue to depart from the Prince Phinander , and the faire Orphisa , and howe Gerileon healed the knights wounds .

THe Historie saith , that after the Lady had thus ended her discourse : the fayrie Knight , who made no little maruayle of the aduenture , thus answered . Ladie , right glad am I that I haue slaine the monster , which offred ye so much wrong and iniurie , for some other occasion , that made me so earnest in desire to combate with him , to wit , desire of acquiring honor and renowme , for which knights valiant doe often put theyr liues in ieopardie : beside , because in performance heere of , I haue doone something pleasing to the noble dame Ozyris , towards whom I am , and by whom onely I hold my life : if then for the loue of her , and fayre Olympia your mother , well knowne to me , and who in these combates hath greatly succoured mee , likewise for the looue of this prince heere present , and vertue abiding in your selfe : if I can do any other seruice profitable and pleasing to yee , I would make spare of no trauaile whatsoeuer , so I might accomplish any thing to your contentment . And were I not bound by a solemne vow neuer to take rest , till I haue found a knight whom I séeke , which constraines me God knowes how farre in his search , to reuenge the death of my friend slaine by him : I assure yee , that gladly would I accompany yee to the Courte of your father , the king of Lusitania , where neuerthelesse one day ( by Gods helpe ) I hope to sée ye , with more ease and ioy then I haue at this instant , but thither shall this worthie Lord kéepe ye good and loyall companie .

As Gerileon spake these words , and further would haue proceeded , his purpose was preuented by the sudden course of a goodly horsse , that trayled along a Knight well néere ●ead , hanging by one foote in the stirrop , and holding a Launce in his hand : but the Fayrie knight catching the horsse by the bridle , tooke of the knights Helmet , where he found a very dangerous wound in his head , then getting his foote foorth of the stirrop , perceiuing some life yet remained in him , and that hee was not but in an amazed ●raunce : with the helpe of the prince Phynander and the Ladie Orphisa he was recouered againe . Beeing come to himselfe , he knew well the place where hee was , which made him thus speake to Gerileon . For Gods sake sir knight help vs , and let vs quickly get vs hence , for héere ●wels the most cruell and inhumaine monster of the world , who as yet ( I hope ) hath not séene vs , therefore I aduise ye presently to be gon : as for my selfe , I had rather bee dead then tarry in a place so daungerous as this is . Feare not the monster you speake of ( quoth the Fayrie knight ) for if hee that hath thus shrewdly dealt with you , had had no more power then the monster at this instant ●at , you should be more healthfull and in better disposition then ye are .

I sée well ( sayd th● wounded knight ) that you haue not heard the inexpugnall force of the Sauage Polyppe , for if ye had once experimented it : yee would sorbeare to talke of him , and tary in this place lesse while then yee doe . I know more of him then you doe , quoth the fayrie knight , for you know nothing but by heare say : and that which I knowe is by experience , the mistresse of vertue , and true discouerer of all things . And to let yee sée that I speake not by hart , I will giue ye some instance . Then taking the knight by the hand , he shewed him the Sauage monster dead , which when he beheld , hee trembled as full of feare and astonnishment , as if he knew not whether this 〈◊〉 a dreame or a certain●ie : and beholding well Gerillions countenance , sayd . Sir knight , haue you then beene one that 〈◊〉 this monster to his death ? surely I beleeue , that since you had the stomack to come so neere , in vsing courage against him while hee ●ed , and are one of the braue ●rmie that hath discomfited him : you dare as boldly doo something for the Christians , and I iudge if yee be a Christian , and such a one as I imagine ye to be , you will not refuse to reuenge the shame and outrage that hath beene offered me . Beleeue me Sir , quoth the Fayrie knight , I am a true Christian , and to any , bee they Persians , Arabians , Syrians or Assirians , I would giue succour according to my power and their necessitie : wherefore I pray ye tell me , in what affaires haue the christians need to vse my helps , and who hath thus vnmanlie outraged yee : to the end I may assuredly giue them assistance , and also do my endeuour to auenge your wrong , tell me the trueth , without any further feare of the monster , concerning both the one and other , Sir answered the knight héerein will I gladly satisfie yee , but because I haue verie much to discouer , if I should recount each necessarie pointe therto belonging , that ye may the more bréefely vnderstand these high affaires : I wil shorten the discourse conueniently as I may , reueling nothing but the very principal matters .

Know then sir that I am a knight , my natiue countrey is the kingdome of Persia , neere to the great cittie of Tauris , and not long since was I sent in company of twelue other knights , with the strong & puissant Ariodant , a knight of great reputation , neere coosen to the mightie Mutiuell king of Persia , who was elected and chosen by the greater part of the inhabitants of that countrey ( to goe to the great Emperour of Constantinople , to intreate his succour for a multitude of good knights and christian souldiours , whom the young prince Mauspasian , brother to the great Sophie of Persia , very straitlye besieged in the citties of Susa and Tauris , beside diuers other places of the Persians kingdome . And to the end ye may know wherefore we went , ye must note , that ( some while since ) the great Sophie , a man worthie of great dignity , for the high prowes where with he is indued , hauing séene a portrait curiously drawn ▪ of the faire princes of Constantinople , daughter to the Emperour : became so carryed away with the loue of this most beautifull Ladie , as he immediatly resolued to make her his wife , what hazard or aduenture so euer stood thereon . And to compasse the same , he sent ambassadours to the Emperours , to demaund her in marriage , but the Emperour at that time made refusall , because hee was contrary to him in religion , and it was not lawfull for a Christian to marrie with a Pagan , neither for a Christian to ioyne in any conuersation with a heathen . Which was the cause ( to take away this difficultie , which onely séemed to hinder the mariage ) that the great Sophie of Persia with all his people would become Christians , and should be baptized . And because the popular sort should frame their actions , and fashion their manners answerable to their king : himselfe was the first that receiued holy baptisme , and commanded in all the countries of his kingdome , that the Christian law should be anounced and preached . Which being doone according to his will and commaund , many willingly receiued the faith and religion : others finding the alteration very strange , withdrew themselues in displeasure : some other that would not at all receiue it , but were constrained thereto , thought better to forsake their houses , lands and possessions , to liue in another kingdome with libertie of conscience , and so continue the rest of their liues in the Pagan law . After these things were thus ordered , it chaunced that the king absented himselfe , so that no one could tell what was become of him : some sayd , that as in former times hee had beene accustomed , so now ( like a knight ●rrant ) he was gon in search of strange and perillous aduentures , with especiall intent to make proofe and combate body to body , with the puissant Nabot and Squamell , who were counted the most hardie knights in the world . Others sayd , that being transported with this amourous passion , hee was gon to the Emperour of Constantinople , to demaund of him the Princesse his daughter : for if he found her to be of such ●erfect beautie , as the Painter by his art had discouered , surely by force or fayre means he intended to haue her . But which way so euer hee tooke , very true it is , that soone after his departure , the Prince Mauspasian his brother , whom hee had left to gouerne the Realme in his absence , would by force of armes compell such as had abiured the pagan lawe , and were become christians : to take againe their former religion , saying , that what the king his brother had doone and intended to doo , was but onely to induce the Christian Emperour , with more ease to graunt the marriage of the princesse his daughter . And because there was no likelyhood by that meane to obtaine her , by force he minded ( after his returne ) to haue the Lady , and this Mauspasian said that the Sophie had disclosed to him . But all would not giue credit to his spéeches , for many resisted to doo as he commanded , thus vrging the contrary : that séeing they found the Christian religion good and profitable to their consciences , as also the saluation of their soules , séeing likewise their king had caused them to vndertake that religion and beléefe , and since had giuen them no commaund to the contrary : the present Gouernour ( being but a deputie ) ought not constraine them to forgoe the religion , but the same king might do it when he should be present . Beside , what once he had so fréely granted and established , could not so suddenly displease him , to the preiudice of his people , for as they did owe loyaltie and fidelitie to their prince , by submission which they voluntarilie made to his power : so are all princes bound againe toward their people , to guarde , defend and kéepe them by his power , and to entertaine them vnder the obedience and assurance of conuentions , made betweene them and the laws of the land .

Upon this debate rose many perticuler quarrels and partialities , betwéene such as had auouched Christianitie , and them that continued idolaters to their false Gods , who hauing chosen the Prince M●uspasian for theyr head and gouernour : withdrew themselues to their houses , and forciblie would depriue them ( of the other part ) of theyr houses and possessions , whereby is nowe growne in Persia a ciuill warre , the most straunge and cruell that euer was . For betweene the inhabitants of on selfe same kingdome , hath alreadie beene séene sundry bloodie battels , where on each side are , slaine many Christians and Pagans , especially two most signall and markable persons : one on the coast of Tyrisir , where the Christians by the prowesse and valiancie of the braue knight Ariodant , wun the day , and draue the Infidels in disorder : the other neere the cittie of Tauris , where the Pagans had ioyned with their forces the ayde of the Medes , Syrians , A●●irians , and Arabes , compelled the christians to flye the field , with great losse of their men , to make themselues strong in the citties of Tauris , Susa , and diuers other townes beside , where they are at this instant begirt with very sharpe siedge . So despairing of theyr former trust in God , the valiant prince Ariodant , determined secretlie to leaue the cittie of Tauris , where hee was Generall of the Christians , accompanyed onely with twelue chosen knights ( among whom I was one ) to go require ayde of the Emperour of Constantinople against the Pagans , with promise to subiect to the Christian Empire , all the whole Monarchie of Persia. As we were on the way to effect our voyage , by ill hay we met ( about a league hence ) a troupe of Pagans , consisting of about three hundred men , all well appointed , and knights of marke , who hauing pitched theyr pauillions in a medowe that butted harde vppon our way : we quickly were descryed vnto them , and knowing by our En●ignes , as also the badge of the crosse ( which all of vs bare open in our armes ) that we were Christians : they cryed aloud , that we should passe no further , without speaking to theyr prince and conducter , who was the puis●ant king of Thuris , named Adylas , and was there in a very fayre large lion , minding to vnderstand what we were , that hee might make further enquiry of the Per●●an warre . Now albeit this rude summons was greeuous to vs , yet we durst not refuse to go speake with the king Adylas , perswading our selues , that although he was a Pagan , yet would 〈◊〉 be no enemie to vs , as wee were aduertised a daye before , beeing in quest of his coosen germaine the king of Phez , one of the hardyest knights in the world . He questioned with vs concerning the affayres of Persia , wherein the prince Ariodant truly answered him , as also both what hee and wee were , with the present occasion of our iourney : wherevpon hee would arrest and detayne vs as prisoners , a thing very yrkes●me to vs , and which we were not able to endure , but more gladly would loose our liues , then see our selues captiue in our enemies hands , and subiected to their wils . Heerevpon wee fell to our best endeuour , that our foes might get no aduantage of vs , and in such sorte did wee defend our selues , that twentie of them were layd dead on the ground , before any of vs sustayned any iote of harme . Which when the king Adylas perceiued , immediatly hee put himselfe in armes , and hauing assembled all his people , assayled vs so fiercely , that six or seauen of my companions were slaine outright , the other taken prisoners , and my selfe escaped in such plight as you now beholde mee , but the prince Ariodant I hope is fled like wise .

Thus heare yee ( sir Knight ) the estate of my misfortune , for releefe wherein , and to reuendge my iniurie receiued , I desire that wee might haue one bought more with them , assuring yee for certaintie , that whatsoeuer my harme alreadie is , yet could I imploye and bestirre my selfe a fresh : but I see wee shall be so feeble , that all our courage will bee but friuolous and vayne , and accounted as cowardise .

The wounded Knight hauing thus spoken , presently fell into a swoune , which greatly greeued Gerileon , who did his best to helpe him : and hauing ransacked his golden bottle , wherein the Nimphe Olympia brought him the precious vngents , that healed his woundes receiued from the Polyppe : he got out a little , which he applied to the knights wound , when soone after hee felt himselfe of more able disposition , and this beeing doone , how they resolued , yee shall read heereafter .

CHAP. 13.

Of the aduentures that happened to the knights Gerileon and Taffinor , and how after they had slaine Argontes , and ten or twelue of the best Knights in the hoste of Adylas : Gerileon went and tooke the king himsel●e , and of the conference they had together .

THe daye after the Persian knight had recounted all his aduenture to Gerileon , according as ye haue read in the former Chapter : they departed from the Polyppes Den , to goe combate with Adylas and his people , and albeit imminent death stood before theyr eyes , yet could nothing withdrawe them from such a daungerous enterprise , as not the intreats of Phynander and the fayre Orphisa , who by many meanes laboured to diswade them to the contrary . For the Fayrie knight euermore resolued , not for dread of death to let slip any opportunitie , when he might combate or performe any generous act , whence might growe fame and reputation , the onely wadges for a man of valour and vertue . And as for the Persian knight , it was such despight to him to bee vanquished : that as a man h●lfe desperate , an hundred times he wished the fatall death , so he might in any sort reuenge the shame and iniurie doone him , then feare of death was no matter for him to stand vppon . In this enflamed desire , ta●ing their leaue of Phynander and Orphisa , ( who were verye pensiue for Gerileons departure , both mounted on the horsse of Taffinor , for so was the Persian knights name , hauing betweene them but one Launce , which Gerileon bare that sate in the saddle : in this sort they rode away , and not farre had they trauayled , but they met an other horse ( readie sadled , the bridle lying vppon his neck ) softly pacing in the field they rode thorow . Taffinor immediatly knew the horsse , and that one of his companions had beene mounted thereon , who beeing slaine by Adylas his Souldiours , ran now ranging from place to place . Taffinor lightly leaping from behinde Gerileon , made such shift that he tooke the horsse , and getting quicklye vp into the seate , they both spurred away with all possible speede . In shorte time they came to the place where Ariodant and his companions had beene discomfited , and Adylas this day intended to dislodge with his pauillions , that hee might meet Mauspasian at Tauris , there to deliuer such prisoners to him as he had gotten from Ariodant .

Beeing come into this place , they were soone espyed by one of the knights of the king of Thunis , this knight was named Argontes , one of the most faithfull friends to the king , and as valiant as any in all the troope , hee beeing by chaunce first mounted in this preparation of departure , sitting with a huge strong Launce auaunced vpon his thigh . This was the first man , that néedes would knowe what these two knights were , who durst with such boldnes come so néere their hoste . For this purpose , and without speaking woord to any one , he galloped with a swift carrire towards them , and when he was so neere , that hee might easily discerne them to be straungers : he slacked his pace , when the first hee must needes speak● to , was the Fayri● knight , to whom arrogantly he thus began . Be stirre ye fellows , and come after me to king Adylas my Lord , to tell him of whence ye are , and what ye seeke in this place : for I take yee to be spyes , sent hither ( to worke some treason ) by these Christians , that are mustered vp in the Cittie of Tauris : otherwise I would presently slice yee in such small gobbets , as a Rauen might easily beare in his beake the biggest piece of your bodyes . Freend , quoth Gerileon , I thinke yee meane not so ill as yee speake , for no such matter appeares in your countenance . But setting a parte these tearmes of brauerie , I pray ye goe tell king Adylas your maister , that heere is a knight errant , accompanyed with one of those Christian knights , whom lately ( both causelesse and verye shamefully ) he monstrously abused . Say I bid him , ( if he be a man of woorth or any valour ) that immediatly he come foorth in equipage conuenable for the combate , and accompanyed with such an other : to make this knight amends , and to repayre the wrong doone to Ariodant , in charging his troope with too much aduantage , and thereby entermedled with affayres neither touching or concerning him . If he will not doo it , I say he is a villaine and a traytour : for were he not so , he would not offer offence to any one , without habiliti● of meanes to make requitall . By my faith , answered Argontes , thou art a very foole , in comming hether to be kild with credit , and to let thee know , how much better it had beene for thée to haue kept thée quiet , then trauaile to this place with such mallepart kinde of language : I will not suffer that the king my Lorde , nor any of his people but my selfe onely , shall teach thée against another time better wisdome , as also to speake more aduisedly , and therefore stand vppon thy guarde . In vsing these words , he drew back , that his horsse might haue his course , and hee vayle his Launce against Gerileon : who made so little account therof , that he reserued his labour to better effect then the Pagan did , and therefore shrunke aside to scape the attaint . Héereat Taffinor was gretly abashed , thinking he did it by cowardise , or feare to meddle with the Pagan , which made him imagine euill of him , and nothing at all to regard him , as Argontes did likewise : who finishing his race to no purpose , prepared toward Taffinor , calling him to the Ioust , which hee refused because hee had no Launce . But laying hand to his sword for the combate , hee brauely made against the Pagan , who likewise let go his Launce , and drew out his swoord to entertaine him : which Gerileon perceiuing , and doubting the length of theyr fight would growe too tedious , whil● the Pagans beeing so neere them , might charge them in greater number , then they should bee able to deale withall , or withstand , séeing himselfe likewise vnprouided of a swoord , for ye haue heard how his was broken in combate with the Sauage Polyppe : he foorthwith determined to kill the Pagan , because he would be possessed of his weapon , which he imagined no hard matter to compasse , as in verye déed it was not : for running against him with meruaylous violence , he gaue him such a peazant knocke with the butte end of his launce , as ouerthrew both his horsse and him to the ground , and strugling vnder the horsse , that trampled very heauily vpon him , there both his pride , arrogancie and life ended all together . This done , Gerileon alighted and tooke his sword , saying to Taffinor , that therewith he would send more of his companions after him : which Taffinor beeing not a little ioyfull to heare , returned this answere . Now haue I good hope Sir , that ( by your meanes ) I shall bee auenged of the outragious wrongs doone me by the Pagans , and were our ●appe so fortunate , that Ariodant would returne to succour vs , ( as thereof I am assured if hee bee not dead , for hee is a prince impacient of iniurie : ) wee might easilye ouercome and vanquish the hoste of Adylas . For amongst them all himselfe is most redoubted , being so good and able a knight of person , as there are few in Persia that can equall him in soundnes of chiualrie : nor could wee haue beene conquered by his souldiours , had not he put to his helping hand .

In middest of this talke , whilst Gerileon armed himselfe with the swoord of dead Argontes , and Taffinor with his Launce , Adylas caused the Trumpets to be sounded , declaring his departure from the place , where he had beene encamped and soiourned so many dayes together : at which instant he called for Argontes his faithfull freend , but he could not be found in all the hoste , then commaunding to vnderstand what was become of him , ten or twelue knights of the troupe tooke the same waye , they saw him gallop before . At last they beheld the two Christian knights , riding with vnconquerable countenance towards the Tents of Adylas and a little further off they sawe Argontes dead , his horsse likewise lying beating with his hooues vppon him , not able to rise : whereat they were enflamed with such rage , ( for Argontes was well and deerely beloued of all Adylas hoste ) as they could no longer containe their furie , but forciblie made against the Christian knights . Against Gerileon foure of them brake their Launces , without any further iniurie vnto him : but hee had better successe , for the first he met , felt so soundly the sharpnes of his launce , as piercing quite thorow his bodie , layd him dead on the earth . Two other that ma●e out after these foure , began very fiercely to assaile Taffinor : but for all that they vnhorssed him not , yet one of them receiued a deadly wound on his shoulder at his hand , and so was forced to fall to the ground . They that came after , hauing their swordes naked in their handes , couragiously aduentured on the Christian knights , who being ready prepared , receiued the valiant strokes of the Pagans on their sheelds , without any hurt vnto their bodyes : marie each of them stood so stiffely to the Pagans , as Gerileon sent one of their heads roundlie from his shoulders , and Taffinor slicing off an others arme from his bodye , made both Gerileons stroke and his owne agree in an hermonie : for the first Pagan dyed immediatly , and the other caught such a sudden sicknes , as his bloud ab●undantly streaming foorth , called his life soone after . The rest of their companions were not a little amazed heereat , especially at the puissant strokes of Gerileon , with the exceeding vertue , valiancie and addresse that they discerned in him , so that sixe of theyr fellowes lying dead before theyr faces , the other fearefully fled to the troupe of Adylas , that they might to him declare theyr misfortune : but they were followed euen thither by Gerileon and Taffinor , at whose hardinesse Adylas stood greatly abashed , and the rather , because ( in his presence ) Gerileon ouertaking two of the tardyest fugitiues , from one he lopt the eare , cheeke , and shoulder , together , and tooke off the others head so neatly , as if the kéenest Rasor in the world had beene the instrument .

All the troupe standing affrighted heereat , durst not boudge one foote , but taryed to heare the pleasure of theyr king , who was surprised with no common kinde of pensiuenes , imagining that Gerileon was one of the Gods whom he adored , to wit , Mars the God of battailes , and ( as they supposed ) that hee was highly displeased with them . When hee beheld what hauock the Fayrie knight made of his people , hee came foorth from the middest of his troupe , to know for certaintie what he was , and if he were one of theyr gods , with praiers , oblations and sacrifices he would appease his anger : but Gerileon that made no regarde of such folly , prepared to endure the braue against all the rest . And for this cause , hee entred further in among them with Taffinor , where sundring themselues , no one durst stirre to approach néere them , for in Gerileons countenance they noted such high resolution , as they reputed him alone able to foyle a farre greater hoste of men .

Euen as a lustie Mower in the haruest time , in the middest of a well growne field , with a sharpe Scithe in his hand , cuts downe the grasse and hearbes about him in very great quantitie : euen like ●eare had the Pagans of this noble warriour , verily thinking him to be some celestiall deitie : and many times had they béene brought into such errour , for when they beheld any one , who by his haughtie déedes séemed to surpasse the common valour of men , and had some thing in him to out goe other in hardinesse : they easily were induced to beléeue , that this was one of their imaginarie Gods . This false perswasion serued very well for these two Christians , because if all the troupe had risen against them , you quickly may conceiue their daunger : but the good Angell that conducted them , by the helpe of God assisted them in such sort , as Adylas alone offered spéech to Gerileon , and that in this manner . I pray thée if thou bee one of the Gods , whose habitations is in heauen , tell or shew me by some signe if I haue offended the● , and wherein I haue giuen cause , that thou shouldst thus destroy me and my people : assuring thée , that if by prayers , oblations and sacrifices , thine anger is not to bee appeased , and thy furie qualified , thou shalt no sooner bee returned to thy celestiall mansion , but presently thou shalt in aboundance feele , the pleasant perfume and exquisite Sabeene odour , with large gifts in thy Temple , and offerings on thine Altar , by me bestowed to thine honor and glory . Or if thou be some mortall creature , that hast reason thus to come and assayle me , killing Argontes my faithfull Achates , beside so many of my souldiours : then onely tell to me the cause heereof , and assure thy selfe , that I will repaire whatsoeuer iniurie , which thou pretendest to haue receiued by me , neither shall any of my men once mooue to offend thée , for the great valour and vertue I estéeme to be in thée . But if without any reasonable occasion , thou hast dared thus boldly to abuse me : thou mayst be well assured , that thou shalt be chastised according to thy deserts . Knight ( answered Gerileon ) I imagine thée to be the most apparant man of al thy troope , and ( as I haue heard ) thou art called Adylas king of Thunis , a knight verye famous and of great reputation as I gather , because I see thée affable and courteous . Wherfore I fréely tell thée , that I am none of the supposed Gods thou talkest of , but credit me , I am a knight errant , ignorant of the place wher I was borne , and the parents that gaue me life : but trauayle thorow the worlde , whether fortune and my de●●●●e conducts me , in search of such aduentures as merrit fame . Not long since , and not far hence , I slew a cruell monster , called the sauage Polyppe , where I met this knight , who told mee what causeles shame both thou and thy company ( being ods of too great aduantage ) offered a Christian prince called Ariodant , one of whose traine he was : thou hauing discomfited him and his men , detainest some of them as prisoners , which iniurie he intreated me to reuenge , and I haue vndertaken it both vpon thée & thine : for well thou knowest , that by the lawe of chiualrie , inuiolably obserued among such as are woorthie to beare the title of knighthood , all errant knights séeking aduentures , are bound to reuenge the opprobrious wrongs , that the ouerstrong offer to the ouer weake , hauing no iust cause or reason therefore , and to defend them against all forcible violence , indirectly throwne vppon miserable and afflicted persons , maintaining euermore the quarrell of the wronged that haue no helpe . Beside , the quarrell ( for which thou hast so hardly dealt with Ariodant and his people ) is publique , touching all good Christians , of which number I am one , and for euer will be : so by consequence it appertaineth to mee , inciting mee to wreake reuenge , for the iniurie doone to my confederates , that are of selfe same religion as I am , against all that are of the contrarye and aduersarie faith . Because then thou hast nothing else now to do , prouide thée , presently to the combate with me , if thou be so desirous as thou hast expressed : for thou séest I haue reason to assaile thée , and for whatsoeuer else I haue doone beside . Hauing thus spoken , it happened as ye shall read hereafter , for now we are to speake of other matters .

CHAP. 14.

Of the warre betweene the Christians and the Pagans that had layde siege before the famous Cittie of London . And howe king Angrafolt , prisoner to king Floridamant , became enamoured of the princesse Polydamie . And how many sundry sortes of nations , came by heapes to the Pagans Campe for theyr succour .

IN this place , the Authour of this Historie discontinueth a while , from speaking of the heroycall gestes and déeds of the knight Gerileon , to take the discourse againe heeretofore begun , touching the cruell and bloodie warre betwéene the Christians and Pagans , that held siedge before the proud and famous Cittie of London : ensuing vpon that you haue read in the former part of this Booke , where alreadie hath beene told yee , how the hote and fierce assault against the Cittie , vnder the conduct of furious Angrafolt was ended .

Now remaineth to acquaint ye , with what happened after the Pagans were chased thence , sustaining so great losse and slaughter of their men , beside their cheefe heads and conducters Angrafolt and Mycophon beeing taken prisoners , then thus we procéed . The night after this meruaylous assault against the good and vertuous king Floridamant , dooing a déed becomming a king that feared God and looued his people , as euery prince that is called to so high dignitie ought doo , séeing and knowing , how without helpe of the celestiall bountie , he was in most great danger of totall ruine , ( which had béene no small hurt to all Christendome ) also that as yet he had some aduantage of his enemies , hauing subiected one of the principall heads to his will , and an other of the best knights in all their troope : he would not now shew himselfe slothfull , but perfourme the act of a good Christian , by yéelding thanks and prayses to God , with intreatance to continue towards him and his people , these fauourable effects of his almightie goodnes , cheefely in a quarrell so iust and equitable , as was the cause of this seuere and outragious warre .

To this end , the same night that eche was retired from the fight , hee commanded the belles in all the Churches of the Cittie to be ●noled , to assemble and call together all his people , from the highest to the lowest that had knowledge of God : willing them to render dutifull thanks to God , praying that in mercie he would assist them , against his vnbeléeuing enemies who would not acknowledge him : which euery one did very deuoutly , and there was no holye place thorowout the Cittie , where lampes , torches , and tapers , were lighted , but the people flocked thither in exceeding number . And for this purpose , the aforenamed places were persumed with incense and Aromaticall odours , beside the musicall and mellodious voyces of Priests , Moonkes , singing children , and other seruants of God , who with hearts full of heauenly deuotion , sung Canticles of prayse , with prayers agréeable and pleasing to God . Continuing thus well néere all the night , such as were more apte for warre , sayled not to be on the walles in their glittering Armour , to impeach the enemie , that hee should presume so prowdlye as the daye before hee had doone : in which time , they that were in guarde and kept the night watche , went to thanke God , and afterwards to their rest .

Angrafolt , whome king Floridament had taken prisoner , séeing all these things , admired the meruaylous foresight of the king , the industrie , care and vigilance he vsed , for preparation of the Citties defence and people : when well hee perceiued , that many of the Pagans should loose theyr liues , before they could vanquish the people beloued of God : but beyond all other things , he was astonned at the sight of the faire Infant Polydamie , who by commaundement of the king her father , entertayned him beningly , and shewed him good countenance : because the king had determined to intreat and vse him with such contentment , as the force of his kindnes and benignitie , might mollifie the hard crueltie of his enemies . And so making them ( against their nature ) soft and gentle , they might bee induced to vse humanitie & courtesie , to foure worthie Christian knights , Accial of Surrie , Ramelin of Uuich , Melchior or Ireland , and Frangard Countie of Durford , whom the Giant Brisard and Rongemont had taken prisoners in combatting . For this cause he perswaded Angrafolt , to write vnto king Grandowin his father , to vse those foure hardy knights so kindly as might be : which he did , fearing if they misdealt with the Christians , by ouer sharpe or inhumaine seueritie , like rigour would be vsed towards him , and he should be as cruelly tormented . Heere vpon the Pagans did not put them to death , as otherwise they would haue doone , for the liues of these foure valiant knights was desired of king Floridamant , more then the death of fiue hundred of his enemies , considering the present necessitie he was in .

And although Angrafolt ( before his taking ) was abooue all other a fierce and cruell aduersarie against him , yet now hee was so ouercome by the courtesie and kindnesse of the king vsed toward him : as more gladly would he continue in this prisonment , then returne againe to his companions , for in such sorte was hee arrested by the fayre Infants beautie , which in his eye excelled all other hee had séene before , as made him more desirous to abide in this fayre prison : so that when libertie was offered him , hee had no will to forgoe this swéet seruitude . For yee must vnderstand , that beyond her naturall perfection , which was no lesse absolute then I haue tolde yee : shee was adorned with such sumptuous garments , iewels and other trickes of embellishment , as like stately princesses are accustomed to weare , that the barbarous king feeling himselfe altogether surprised with her loue , desired nothing more , then dayly to liue in contemplation of her good graces : and albeit thereby he receiued some pleasure and contentment , yet was it a gréefe and martirdome to him to enioy nothing else , his amourous conceit being vnable to compasse any other effect , then this vaine imagination and fantasticall contemplation , so lying figured in his hart . And if by chaunce he dreamed on some little shew of hope , that perswaded him he should enioy the pleasant skirmishes of loue : yet presently againe was hee kild and discomforted : not vnlike the angrie and arrogant boot-haling Pirate , that was w●nte to tyrannize and triumphe ouer poorer théeues then himselfe , seeing he is ( for some offence by him committed ) bound fast by the leg with a chaine , blames the houre of his birth , exclaming on God and his iustice , without any feare or regarde of his supreme greatnesse .

Euen so was this proud Pagan tormented , and in his torment oftentimes to himselfe , hee imagined some subtill and detestable meane , whereby he might rauish the young and tender princesse , or forcibly carrie her awaye : When shee ( good Ladye ) without any thought of euill or mallice , vsed him most gratiouslie and courteous , euermore shewing him freendly and smilying countenances , and ( according as the king her father had giuen in charge ) would manie and sundrie tymes , entertayne him with honest talke and familiare conference : which more and more serued to prouoke forward his loue , and from milde amourous conceit to make him more violent , inducing this cruell enemie to an euill and pernicious intent , such as heereafter ye shall knowe more of . For in this Chapter I must tell yee what chaunced ( meane while ) in the enemyes Campe . whether safely were retyred ( as yee haue read in the first booke ) the king Guittard of Baccaleos and the Carybes , who had beene in the thickest of the hurlie burlie : and not a little offended were they , to be thus shamefully driuen and repulsed from their enterprise .

It is necessarie then that wee consider , howe almightie God dooth sometime send afflictions on the good , to make tryall of theyr perseuerance in well doing , supporting with pacience the aduersities wherewith they are exercised : so it séemed now , that he would permit the Pagans of all countreys farre and neere , to assemble together with their inexpugnable forces , to peruert and ruinate altogether the estate of Christendome , whereof the kingdome of England was the great and strongest colour . For the day after this meruaylous assault , there arriued in the enemies campe for theyr helpe and succour , a great multitude of theyr allyes and confederates , such as had vowed with them the euersion and totall ruine of Christendome . Among others there came a Captaine sent by the king of the Turkes , named Grimoaldo , a man hardie and valiant of person : who conducted vnder his Ensignes fiftie thousand braue fighting men , and in goode quipage . Hee with his troope was welcommed and receiued by the heads of the Pagan armie , especially of the old king Grandowin , who feasted and entertained him in the best manner he could deuise , for hee kn●w well , that this Grimoaldo was a man of marke , as skilfull in feates of armes as any in all the host . He caused him to he lodged in the reregard of his Campe , whereof he was the head and gouernour , and this fresh supply made the Heathen so glad and ioyfull , as nothing was heard among them but sounding of Tabourines , Trumpets , and other warlike instruments , expressing no little ioy and pleasure amongst them , with menaces against them of the Cittie , of quick discomfiture and extermination .

This ioy endured a great many dayes together , and as theyr succour encreased , so did theyr iouissance , for beside this Turkish Captaine , there came a puissant and meruaylous Pagan , of monstrous forme and Gi●ntine stature , a proud monster , mutinous , and a mightie drinker . He had thrée heads or faces vppon on neck that supported them all , and when he entred the Campe , he wore a massie Crowne of golde , triple fourmed according to his heads : the crownes were made high like the Turrets of a strong Tower , and vnderneath was written this verse .

I am Triphon , the great and puissant king of Scythia , The most valiant and strongest , in combate I conquer .

This arrogant and proud subscription was no leasing , for he was so strong and puissant , as himselfe was able to foile a whole Armie : and therefore to this assembly he brought with him but ten thousand combattants , with whome hee thought himselfe sufficient to subiugate all Christendome . And the cause why he ●are these thrée crownes , was not in respect of his thrée faces so combine together : but because he was king of thrée kingdomes , and held thrée cruell kinde of people vnder his obe●sance , to wit the Ge●es , the Seythians , and the Sarmates or Sauromates . He shewed in the middest of his troope , as a great high Pine trée in the midst of a little wood , where the braunches beeing but young and tender , do begin to spread : for beside his vnmeasurable ●●ature , he was mounted on a furious bull of excéeding height , more prompt and apt to beare a saddle , run and carrire , then any horsse that was to be found in the world , as fit was he likewise eyther for the ioust or combate : because if the Pagan seated on his backe ouerthrew his aduersarie , the bull immediatly with his hornes would beate downe the horsse , whereon the knight that fought against him was mounted . In this manner , enuir●ned with his men , e●●red hee the Pagans campe , many of them being surprized with meruailous feare , to sée him of such a terrible aspect and furious ●orme .

The other that were of better spirite and courage , knew well , that his arriuall would bee greatly succourable to them , because his force and valiancie was vnspeakable and inuincible , farre beyond any other humaine strength . And he that ioyed most to sée him , was the arrogant and fierce Brandissant , who sent for him , and at his request he came : for they two had long before beene companyons together , in many robberies and cruelties by them doone ioyntly , and by their association , forcibly , violently and thorow tiranny , they had gotten kingdomes , many rich booties and heritages , which they deuided betwéene them as brethren , that parte the common herritage of their Father when hee is deceased .

So by reason of the wunted familiaritie and acquaintance that the one of them had with the other , they vsed many sundrie ceremoniall embracings to each other , being glad they had so fortunately met in this place , where they assured themselues of the pillage and spoyle , of the famous and wealthie Cittie of London , beside the rich treasure of king Floridamant , after they had vsed towards him and his people , the like or more bloodier crueltie , then euer the Grecians in times past did shew to Pryam and his warlike Troyans .

And surely this good Christian king was verye sad and sorowfull in his heart , seeing himselfe so weake against such a puissant armie , wherein were so many hardie and strong knightes , as but fewe like them could bee founde through the whole world , and aboue all the rest this monster of Scythia was most redoubted , in that he was most to be feared for his force and crueltie : yet notwithstanding , putting his trust in God , the walles of his cittie beeing strong and well appointed , hee was pacient in this perill , expressing meruaylous hardinesse in his countenance , encouraging his people with fayre speeches and exhortations , that by their generous actes and behauiour , they should be vigilant and carefull for the defence of the cittie , giuing them to vnderstand by woorthie examples , how religiously euery subiect stood bound to their king and countrie in that behalfe .

The enemyes on the contrarie side ( for the reasons alreadie declared ) were so merrie and io●●nd , as through their campe was nothing but songs of ioye and pleasure , dronken pastimes , beastly gourmandisings , and such like insolencies : for beside the succour before rehearsed , came to the Pagan hoste two strong and puissant kings from the coast of Barbarie , the one named Phoas king of Alger , and the other Orontes king of Marocco , both co●sens germaine , and kinne in the same degree to Adylas king of Thunis , and to the king of Phez whom we spake of before , beeing of no lesse force and valour then those two . Withall they brought in theyr companie a great multitude of armed men , good archers bearing Persian Bowes and arrowes , with poysonned heads , the number of theyr men was fortie thousand .

By these meanes it seemed , that God being angrie and displeased with his people , would now thorowly scourge them , suffering in so short time , such a mightie power of enemies to be assembled : whereof heere I purpose to speake no more , but in the following Chapter you shall heare what happened .

CHAP. 15.

How the Pagans reioysing for the succour , that thus came daylye to them from all partes : the prisoner Angrafolt had minde of nothing , but the looue of the fayre Princesse Polydamie . In meane while , the olde Grandowin assembled his councell of sixteene puissant kings , who concluded on an vniust resolution : whereof king Floridamant made no account , but minded to defend himselfe , and withstand the furious assaultes of his enemies . And howe hee heard tidings of helpe from Spaine and Fraunce .

ALl the Pagan Arm●e being in this ioy and metriment , for the newe supplyes that came to them , as before yee haue heard , some hoping to loade themselues with rich bootles and pillage , others in the destruction of the Englishe Citties and townes , which gréedie desire made them to vndertake this warre , and this they would obtaine , or die in pursuite thereof , ( as at this day too many are found of like disposition ) others incited and enflamed with desire of honor , but they were very fewe in number to the former sorte , wishing for spéedie fight with king Floridamants hardie and valiant knights , the conquest of whom would bring them immortall reputation , and this desire especially made them be seene in this warre , because many of their friends and kindred were slaine in the assault before the Cittie , and for their deaths they had reason to séeke reuenge : but aboue the rest , the olde king Grandowin , chéefe of this Armie , the most ancient and malicious enemie in the troope , appeasing his conceiued greefe , for the imprisonment and captiuitie of Angrafolt his eldest sonne : quicklye sent him woord of these good newes , and how daye by day there came to him from many places fresh supplyes , whereof if I should héere make report , it would require a very large discourse : neuerthelesse , in running thorow the progresse of these affayres and state of this warre , he may gather some , breefe perticularitie heereafter . And to admit comparison , not Alexander , Darius , Xerxes , no not the Romaines , nor the Greekes before Troye , assembled so many fighting men together at one instant , as now was before the Cittie of London : so that according to generall oppinion , especially of the besteged , it was held for certainty , that all the kingdom of great Brittaine was ruined and lost .

Of all these things was Angrafolt aduertised , and exhorted to worke some mean● of secret commotion within the Cittie , if he could deuise any way whereby to compasse it : but this two-folde taken prisoner , made full reckoning of all these newes and aduertisements , his thoughts onely at some secret cogitation , howe or which way hee might most commodiouslie steale away the young princesse Polydamie , or otherwise gaine some amourous iouissance , the onely medicine for his languishing passions , which continually maistred his wunted humours : making sometime a courteous and affable knight contrary to his nature , and sometime againe so drowned in melancholly , as the sight of any one but his fayre mistresse offended him . A thing questionlesse very strange , that he who was such a sauage and cruell enemie to all humanitie , not to bee conquered by anye kinde meanes , whose former desires aymed at nothing , but to sée himselfe in the middest of a battayle , holding his bloodie Launce or Courtla●e in his hand , burning with enflamed affection of fighting without measure : should now bee so subiected to the lookes of a soft and delicate maiden , carying him dayly ( as it were ) bound after her , without thinking eyther on battayle , armour , swoord , shield , horse or 〈◊〉 his minde was howe to conferre familiarly with Polydamie , or counting it a cheefe felicitie to bee in sight of her , for all things else were death to his amourous desires .

Grandowin in meane while ( being ignorant of this vnexspected accident ) one day called an assembly of his kings and such as were the chéefe of his armie , to the Pauillion where councell was accustomed to be holden : to the end they might deligently deliberate on their present affaires , and by what meanes they were likeliest to gaine home againe their prisoned friends . At this councell there met about fiftéene or sixteene puissant kings , all wearing Crownes , and were placed according to their auncient honor and degrées . The first was king Brandissant , next , the puissant Tryphon king of Scythia , king Tauladas , king Guittard of Baccaleos , king Marton of Cantabres , king Phoas of Alger , Orontes king of Marocco , king Grimoaldo , king Pagotroff , king Salazard , king Kambarell , the strong king Zorlet , Borant king of Carybe , Maurus king of Bohemia , with the proud and arrogant king Phorban of Moeotides , a braue Pagan , and a worthie knight . All these being assembled , to set downe some resolution touching their busines , after they had long debated on diuersitie of opinions , such as were seuerally deliuered in councell : they concluded in the end to write to king Floridamant , that within three dayes following he should come vnto them , and bring with him the two prisoners Angrafolt and Mycrophon , commaunding him to bee guide to the prisoners himselfe , accompanyed with the best knights that then were in the Cittie , six in number . Likewise to bring two hundred of the fayrest maidens , all Uirgins , and of mariageable yeeres , not excéeding fifteene or sixteen● at the most , that they might vse theyr pleasure with them . In meane while , to sende all the riches and treasure , which both himselfe and his Cittizens had in their most secret confers or cabinets , for search whereof , they would send fiue hundred of theyr Souldiers into the Cittie : and euer after it should continue as a yeerely tribute to the chéefe of theyr Armie , twenty Uirgins of noble familie and exquisit beautie , beside two Millions of Golde .

Moreouer , he and his knights should come bare headed , and without any armour , to aske parden of great king Grandowin for the death of his sonnes , in reuenge whereof this warre was commenced : withall , that hee and his knights should voluntarily submit themselues to his mercie , that hee might dispose of their liues and goods as seemed best to him : when peraduenture he would take pittie on them , not putting them to death so cruelly , nor race the Cittie , nor murther all the rest of his people , as otherwise he intended to doo , ( if he denied theyr demaund ) with such ruine and desolation , as neuer was mention made of the like .

To carrie these newes of this fayre resolution , was immediatly dispatched a messenger towarde king Floridamant , to whome the gate of the Cittie was presently opened , to vnderstand the cause of his comming : and hauing performed what hee imagined concerning his deuoyre , deliuering the before named Letters to the king : wherevpon his maiestie grewe presently into excéeding great anger and rage : yet cunninglye shaddowing his conceiued displeasure , hee made no other answere to the messenger , but that his intent was not to accomplish and performe anie of those seuerall demaundes , in that they were ouer iniurious and vnreasonable , and not to bee allowed of in any wise .

Beside that ( hee said ) if his enemies eyther had or should set downe such a resolution concerning his ruine and destruction : hee with his councell and Nobles were concluded to stande on theyr defence , in resistance of the least euill that might ●e . For the rest , each one should doe their vttermost endeuour , according as himselfe hither to had doone , and neuer yet could any enemy compell him to matters against his will , wherefore it was too late for him now to begin : and so ( quoth he to the messenger ) yee may returne with this answere . Which presently he did , whereat the Pagans greatly meruayled , that a man hauing so few to helpe him , should containe such hardinesse , as to talke to them of resistance : aboue all the rest , old Grandowin was extreamely e●raged , saying , that this was not the first act , wherein appeared the effects of king Floridamants oure-wéening , wherefore he would spéedily take such order with his people , as should sharpely make him repent his follie and rashnesse .

Wherevppon , within thrée daies following at the most , each one should prepare himselfe readie to armes , when such an assault should be made against the cittie , as not one stone should be left standing vppon another , but bee rased and extermined altogether . In regard whereof , euery one should withdraw himselfe to his quarter , and giue order for all things needfull against the day of assault . Heereof the Christian king being aduertised , commaunded the Pagan Mycrophon to bee closely locked vp , to the end that during this troublesome time , hee might compasse no meane of working any treacherie or treason . But as for the king of Corse , hee restrayned not him of libertie , which hee had to walke within the walles of the Pallace royall , where was roome sufficient and verye spacious : well perceiuing that he was so carryed away with the loue of his daughter , with whom and the Queene Bellizene he still kept company , assuring them , that he would expose himselfe rather for theyr defence then offence : and in respect of the conuersation he had had with them , no iniurie should bee offered to theyr honor .

In which spéeches the Queene reposing some confidence , but the mayden especially : the more willingly they would conuerse with him , and among other familiar conferences , the Quéene made him recount the number of straunge nations , the diuersitie of kings and great captaines that were in theyr Armie , their estate , forces and deedes of chiua●rie , by them in former times performed ▪ By which reports they cunningly gleaned from this imprudent Pagan , what best might serue for the defence of the Cittie , and thorow ouermuch talke , he discouered how , on which side , and by what secret meanes , the enemyes had concluded to assaile and seaze on the Cittie : withall hee declared to them , the manner and custome that those nations were wunt to obserue and vse in such warre , which was most likelyest , and which not .

By these meanes king Floridamant had knowledge of many things , that serued as speciall rules of discipline to his Court of guard , and therfore appointed his men in readines against the threatned daye : continually trauayling day and night with Grandilaor , Fertand , Candior , Sylban , and other hardie knights of name that were in the Cittie with him , who ( according to his commaund ) busied themselues very carefully , letting nothing flip that any way concerned theyr change . During which time , one night secretly arriued at the Cittie wall , the two valiant knights , Andregon Duke of Suffolke , and Lampridion Countie of Norffolke , both Cosens germaine , and highly belooued of king Floridamant . The first came from demaunding helpe for the Christians , of Dorian king of Spayne , and the other from the like affaires in the kingdome of Gaule , whether they were sent , before the Pagan armie had engirt the Cittie with siedge , and both returning at one selfe same time , after many aduentures befalling them in the expedition of theyr voyages , met together on the way , and so trauailing in company , arriued there about the houre of midnight , not being espyed by any of the enemies Campe , who then were in their dead sleepe , and comming to the foote of the wall , on that side , where the king of the Suitzers had charge , and where as then a good Cittizens was Sentinell one of the richest and best Souldiours of the Cittie , being called Hoaster , that knew them very well , because he had familiarlie frequented the houses of these two Christian knights , and and they well perceiuing , that Hoaster knew them by their spéech , sent presently woord of their arriuall to king Floridamant , who caused the neerest gate of the cittie to them to be opened , when they safely entred , not being at all discouered by the enemie . Hee that came from Spaine aduertised his maiestie , how king Dorian vnderstanding his war against the Pagans , concluded immediatly to come himselfe in person , attended on by a strong and puissant armie , to assist king Floridamant his old companion , and the christian people that inhabited great Brittaine : for which cause he summoned a méeting of his subiects , promising to be in England in very short time . These tidings brought Andregon , and Lamprydion deliuered the like from king Belligand of Gaule how forward hee was in deuoire to send him succour , his armie being leueyed and readie to depart , and had ●re then set forward , but that the king daylye expected the Prince Diodamas his sonne , a man of great valour , who had not long before receiued his order of knighthood : being gon in quest of an other knight , that had in his keeping a Fayrie Launce , where of hee had robd the king his father , which Launce hee heard was againe recouered by the young prince , and he returning home ward , when being come , hee should away to England with the armie . For these glad tidings king Floridamant thanked God , trusting in him and to the speeding supplie each houre expected : resoluing to defend himselfe if he should be assayled , without any issuing foorth to the enemie , neither to sight , except he should be enforced there vnto , vntill these Armies were ioyned with him . Attending which time , he thought good to prolong day of the assault , kéeping their enemies in breath , and these affayres in good foresight : which to comp●sse , he thought on euery likely and expedient remedie , as yee may perceiue in the Chapters following .

CHAP. 16.

Howe the Princesse Polydamie , beholding from the height of a Tower , the Campe and countenance of the Pagans , was shewen by Angrafolt , who were the cheefe commaunders in so great a multitude . And the Princesse , seeing the Scythian monster , swouned with conceit of feare , when Angrafolt conueyed her thence into the Queenes chamber .

MEane while , to finde some meane of deferring the generall assault , which the Pagans in their councell had determined against the Cittie of London : king Floridamant consulted with the hardie knights of his councell , and other noble personages , that then were in the Cittie with him to receiue aduise from them , what best might be doone ●or defence of the Christians against all euents , wanting honest excuses to delay the day of battaile , and tarri● for the supplie which was comming . The Pagans on the other side disposed their men ( being many in number ) to assayle the besiedged , forca●●ing all the best wayes and m●anes for the same that might be possible . And as these affayres passed on in this sort , the fayre Infant Polydamie being on the top of a high Tower of the pallace royall , where she might behold the confused and bad ordered multitude of enemies : sawe them martching foorth of their pauillions , which were erected a pretty way off from the ●ittie , that they might to raine themselues néerer , where the Archers , Crosbowes and Slings might eastlie reache the towne with their shaftes and stones : as in those times the Pagan nations knew how to vse the same , as well in assayling as in defending , or where they soonest might come to handie gripes , or make some sudden surprise in the night , whereat the beautifull maide was greatly abashed . But had they beene assembled there , to some better purpose then they were , shee might haue conceiued excéeding pleasure , in beholding so many goodly Ensignes or Guydons , such riche gilt glistering armour , so many pikes and launces , so many braue Captaines well furnished , so many hardie knights well mounted in equipage , so many Drummes , Fyfes , and Trumpets , which with warlike noyse chéered vp the souldiers hearts : as one would haue sayd , seeing the footmen leape and daunce so merrily , and the horsemen carryre so brauely , that they rather were prepared for a wedding then the fight : yet notwithstanding this pleasing sight , she curssed them in her minde , desiring bet●ter pastime , and more agreeable to her contentment .

Continuing in this displeased thought and contemplation , Angrafolt the king of Corse came vp to hir , hauing long sought her in many chambers of the Castell , and not finding her , ye may guesse his greefe by his humor : for he was so passionate and impatient in his loue , that beeing absent from the fayre Infants sight , he could enioy no rest , wherfore finding her by her selfe , after hee had so long sought hir in euery likely place : iudge yee whether he were pleased or no , and the Prince●●e contrarywise displeased , to be alone in such a place , farre from the Queenes company and the other Ladyes , with such a mightie enemie to hir modestie , which ( as she well knew ) bee sought all meanes to attempt : yet ●éeling himselfe to be a prisoner , fearing likewise to raise any further offence in his enemies against him , and especially being ouerruled by the force of loue , which made him so milde and gentle as I tolde 〈◊〉 before , he vsed such rega●● of the Princesse , as not so much as with a looke or a word , he would be drawne to vse any force or violence towards her . Which when the Lady noted , with a benigne and gracious welcome , wishing him to abandon those melancholly humours , she intreated him to shew and tell her perticulerly , who and what were the chéefest leaders in that multitude . And séeing a chariot 〈◊〉 ●edeckt with golde and siluer , drawne by foure lustie 〈◊〉 Coursers brauely caparosonued , wherein sat an auncient knight , his heard white , and countenance reuerend , enuiro●ed with a goodly troope of horssemen , that rode before him along the field , all shewing dutie to him , and rainging which way hee pleased : she was desirous to know the estate of this old man , whom first her eyes had taken view of , wherefore she thus began .

I pray yee sir knight , if ye beare me such loue as ye haue made speeche of : tell me truely what this old man is , that rides in such riche and fayre a Chariot , to sport himselfe along the Ca●pe . Lady , quoth Angrafolt , I shall willingly tel yee without fabling , for in obeying your commaund , I would make no spare of my life , much lesse then deny to satisfie yee in this . Among these matters of so great importance , know madame , that this is the puissant king Grandowin my father , cheefe of all this great multitude of men by him leuied , in his youth he hath doon● many fayre 〈◊〉 and worthie deedes of memorie , and although ( by reason of his yeares ) hee is not as hee hath beene readie in force and prowesse for the fight : yet is hee so wise and pollitique in councell , concerning these affyres of warr● , a Prince 〈◊〉 riche , opulent and redoubted withall , as all the Pagan nations stand in awe of him , respecting onely his ●ommaundem●nt . All these which you sée heere , are 〈◊〉 for his defence ( the renowne of his vertue and 〈◊〉 beeing so spred through the world ) are all at his direction , to fight , 〈◊〉 citties , or what else beside , and 〈◊〉 are they to learne 〈…〉 Then tell me sir , quoth she , what is yonder portly knight of stature , whose countenance appeareth so proud and arrogant , that with his great blacke Courser fetcheth such 〈…〉 hauing so rich and fayre a plume of 〈◊〉 blew and white in the treast of his Helmet , an●wering the same in couller that are on his horsses head : his Beuer being open , makes me coniecture by the small sight of his face , that hee should bee a man of high resolue , and in martiall : enterprises a couragious warriour . Beside , if 〈◊〉 ●ye deceiue mee not , hee somewhat resembles your selfe in countenance , the couller of your haire nothing diffe●ing : for his armes , as I guesse standing so farre off , hee beares in his shéeld three bloudie rampant Lions in a field blewe .

He● whom yee speake of Madam , answered Angrafolt , ●ée●ing to hardie and magnanimous , is my brother Brandissan● , a man repleat with wounderfull prowesse , valiant and readie at armes beyond all the rest of the armie , a riche and mightie prince both in lands and treasure , who in his tender youth held such warre against his enemies , as ouer●●●●●ing and ●anquishing them , he conquered with all sundrie 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 rich and fertile , well garnished with people , borne and brought vp to follow the warres . But he ( quoth Polydamie ) whom I behold yonde● a little on the left hand , who priding in the course of his horse , makes him carrire toward king Brandissant your brother : he ●eares in his sheeld ●oure Giants , and the figure of a monster dead or 〈◊〉 as I 〈◊〉 by the painting , and there stands a knight 〈◊〉 in the conquest : what is he ? and what are those other three that follow in the same course , all seeming to be of one minde or disposition . They are ( quoth Angrafolt ) foure great Pagan princes , the subiects and seruants to king Brandissant my brother : the first of them is called Solazard , that beares the monster and the Giants slaine , as yee perceiue by the painting in his shéeld , those in times past hee alone vanquished in a foughten field .

He is a riche and puissant Lorde , a man of great valour and addresse at armes , and by reason of his prowesse worthie estimation : though he were deformed and of monstrous fashion , as ye might sée if he were vnarmed . The other likewise that follow , are knights of marke and great reputation , the one , is king of Niuarie , a riche and opulant kingdome , that with one Launce , brought to death thirtie Cantabres , when king Brandissant my brother made warre vpon them , wherefore at this day he beares them all depainted in his shéeld , as yee might behold , if the gréene shaddow were away wherewith it is couered . As for the other two , they are the valiant Cambarell and Pag●traff , Kings of the Iunonian Isles , in riches and valour they are not equall to their two former brethren , but in age onely and nothing else : and further of in midst of the troupe , where ye sée yond multitude of goodly pauillions , are their people , tarrying but when they shall bee ranged in order for the assault : toward king Grandowin are they now martching , to vnderstand his aduise and councell , in what place they should assemble , while the rest of their companie beeing merrily disposed , fall to such pastimes as martiall men are wunte to exercise .

And fronting that troope , yee may behold my six Giants , which shew so high aboue the other , as stéeples in a cittie ouerpéere the lowest buildings : and they are prepared ( as they were when I maistred them ) to resist a verye puissant armie . But what is he , quoth the princes , on the right hand , that rides on the roane Courser , managing a strong launce vppon his thigh , clad in blacke Armour grauen all ouer with golde , glittering so brauely as hee rides to an other troope some what further off .

You meane he Madame , said Angrafolt , that beares thrée golden Sunnes in his sheeld , deciphered in a greene field , and bordered round about with purest golde ? He I meane , answered the Princesse , that talkes with another knight of like apparaunce , hard by the multitude , mounted on a sorrell Courser , with a very strong Launce in his hand , and in his shéeld thrée Leopards heads in a Sable field . It is , replyed the Corsean prince , the worthie king Tauladas of Canada , a man woonderfull a●●able and debonaire , albeit no lesse hardie with swoord or Launce , then anye other in all the Campe : euen so is he with whome you see him talking ▪ the redoubted Barant king of Carybe , they both being come to associate this warre , rather for proofe of man to man in combate , ( against king Floridamant your father , the fame of whose renowmed vertues called them hither ) then any desire to doo him hurt or damage : but true it is , that to fortifie our Campe , they haue brought with them from theyr countries and kingdomes , great store of armed men and well appointed . I am much deceiued , sayd the princesse , if he whom I see standing with his face toward vs , bee n●t some Pagan king of great name ▪ he I meane , that now marcheth 〈…〉 , all bearing Ensignes or Guydons of diuers coullers in their hands , and he riding somewhat aloof● before them , on a horsse more whyte then any Swanne , harnessed with ●●mosin veluit , the ●●uddes and buckles of perfect golde : and if mine eyes fayl me not , he 〈◊〉 three 〈…〉 sheeld , and those I take to be his armes .

Madame , answered the Pagan , I did not well note his countenance , beacuse he suddenly turned back toward his 〈…〉 but if hee beare such arms as you speake of it 〈…〉 Marton , king of Biscay or 〈…〉 ( among other things ) to conduct men of warre on the Seas , where in our ●omming hith●r hee was cheefe leader of all our Armie , hauing the whole gouernment and charge thereof , by reason of the great valour abiding in him , and long experience in manie affayres : they that follow him are all knights of esteeme , whose charge is to manage the Ensignes and Standards in the ships .

I haue not yet séene , sayd the Princesse Polydamie , two more braue and comely knights , then these two that ryde hitherward , ech on a black Stéed , marked alike with white in their foreheads , their backs and legges richly harnessed with greene veluet : one of them beares two Collomes in his sheeld , figured in an Azure field : the other a flourishing braunche of Roses , carrying theyr liuely Roses in a golden field , and each hath in his hand a Iaueling pointed with golde , and garnished with siluer studdes : theyr horsses trot alike , both of one 〈◊〉 and height , I am 〈◊〉 they are none of the m●anest in your companie , I pray ye sir tell me what they are . These two ( Madame ) are arriued heere since I was taken , but as I haue heard by messages from my noble father , they are the two princes Orentes and Phoas , the one king of Marocco , the other of Alger , two neighbouring kingdomes on the coast of Barbarie , abounding in riches and treasure , so likewise of their persons they are as hardie and valiant as any in the world , and as heauie enemies to the Christians and their religion , the expresse cause of theyr comming hither , to hurt and destroy them so much as possiblie they may .

As the Corsean king held on this speech to the princesse , the kings Maurus and Phorbon , and betweene them the monstrous Tryphon king of Scithia , Gotia , Sarmata , and Geta , came foorth of their pauillions to dorayne theyr people , and as the young Ladie noted theyr gestures and countenance , intending to enquirs what they were , c●●●ing her eyes vppon the Scythian Mou●●er , m●unted and ●quipped in such forme and manner as before I haue tolde yee : shee was so surprized with feare at the verye sight of him , her heart beeing tender , daintie and delicate , as giuing a loud shrike , she fell in a swoune or traunce , which the Pagan king perceiuing , and dreading some wurs inconuenience would ensue : he tooke her vp in his armes , and caryed her thence verye gentlye and modestlie into the Queenes Chamber , where he declared the occasion of her feare , and continued to them the discourse of those thrée before named kings : which the Ladyes heard very attentiuely , and while the Pagan bethinkes himselfe where to breake off his discourse , heere thinke I good to conclude this Chapter .

CHAP. 17.

How king Floridamant hauing assembled his Councell , to receiue aduise from the cheefe of his friends , and well wellers , concerning what was best to be done in this necessitie : After he had heard the diuersitie of their oppinions , in the end hee set downe his rest on the councell of the wise and aged duke Candior of Normandie .

KIng Floridamant was all this while in Councell , to be aduised ( as I tolde ye in the former chapter ) how hee might best delay the assault , and by likelye meane de●erre it , till the expected ayde from Gaule and Spaine were arriued . In which councell , there were many of different and contrarye oppinions , for some thought good to temporise a while without fighting , vntill they should bee somewhat stronger , to endure so sharpe and cruell an assault as the Pagans intended against them ; because in very déede they were ouer-weake , to withstand so fierce a charge as was like to be offered , for if theyr mishap should be such ( as the issue of fightes and batta●les is most certainlye vncertaine ) to be vanquished , and the Cittie taken in the assault : the hoped for supply so long attended , were vaine , and would profit them nothing after theyr death , for hardlye should they become conquerours after they were conquered , therfore the counsell of stay was reputed most honest , and without anye shewe of cowardise of these doubtfull meanes to chuse one .

Or else to sende a Letter to the heads and cheefe of the Pagan Campe that if twelue such knightes as they could choose in theyr Campe , euen the very brauest , where of they had great numbeer , ( except the mightie king Tryphon of Scithia ) durst enterprise the combate in field enclosed , with what armes they would , against king Floridamant , and eleuen such knights as hee would elect for his companie : if in this combate they happened to be victors , king Floridamant would obey the decrées and conditions by them before proposed , satisf●yng whatsoeuer they demaunded by their messenger . But if the conquest turned to king Floridamant and his Knights , the Pagans should bee bound to deliuer their foure vallant prisoners , and depart with bag and baggage , not offering iniury or displeasure to any Christian. For assurance of which conuentions , the prisoners on eyther side should remaine ostages , vntill the vanquished had obeyed to such order as they had thus promised by inuioble oathe .

Otherwise they were of opinion , to enforce the Pagan prisoner write to them , with whom his credit was so great , and whose losse the king Grandowin greatly feared , because extreamely he loued his Children : that so soone as they began to assault the cittie , the Christians were minded cruellie to put them to death . Others humors were far contrary héer to , and said , it were more necessary to incite the Corsean king , to write rather of a treatie of mariage with the kings daughter , beeing become so amourous of her , as hee could gladly elect her as his wife : and while they should consider on this marriage contract , it might bee a meane of peace with Floridamant , for the cittie were to stand frée from the least mollestation , vntill he secretly vnderstood his fathers will , whether it should be a marriage or no , for which season they might lawfully require a truce or peace : thus feigning some forwardnes in themselues to this marriage , they should induce the Pagan to write the more willingly . But king Floridamant , who had his spirit more vigilant and diligent about his affayres , and for the conseruation of his honor : reputed these opinions ( of the king Grandilaor and Ferrand , with the princes Andregor and Lampridion , who had thus conferred together ) to be very straunge and farre from reason : wherefore he addressed himselfe to graue olde Candior of Normandie , desirous to vnderstand if he were so minded or no , whereto the Duke thus answered .

My Lord , I haue euer esteemed and accounted the kings Ferrand and Grandilaor , as also the Duke of Suffolke and Countie of Nor●●olke , to be hardy and couragious knights , aboue all in your court , theyr deedes haue beene verye generous , and full of high chiualrie , as by very honourable effects they haue beene manifested to me : but I tell yee boldlie in their presence ( seeing it is your pleasure ) without any flutterie , that 〈◊〉 I had not good and certaine knowledge of them , yea , had not mine eyes seene in many encounters , the vndoubted proofe of their valour and vertue : hearing them of such opinion in these affayres , questionles I should think them other then they are , or else dreading doubt of the danger wherein we now are , hath made them vse these tearms of feare , ●ather to the losse of your estate , so many good cittizens , women and young children as are in this cittie , then any hazard of their owne persons . Therefore whatsouer 〈◊〉 thereon , I may not follow their aduise , for many reasons and considerations , which if it please you , and all the assistants , to listen with fauourable eares , I will describe vnto ye . In the first place , if we should write to our enemies and defie certaine of them in combate against like number of ours : they presently would conceiue opinion , that all our strength and valour consisted in the hardinesse of a doozen men , which might be easie for them to discomfite , and no other hope remaineth now for vs , where as yet hither to they haue beene of a farre contrary minde . For howsoeuer readie they bee to assayle vs , they imagine vs to bee a greater number then we are , as ye may gather by so many likelyhoods lately seene , disposing their campe into so many and sundrie places , all to hinder our issuing foorth vppon them by day or night : the rest in farre fewer number , are ranged into foure direct places , where best they may make their assault . Farre better it is for vs it should bee so , then otherwise , because if all were prepared to assayle vs , wee should finde our selues more seuerely 〈◊〉 , then we can do by the order that is nowe disposed : and this will fall out for certaine , if we write to our enemies as these good Lords haue aduised .

Secondly , whereas we would combate , as it is thought méet to be demaunded , or else we will do or can do nothing : if we be so desirous of the combate , twelue against twelue , we shall bring our selues into very great hazard . For it is necessary to consider , as euer more in taking things at the 〈◊〉 , that be it wee gaine or we loose the battaile , we shall be sure euery way to loose : because in a case of victorie , we can take no assurance of our enemies ●aith , they hauing none at all . Nor are we anyio●e to trust the 〈◊〉 prisoners , which wee haue in our custodye , by reason they haue more of ours , whome we prize and esteeme more them they doo or can doo theyr● . Beside , they haue among them diuers nations of contrary● 〈◊〉 , some of them ( against the will of the 〈◊〉 ) may 〈◊〉 vppon our twelue knights , and murther them , if they bee not miraculously preserued from so great daunger : and which is more ▪ what likelihood can be gathered , that twelue men , the cheefe and head of a sufficient great and puissant armie , should go foorth to hazard the liues and libertie of so many persons ? where being vnited together within the Cittie , and fenced round about with strong walles , me thinkes , that although all the Pagans in the world were héere assembled to enforce vs , yet should it be impossible for them . And before they can get entrie , their siedge will be longer then that of Troye was , but we must make no issue out vpon them , neither wil we any way condiscend to this combate : for it were but a faint harted trick , if they should take vs at our woord , and we our selues afterward glad to refuse it , this for euer will redounde to our great shame and dishonour , which we should rather flie then the losse of our liues . Nowe for constraining the Pagan prisoner to write any thing thereby to respite and delay the assault , I mislike that more then the other , because wee ought not vse any force or violence against a prisoner , vrging him to write any matter whatsoeuer , that may be preiudiciall to him or his : least that our enemies who are Pagans , and in whome yet neuer appeared any sparke of loyaltie or fidelitie ( as well we knowe ) should intend some thing against our prisoner , both hurtful vnto them and vs , and I am of opinion , that if vnbeléeuing men containe such good thoughts , as to vse kindnes and benignitie towarde their enemies , the like or more ought appeare in them that professe faith and loyaltie . Wee then that follow the right path of a farre better religion , should thinke on no fraude or trumperie whatsoeuer , and much lesse in time of a kinde intreaty , as we promise to our prisoned enemie , vnder hope whereof , they whom our enemies detaine of ours , may receiue such fauour from them , as they shall not be compelled to doo any thing hurtfull to themselues . Let vs not then constraine him to any thing against his will , much lesse let vs speake or once open our mouthes concerning any marriage , in that it will seeme a matter incredible to our enemies that against the lawes of our religion , wee would permit the marriage of a Pagan with a Christian : this were but to make them veryly beléeue , that we would altogether forsake our God , and the con●idence we haue hitherto reposed in him , to worship with them their false gods , Iupiter , Mahomet , Mercurie , Phoebus , and such like idols as they reuerence as things celestiall , so altogether to take their parte : whereas we ought not shew them the least attaint of our thoughts , but firmely to stand on our strong faithfull foundation toward God , who euermore hitherto hath maintained and preserued vs , by his exceeding mercie and inuincible dower . And still in his goodnes we ought to resolue with our selues , that all the Bethulians were in times past deliuered , from the miserable and cruell siedge of cruell Holofernes , onely by power diuine , that for their deliuerance raised vp a woman , who by vndauntable stomach cut off the head of their chéefest enemie : we by the like or greater miracle , by his supreame and diuine grace shall be deliuered from our proud enemy : for whose destruction if our strength be two feeble , or in any sort wanteth , hee can by his will , if we firmely trust in him , make flye on them againe , eyther the Sword of Gedeon or Aioth , or else an other Iudeth , to ouerthrow and exterminate theyr dayes altogether , so to preserue and deliuer them that abide in faithfull obedience and trust , continuing theyr firme hope and assurance onely in him .

We sée by many holy and sacred misteries and examples wherewith the diuine and holy Scriptures are plentifully stored and furnished from how many euils and mischiefes he deliuered , and miraculouslie preferued the Children of Isaack and Israell , that trusted in his goodnesse and mercie , and did with hearts full of deuotion and penitence , call for his helpe and succour in theyr calamities and afflictions : let vs then altogether trust & hope in him , beleeuing that he is at this present , euer hath beene , and for euer will bee , as gracious and mightie as then hee was , and in this hope let vs take paine , valiantlye and couragionslie to defend our selues : for if we had this resolution in vs , though we were as men without hart or power , I am perswaded that fiue hundred of vs , shall suffise to impeache the entrance of our enemie , were they as many more in number as they are , and so attend the arriuall of our hoped succour , albeit they should tarry a moneth yet longer in comming , when he had concluded in this sorte , the wise and vertuous king Floridamant , seeing by ●xteriour demonstration , that the greater part of the assistants , approoued and highly praysed the good councell of the val●ant olde Candior Duke of Normandie : fastened on his words , and thus began himselfe .

My good friends and faithfull companions , if in this aduers●tie ( which hath not béene common with you or mee ) I haue some cause of greefe , to sée my selfe in extreame danger of loosing my estate and Crowne , which my predecessours by their prudence and vertue , so long time happilie preserued in all flourishing ioy and prosperitie : yet withall I haue now great reason to comfort my selfe , séeing so manie vertuous and valiant persons embarqued in the same ship , readie to run in like daunger of fortune with me , who not onely by effects of their prowesse and valour lets mee apparantly behold , what good will they beare to the conseruation of the christian weale publique : but likewise do trauaile by their aduise and councell , to acquaint both mine eyes and certaine experience , with what zeale and affection they embrace the conduct of mine estate , and howe forward they are for the preseruation of all Christendome , which would bee meruaylously shaken , if this wofull distressed kingdome ( at this instant the most flourishing estate of all , where the name of Iesus Christ is knowne , honored and glorified ) should fall as a praye to the enemie , that séeke to take and vtterly ruinate it . For which I ought chéefely to thanke my God , as vnfaynedly I doo , that he hath not altogether forsaken mee in this calamitie and miserie : but not onely hath prouided me of such valiant knights and warriours as you all are , but withall hath lent me men so skilfull and aduised . It séemeth then good to me , that according to the discréet councell of Duke Candior of Normandie , that we should not séeke to delay , but patiently endure the enemies assault , when they shall againe with their great number giue the attempt , and without any shew of feare eyther without or within the Cittie , carrie no regard of our liues or goods , but imploye our selues together manfully , to defend so iust a quarrell as this for which we fight . And let vs so behaue our selues , that our enemies may know , how the Lord God that assisteth vs , and can ( if hee please ) take our ca●se in hand , is onely mightie , and will by vs deliuer such testimonie of fortitude to the worlde , as neither is in their power , or the false idolatrous Gods which they worship , to doo , in vaine then shall they thinke to feare vs , or worke such ruine to vs as they intended . In this deliberation each of you take courage , and he assured , that whosoe●dr dyeth in hardie tryall of this fight , it shall bee a perpetuall honor to him in this world , and a glorious life to him in the endlesse world , where he shall triumphe of the fayrest victorie . Neuertheles , I doo not reiect the good councell and aduise of the king Ferrand , Grandilaor , and others agréeing with them whereto if we sée vrgent necessitie constraine vs , wee may vse them as we find cause , to vphold our selues on our feete what euer betide vs : marie yet we must not so slightlie condiscend thereto , without further feeling of our enemies force , then as yet we haue , without any great disaduantage . Hauing thus sayd , ech commended and agréed on this resolution , and so rysing from councell , they went to prepare to withstand the assault , as héereafter ye shall read , because we must héere conclude this chapter .

CHAP. 18.

How the Pagans prepared themselues to the assault , and how the besieged Christians endeuoured to the contrarie , in such sorte as they withstood it valiantly . How many braue bickerings passed betweene them , compelling the Infidels ( after a great slaughter , and on needfull occasion ) to withdrawe themselues toward their Campe and Pauillions .

WHen the Christian Princes departed from Councell , it was almost night , and hauing a lighted Torche before him , as is the manner in the Realme of England , the chéefe and most noble Lordes went to the Pallace royall , to take theyr repast in companie of their king , who feasted and entertayned them very magnificently , the better to encourage them in their deu●ire . After supper was ended , the guarde and watch was orderly placed , each one of the inhabitants thus resoluing , rather to die the death , then turne their backes on their enemies , or forsake the walles , which they manned and fortified very strongly , expressing iuuincible and neuer quayling courage . The princes were there in person , and hauing in the night made sundrie roundes about the Cittie , to see if any thing wanted in any place : they found all well and in good disposition , through the carefull dilligence of the Captains by them appointed , and according as the king had commaunded for conduct of the footmen . This doone , they departed for a while to the pallace againe , that they might take a little rest , because they had beene so ouertrauailed the dayes before . Not three houres or thereabout had they slumbringly slept , but they heard a great rumour and noyse thorow all the Cittie , the cause whereof was , in respect the enemies had sounded their drums and trumpets , giuing an allarme to the inhabitants : wherevpon king Floridamant arose immediatly , and all the Christian kings and Princes that bare him companye , who betooke themselues as the king had appointed , to the rampiers and contremures seuerally prouided , to withstand this first and sudden assault of the Pagans . And as each one was come to his place of charge , they found the enemies alreadie verye busie , against foure places of the Cittie at once , with their Trepans , Rammes , Bricolles , Scorpions , Crowes , with other such like engines and instruments for warre , wherewith in those times they vsed to breake and beat downe the walles of Citties , they saw withall ▪ that they had erected theyr high terrasses and platformes that commaunded ouer the Cittie , and on the principall of these Fortes , they had builded certaine bastils or houses of wood , wherein were placed great store of Archers and crossebows , who standing with assurance against the enemie , might greatly iniurie such as attempted to impeache the escalade , appointed in these places and for this purpose . For this cause likewise , they commanded their Elephants to be brought neere the wals , to the number of two or three hundred , carrying little castles of wood vpon theyr backs , wherein also were a number of Pagan Archers hid . Beside , many were appointed with Torches and burning firebrands against the gates of the cittie , where they layde store of pitch barrels , to make the fire the sooner do his office when the gates being burnt downe , they entered in great number the citty , while the christians was busied to defend the breach or scaling of the wals : when king Floridamant & his hardie knights had notice ●éereof , with all spéed they haste●ed thither , where séeing how they laboured against the high bulwarks of earth , with their pioners they made new fortifications vpon them , casting such déepe trenches round about , as should hold them rougher worke then the wal had done : for the trenche was made with speciall good soldiours the number of thrée or foure thousand , being armed wyth pikes and stéeled cuirasses , so worthily stood vpon theyr defence , as the Pagans , who verily thought they had won the daie alreadie , were quickly repulsed from that bridge , for king Grandilaor , Andregon and Lampridion , who were appointed to kéep that quarter with their companies , droue them so furiously ouer the false rouered déepe trenches , as at this first onset fell therein wounded , slaine and spoyled , fouretéene or fiftéene hundred Pagans together , that were striuing , who should be formost before his fellow . Whereat the f●erce & proud Brandissant chafed out of measure , when being followed by the foure Pagan kings his vassalls , all armed in most goodly glittering armour , each hauing in his hand a mightie mase , garnished with sharpe stéele pointes round about : they laid vpon the Christians so outragiously , as the port of the bulwarke ( where into the greater part ran for safetie of their liues ) being too straight to let them in so fast as they came , there were presently slaine out-right in this brunt more then fiue hundred men . Brandissant pressing still on , by chance met with the Citizen Hoaster , who had charge of a braue armed troup in the citie , and such was his vnconquerable courage , as hee woulde resist this bloud-thirstie pagan : but he receiued such a stroke on the creast of his morion , where stood a faire plume of snowie white feathers , as pearcing quite through the harnes into the brains there this worthie citizen yéelded vp his soule to God : which when his sonne behold , the sole heire of a meruailous wealthie patrimonie , which his father had heaped together for him , beeing a valiaunt young man and of towardly hope , he was ouercome with such extreame rage and despight , as in the heate of his ●urie ( not dreading the force of this stout pagan ) he ranne vpon him to reuenge the death of his father , and hauing his sword drawen in his hand , he deliuered such a stroke at the pagan , as ( but for the goodnes of his shielde ) had deeply wounded him , for the swords point brake of with out anie further harme to his enemie , but the Pagan making no account of the blow , thought in scorne to passe by him , and meddle no more with him , whereat the yong man called Dondye , was so vexed , as running againe at Brandissant , he challenged him the combat : when the Pagan entering into his wonted choler , made him die the same death his father had done before , and holding on his waie in this furie , made such hauocke of the Christians , as before hee wold take a breathing , he slew fiue & twentie or thirtie men of marke , as braue and hardie as any in that companie . Agaros a man of authoritie , who before time had lead men in the warres of the de●eased king Brandismel , was slayne as he fought verie couragiously ; for after hee had killed foure pagan souldiers hand to hand , himselfe fell downe deade by the hand of this cruell and bloudie Brandissant , So likewyse did Taurisque the braue leaper and the good drinker Grinos albeit he tooke not his drinke well inough that morning , for which it séemed he was so sorrowfull in dying as he yelded forth his soule at his mouth , crying for some friend to bring him his liquor . With them bare companie Anglidor King Floridamants player on the Lute , and the valiaunt knight Andron , who somtime had bene his page , with his two brethren Iumeaux Marcis , and Mausis , goodly young men of the wealthiest familie of the citie of London , greatly affected to the good and safetie of the weale publique , and so many beside of speciall name , as if I shoulde particularly sette them downe in writing , it would require more time than in this case is limited me . For if the fierce pagan put ten to death , his followers apparantly imitated his valour , in murthering seauen or eight at the least , according as they coulde possibly reach them . Salazard with his semitarie smote off the head of Norgal among others , and quickly did the like to Longaro his cosin , two lustie young men , that were counted the best Fencers in all the city , but albeit their cunning and ●encing made a fine shewe in their masters hall , it little auailed them against the vnspeakable force of this valyant pagan , who ( with them ) sliced through the middest of the bodie . Aridos the good pilot , hee that in his life time had made many a voyage on the mediteranean sea , and from one side to another cutte through the wyde Ocean , to places whereof the names were neuer knowen . Cambarel cruelly slaughtered Medion a gallant disposed yong man of the city , whose father dying not long before left him abounding in goods and riches , and he beeing at libertie was affianced ( for her beautie and vertue ) to the fairest maide in the Citie , albeit she had no great dowry to her mariage , because her parents and friends were verie ●oore . But this rich citizen beeing amorous of her , minded soone after to marrie her , and so liuing in this sort , the pagan gaue end to his loue and hope at one s●roke , which so grieued Caluis , the brother germayne to fayre Auciana , the affianced maide , as hee woulde do his deuoir to reuenge his death , but Cambarel 〈◊〉 him with his sword from the head to the middle , and likewise slew Amiris the good Archer , as he was sending an arrow toward the fierce Zarlot , who on the other side made great spoile of the poore christians : but he had not the leasure to do it , for as he held vp his brasi●l bow , tipt at ech end with good harts horn , he fell downe dead to the earth , the blacke bloud issuing abundantly out at his mouth , through the cruell stroke the pagan gaue him with his sharpe skein . Not contented herewith , he smote the cunning cooke Piscan on the flank , he that was woonte to keepe the keyes of the gate of the Cittie , to open them in the morning and shut them at night , and so the good souldier fell dead to the ground : as likewise foure germaine brethren , who all that morning had laboured to repulse the enemie , and in the first shocke flew halfe a dozen with their guilded pikes , but when they brake through the throng , to driue the puissant Phago●roff backe againe from the breach , all striuing to auenge the death one of another , were in the ends slaughtered and spoyled in the breache by the right hande of this strong pagan Phagotroff , which proued very great losse to the christians , for besides that they were descended of verie noble race , their vertues and hardy courage made them worthie of high commendatious : the 〈◊〉 being named Flexin , the next Lampos , the third Artaxe , and the youngest Robly , the foure sonnes of the loyall knight Tamiris , who long time serued king Floridamant , as master of his housholde , and died in his seruice , as now dyd his foure sonnes , in the defnce of theyr liues and Countrie-King Grandilaor that beheld this blodie slaughter and mercilesse murdering of the Christians , as well by these accursed pagans before named , as also the sixe huge gyantes belonging to Angrafolt , became so passionate in his thoughts , that to reuenge the death of these foure hardie Gentlemen , he put himselfe forward against the pagan Phagotroff , who thinking to handle him as he had done the rest , was greatly stonned when he sawe and knew by effectes , that hee had made an ouer-rash account , the christian prince laying such strokes on him with his sword , as in his life he had not felt the like . Wherefore looking more narowly to his busines , he couered himselfe with his shield , whereof Grandilaor had pared awaie a great part , and to began betwéen them a verie hot skirmish , for if the christian prince was valiant and redie to armes , the bold pagan was no lesse than he . Which Zarlot and his brother perceiuing , trauailed so gréedilie to kill this Christian , as in despight ( lea●ing the conflict wher they were dealing ) they made great hast to runne furiously vpon him , but one of the ar●hers sent an arow so right from off the rampart , as entering the ●ight of his helmet , was soundly planted in the midst of his eie , whereof hee felt such excéeding paine and anguish , as hee f●ll downe in the place where he stood . Now is it not to be doubted whether Brandissant and his thrée brethren were offended hereat , for yee must thinke the●● a●ger to be such , as they laid on the Christians ten 〈…〉 than they had done before . And the Christians withall were so ioyfull , to sée one of their enemies chiefe pillers layd along , as they began likewise to vse better defence for thems●lues then they ●yd before , and the rather , for that the princes Andregon and Lampridion ( being néere on the other side ) had slaine the two fierce Gyants Astort and Morganos , beside Rogemont that ventured first on the wall in the esca●ade , was by them so shamefully repuls●d , as falling plainly from the toppe of the breach , he was glad to get him out of the fight , with his leg broken in the middest : but the multitude of the pagans was so strong and valiant , as no man was able to stand before them , for as they sought to carrie awaie the wounded body of Zarlot , the Christians stroue to take it from them , in which attempt to many of them were slaine , as they were faine to let them haue the pagans bodie halfe dead , and flie for assuraunce of their owne liues , behind the rampart and bulwarke , which theyr labourers had raised before the breach , and thence to repell the enemies accesse was verie difficult . When King Floridamant noted this , hee went and came from one breach to another , euen where he perceiued the fight to be most vilent , and where a souldier might best set himselfe to worke : and holding his bloudie curtelar in his hand , séeing Grandilaor , Andregon , Lampridion , and others sustaining the assalt on the side halfe vanquished , the breach being wel néere lost , such was the strength of the pagan kinges , princes and abounding multitude , hee cryed and called out vnto them in this ma●ner .

A● valiant knights and worthie men at armes , in whom gloryously shineth such prowesse and valour , as vnder the vault of heauen was neuer séene the lyke , now experience tels me , that your vertue is inuincible , and albeit the force of our enemyes is most great , ye haue notwithstanding such vnconquerable spirites , as the dread of death cannot cause ye to forg●t your deuoir , beeing so long since ●aught , that it is much better to die with 〈◊〉 , then liue with shame and disgrace , which your generous mindes coulde neuer brooke , to haue your fame by the verie least meane impayred . If alreadie you haue and still doe giue such terrour to to the enemie , as he knowes not whether he were best forsake the place or no , deliuering you the signall of victorie in y●elding you his roome : assure your selues that whatsoeuer countenance they shew of hauing the better , yet in this extremitie they know not to which of their Gods they should now make recourse . Courage , courage then most valyaunt knights and Gentlemen , boldly beate backe these heathen Infidels , I am here yet whole and sound to giue ye succour , and as your faithfull companion will liue and die with ye , not budging one foote from it , till either I be slaine or you ●onquerours .

These wordes pronounced most chéerefully , and comming from so great a personage , gaue such courage to the Christian princes and souldiours there about him , especially when they sawe the king not only in words , but in deeds endeuoured for theyr assistance : as king Grandilaor so rudely charged the pagan Phagotroff , who was climbing vp the top of the rampire , that he made him come tumb●ing down againe so loutishly , as he mist but verie litle of breaking his necke : neuertheles hee was so astonied and amazed , as his brethren and the rest which sawe him thought he had bene dead indéed . This ●o inflamed theyr chiefe leader Brandissant , that he ranne with such furie on this valiant prince , as but for the spéedie helpe of king Floridamant he had there bin slaine out right , for he had giuen him such a peisaunt stroke with his ●ace , as shiuering his ●hield had almost broke his arme , and withall made him fall in a trance to the ground , which the pagan well no●ing , ranne to finish vp the last accent of his life , but king Floridamant steped before him with such force and hardie courage ▪ as the pagan feeling foure or fiue good strokes well and soundly layde vpon him , was gladde honestly to gette him gone , and forsake the rampyre which he thought to haue wonne , shewing notwithstanding in his recoyling some valour in his countenance . Nor can I compare his retire to anie thing better , than that of a mastiue dogge , that being well bitten with the teeth of one that is stronger than himselfe flyes without making semblance thereof , shewing his teeth for all that to the other that 〈◊〉 him .

Thus threatned the pagan , when he was forciblie beaten from the rampire , shewing back his mightie mase with some meane ostentation , as though he would kill him that durst presume to ●ollowe him . But king Floridamant , seeing that it was not so ●xpedient to followe him , but rather to helpe Andregon and Lampridion , who were strongly beset by Salazard and Cambarell , as also a great nomber of theyr companie , against whom ( hauing so few soldiours ) it was very ha●d for them to make resistance ▪ therefore presently he directed his course thither , leauing the pursuite of Brandissant , and there so brauely behaued himselfe , that the Pagans perceiuing their cheefe leaders driu●n from the rampart by the renowmed Christian king , the tr●nche likewise 〈◊〉 againe , and many Pagans of name lay weltring in theyr bloud : they also tooke themselues to flight , wh●reat the olde Grandowin , who galloped with his Chariot hithe● and thither , to courage and harten vp his men , remembring how forward they were at the first ▪ and no●●e to flie with such manifest disgrace and shame , especially the king of T●uariffe his sonne ▪ Howe nowe Brandissant ? 〈…〉 I thought the place where you would giue the first assault , should be our vndoubted entrance into the Cittie : yet now to the contrary I behold , that you who should serue for an example of valour and ha●dines to all our h●ste , are the first that inciteth them to take their héeles , thereby to desist from so faire an enterprise , begun and hitherto continued hapily . If thou turne not once againe with thy men to the place from whence thou camst , I will flatly say thou art not my sonne : neuer more will I thinke on thée or Angrefolt thy brother , if thou reuenge not theyr death slaine by the christian king , and this notorious iniurie offered vs . Retourne thou then with spéed vpon the enemie , without hope of euer comming backe againe , except thou bring the victory and spoyle of the Christians , for this is the daie or neuer , that must needes make vs Lozdes and commaunders in this strong and well defended citie .

The magnanimious Infidell strouting himselfe , and hauing with meruailous grauitie deliuered these wordes , his cruell sonne ( followed by all his people at once ) moued with excéeding rage and auger , retourned so ●uriously vppon the Christians , as quickly made them re●ire within their rampires , so y● to behold theyr sallying forth , flight backe again , and eager pursuit of their gréedie enemies , I may well resemble it to the mercilesse flotes of the Caspian sea , when the waters driuen by violence of the windes , beate fiercely against the hard 〈◊〉 , wherwith it is enuironed , when the ●lames and billowes extreamly thereon rent asunder , con●usedly r●turne back again into the midst of the sea whence f●rst they went , and then re●ouering fresh vigour , againe and againe runne on the rockes more violently then before , so by going and comming still in vaine , theyr labour is bestowed to no purpose or benefite . In like manner beganne and continued this new assalt , both by the scaling ladders , and in at the 〈◊〉 , as I wil declare vnto ye in Chapters following tending to such matter . For the ●rueltie of this war hath now surprized me with such griefe of minde , as I am constrained a while to discontinue the historie , to speake of matters more pleasing , & which deliuer more swéetnes .

CHAP. 19.

How the Princesse Porphiria beeing in a castle neere to Constantinople , ouercome with amorous thoughts , and desirous to heare some tidings of her louer , importuned the Phisition Sagibell , to tell her by his Magicall art , whether he were aliue or dead . Which he could not then performe , albeit hee put his skil in practise , and withdrew his spelles , by reason of farre geater knowledge that remained in another . Notwithstanding , soone after she had some consolation concerning her loue .

I Stand in doubt I shall bee greatly blamed , for hauing so long time let sléepe in silence , the successe of the amourous sicknesse of the most fayre Princesse in the world , whose historie I haue discontinued since the first chapter of this booke , by reason of the sundrie occurrences of warres , combates , and other aduentures , which compelled the flight of my pen to take that course , following a path not before trode or beaten , as ye haue read : wherein if your iudgements finde that I haue any thing fayled , I will at this instant make amends for that fault ( if you account it a fault in so dooing ) and speake so sufficiently thereof , as you shall haue reason to be contented . If then I forget not the scope of the story concerning hir , and the last spéeches we had in her cause , it may appeare , that we left her from the Cittie of Constantinople , in a Castle of pleasure or recreation belonging to the Emperour her father : where ( to finde some ease for her amourous passions , though shaddowed vnder the change of ayr● ) the Phisition Sagibell wrought the meanes of conducting her thither , as yee haue read in the place before expressed . You remember likewise , in what ●quipage she was conuayed from the Court , and howe the Emperour kept the treasure and wealth of his Empire in this fortresse , impregnable of anie force : it remayneth then that I tell yes at this present what happened while she soiourned there , and howe her inflamed des●res were satisfied .

It behoueth then that ye call to minde , how earnest she was to know certainly , whether her louer were aliue or dead , for which without ceasing , she importuned her phisition , who , as well ye remember , was excellently skild in the magique art , whereby she should present to her eyes aliue or dead , the figure of him that gaue nouriture and some contentment to her amorous thoughts , that she might perceiue in what estate he was . The skilfull man ouercome with importunitie , prepared himselfe heereto , and settin●● owne such parcels as he thought meete for the purpose , hee found● by rare chaunges and contradictions , that o●efarre better experimented in this arte than himselfe , medled with the same matter , whereby he was compelled to leaue his enterprise imperfect and without ●ffect . Wherefore , if while the more skilfull partie called on the spirites , he should haue offered to procéed further therin , the double strife would haue growen to such a confusion , as the smoke and tempest wold haue ouerthrowen or carried awaie the castle , wherein the princely maide for her pleasure was inclosed . To preuent so great an euil , the phisition gaue ouer in time , and withdrew his charmes in verie good season ▪ declaring the occasion to the princesse , why he could not then bring to passe the thing she so much desired : yet assuring her withall , that very sone she should heare newes in some sorte , for which shee shoulde not tarrie anie long time , which proued true and came to passe as Sagihel had foretolde , for fiftéen daies after or therabout , one night when the princes was in her chamber , disrobing her selfe to go to bed , betwéene the hours of nine and ten at night , she heard a voice , and the sound of a lute , agréeing together so mellodiously , as among humane creatures was neuer heard swéeter harm●●ie . And the song séemed to come from some ship on the sea , at the foot of the castle , wher then was appointed the princesse chamber , the effect of which song hereafter followeth .

The song which the Princesse Porphyria heard in the Castle . THou that within this tower art inclosed , And with loues cruell fire all inflamed : This night giue rest vnto thy languishing . For Atropos as yet mindes not thy murdering . The destinies as yet consent not to end thy life , But these blacke houres must change of amorus strife And thou before thy death shalt see quite ended , The strong assaults of griefe that hath offended . Loue vowed not thy ruine though vnrest , A golden shaft he shot into thy brest , He for whom thy hart indures this sicknes , Triumphs not ouer thee , for thou art mistres . Euen with the selfe same shaft his heart is maimed , And plungd in sharper woes , of ioyes restrained , Faire maide then grieue not , this is but loues finger , They finde rest in the end that loue and linger . Cease , cease thy teares , complaintes and sorrowing , Cherish vp thy beautie fairer than the morning , A daie will come if thou wilt giue me credence , That of thy loyall loue thou shalt haue recompence . Angelicall beautie , liue thou then happily , And in thy sweet passions vse no extremitie .

As the fay●e Porphyria heard this Song begin with such an hermonio●s sound , shee was so rauished in conceit , as suddenly she ran and layd her head to the windowe , albeit she was neere disro●ed of all her garments ▪ so s●e by the siluer shining rayes of the Moone , that this calme night shewed her bright and argentine face ouer the vauts of heauen , who it was that sung and played so swéetly , and came at such a late houre to performe the same . But she could not discerne any thing , neither beneath the Tower or anye where else , whence this most heauenly voice might procéed : onely she vnderstood the daintie mellodie of the Lute , and the voyce very perfectly which sung the song , the wordes whereof made her the more to muse , in that they better agréed with her disposition , then the sweetnes of the musique could giue her pleasure . Especially when she heard what consolation this vnknowne musitian promised , by the certaine hope of a future felicitie , of seeing him whose sight she so extreamely desired : and withall , to haue her amorous torments asswaged , which she had so long time impaciently suffered , and still enflamed her heart with most ardent desire of his loue .

Heerevpon , hauing forsaken the windowe , and beeing laid in her bed , all this night she could thinke on nothing but this song , imagining with her selfe , whence this knowledge of her passions should proceed : then againe conceiuing this opinion , that the matter contayned in the Song was most certaine and true , deliuered from some person that bare her intire affection , and who ( for her pleasure ) was thus sent to comfort her amourous oppressions . Then remembring how little assurance was to bee reposed , in the credence of such things as carryed no apparaunce of true similitude , nor hauing any foundation on reason : shee was on the other side carried away with contrary opinions , verily beléeuing , that this was but some charme doone by her Phisition , or else some other appointed by him , to make her hope well in her despaire , and fréed her selfe with vanitie in the middest of her misfortune , ●herein shee was so soundly and surely intrapped , which humour bearing stroke with with her more this waie then the other , inforced her to renue her former tears , fighs and intire lamentations . Then tourning againe to remember what fewe daies before her phisition had tolde her , how one better skild than himselfe , had contraried his spels , whereby hee sought to giue her assurance of her desire , comparing this with her first conceiued imaginations , she then remained as doubtful as b●fore . These diuerse and contrarie opinions thus hammering in her head , made her tosse and tumble euerie waie in her bed , with great impatience , and these amorous tormentes compelled her to breath forth such vehement sighs , as her cousin Harderina ( lodging in the same chamber ) hearing her , demanded what new disease had so surprized her , for i● shee would beginne againe her former immoderate vexations , especially at such a time when shee had so greate occasion of comfort , by so late good hope prophetically deliuered in the the song , which with such admiration they had hearde that night , in her opinion she was well worthie to be chidden . Ah swéet cosin , answered the princes , I know not what I shuld saie or thinke thereof , this is my feare , that I haue hearde , are but abusing charmes to deceiue me withall , to make me in the meane while lie languishing before my death , which euer yet and at this instant I earnestly wish for , for no way can I deuise to turne my selfe to finde my rest , wherefore I praie thée deare cosin , tell me faithfully what thou doest immagine of all these passed euents , think●st thou there is not some bodie in the worlde , that by one meane or other either generall or particular , can tell me what shall happe● , or else shew me some proofe , wherein I may repose some trust , how little to euer it be ? Madame , quoth Harderina , I wyll tell you truly what I thinke , agréeing with what I haue●often here●ofore heard .

There are certaine maligne spirits deceiuers of men , which through the meanes of many Magitians , as there are too many : by a thousand illusions know how to deceiu● such as are lesse skild in that wicked science , making them to beléeue what is not , and so deceiue the sences of men or women , in causing them to credit certainly what they heare or see . The charmes of such doo vanish awaye like smoake , hauing no more vigor or efficacie then a dreame , so that the memorie thereof is as soone lost as found . There are other called bonum Genies or good angels , which by the meanes of good persons that call them in better sort , they are commanded in general what shall happen , without spe●ying any thing : and to reueale perticulerly what is to come , which kinde of spirits I haue oft times héeretofore heard , that a Fayrie of good disposition , dwelling in some parte of great Brittaine , which place of her abode could hardly yet be found : she ( I say ) knowes very well howe to command them , as also so skilfully to imploy them , albeit by diuine permission as is said : that shee makes them goe whether she thinkes good , locking them vp as shee list , and by charmes enclosing them in the bodyes of beautifull damosels , that inuisibly are transported hither and thither , wheresoeuer she commannds them , and not else . These damosels are called Fayries or Nimphes , one whereof perhaps by her commaund , did sing the Song to giue you some comfort : which if it were so , then verely I dare credit whatsoeuer the song disclosed : but for better knowledge of the trueth heerein , it is necessarie that to morrow you conferre with Sagibell , to vnderstand what in this case he will reueale to yee . Trust me Cosen , answered the Princesse , I thinke ye may say true , for one reason which as yet you touched not , and whereof I was remembred by your spéech , to wit , that my knight ( if mine I may name him ) is commonly called the Fayrie knight , because a certaine fairie ( as he said ) dwelling in the same countrey you named , and called Ozyris , as hee tolde vs , had giuen him nourishment , and sent him likewise to my fathers court , there to receiue his order of knighthood . But how can that bee ? ( quoth then the faire princesse againe , continuing her spéech and doubting what reason should mooue her so to do ) what knowledge hath she of me ? can shee tell whether I loue or no ? who should reueale it to her ? or how can she diuine on matters so strange ? this can neuer enter into my vnderstanding .

Well Cosen , well ( replyed Harderina halfe a sléepe , wearyed to heare her talke so long in a place appointed for rest ) sléepe , sléepe with patience , till to morrowe your phisition tell yee other newes , and in the meane while trouble not your selfe : but sléepe , and let mee doo the like , for all this night you haue not suffered me to enioy any quiet . When the faire Uirgin perceiued her cosen and deere companion wearie of talking , she held her peace , and soone after falling into a slumber , shee soundly slept vntill the next morning : when the sunne arose a little more earlye then shee did , on which day what happened , yee may read in the Chapters that follow héereafter .

CHAP. 20.

How the Princesse was instructed by Sagibell , in the meane to know who sung the Song at the foote of the Tower : and how she had resolution , in what she most desired to know and vnderstand concerning her looue , euen as she would , by the meanes of the Nymphe Aegle , seruaunt to the Ladye Ozyris .

WHen the cléere morning had shewed her fayre countenaunce ouer the world , according as she was wont , and alredy the steads that drew Phebus chariot , were wel entered on theyr waie , to deliuer abroad the splendor of his looks , the beutifull infant Porphyria awaked , dreaming yet on the past song , and of the conference she had wyth her fayrie cosin and faithfull companion Harderina , especially of that she tolde her , for resoluing of her doubt , which was , to talke with her phisition Sagibel , and vnderstande his opinion . For this cause with all spéed she sent her damsell Marcella to séeke him , at whose command the good and skilfull phisition fayled not to come presentlie , and being entered the chamber , finding the princesse as yet in her bedde , she discoursed vnto him all that happened the night past , as also what spéeches passed betwéene her cosin and her , in selfe same manner as ye read in the Chapter going before , earnestly intreating of conclusion of all , to tell her his aduise , what might be gathered thereby , most agréeing with truth , if by his art it were possible to comprehend anie matter certaine , wherunto the phisition ( hauing noted euerie circumstance ) thus answered .

Madame , I cannot presently giue ye anie certaine resolution in these affayres , but betwéene this & mid day I will promise to tell ye truth of all , or at the least shewe yee some meanes whereby to knowe it . I praie thée then my good Sagibel , quoth the princesse , that thou haue precise regarde of the promised houre , or sooner , if it may be possible , go then and in the meane while vse what diligence yee can best deuise , that at least I may knowe what thou coniurest , or else canst gather of this wonderfull accident . Immediatly the wise man departed the chamber , to compasse that she had inioyned him , for the intreates of the mightie are strict commandements to the meaner sorte , and so diligently heerein he behaued himselfe , that at the houre promised , hee fayled not to séeke his Ladie and mistres , finding her new risen from the table , hauing this daie dined with her cosin Harderina .

Not a little ioyfull was she to sée him , being perswaded in her thoughts that her phisition had nowe promised some cataplasme for ease of her griefe , but the consolation she receiued was not ●erie great , for the phisition onely tolde her , that he could know nothing of all that was done . But his spirites had reuealed vnto him , that to knowe the certaintie in this case , it was expedient , that the Ladie which desyred such sound knowledge in these affayres , shoulde one nyght plaie on some instrument , and sing at the same windowe where shee hearde the song before : withall , the effect of her song should be , to aske the voice that had song what it was , the wordes and circumstance wherof should agrée with one that he had made for the same purpose , which he opened and gaue her , and shee learned it by heart euen at that instant . Now albeit the princesse receiued not such intire comfort , as then presently she expected , yet were her passions somewhat mittigated , and this song serued her as a pastime all the after noone , to learne the lines perfectly and sing them well , as before night with her lute she made it agrée verie excellently , and so cunningly could she touch euerie string , that both the dittie and musicke fitted passing well her owne desire .

When the daie was passed , and night approched , for that she could not with patience tarrie till the next morrow , she tooke her Lute in her hand , and going vnto the windowe , playde thereon meruailous swéetly , and shaping her swéete voyce to the daintie melodie , sung this song as heereafter followeth .

The Princesse Porphyrias Song to the voice . TEll me celestiall voice , if thou be that voice pittifull , Which didst replie Narcissus plaints , from out the woods so mercifull . And playing so pleasantly , vpon the skilfull Thracians instrument , Wouldst with thy pleasing harmonie , Asswage my amorous languishment .

When shee had song these two verses of this song , shee sodainly ceased , according as the Phisition had instructed her : to trie if the voice woulde beginne againe to aunswere as immediatly it did , playing and singing in the verie same tune shee dyd , and thus was the voyces answere .

The voices answere to the Princesses Song . VNderstand thou faire Princesse , that I am not the Goddesse called Eccho , Who did resound Narcissus death . through all the world with sorow so . Nor am I as thou thinkest , Orpheus that skilfull man of Thrace , But I am Aegle the faire Fairie , whose golden locks hang dangling down her face .

This made the Princesse continue on her song , being verie glad that she had answere to her interrogations , and des●rous to haue further matters tolde her , in her song she beganne againe in this manner to question with the voice .

Porphyria . I would not wish more happines , fayre Nymph , but to haue knowledge of thee , As thou canst soundly giue assurance , herein then shew such fauor to me . And likewise grant mee but to know , what most afflicts me with contagion , If he liue whom my thoughts obey , and makes me feele this loue passion . The Nymph Aegle replies . I am the voice of Nymph Aegle , the faire and faithfull damosell , Vnto the great and powerfull Fairie , that vnderneath the heauens doth dwell . One daie when thou doest sleeping sit , ha●d by a streaming fountaine , The rest shall be reueald to thee , that will asswage thy amorous paine . Porphyria . Alas then wilt thou flie from me , Nymph with faire eies behold me still , And as thy promise let me know , what els my tender heart will kill .

So breaking off her song in this sorte , the voyce would make her no more answere , which made her more curious and full of greefe then before : yet remembring what the voyce had said , that one day when she should sit alone by a Fountaine , she should be satisfied in the rest of her demanud and finde ease for her languishing : héervpon seauen or eight daies together continually , without letting scape any day , she went & lay downe in the Arbor or Garden , where were thrée or foure verie stately fountaines , and by euery one she sate downe to sléepe , that she might haue answer according as the voyce had promised : but this desire was so profoundly aduanced within her thoughts , as shee could compasse no way to forget it , and the remembrance therof compelled her as far from sléeping , as she most coueted to come néere it : for the restles humors and fantacies did so continually beat vppon her heart , as would not permit her the very least moment of quiet , and the neerer shee approached the Fountaines to fasten on a sleepe , the more did these abounding vexations torment her . Hauing continued in these insupportable agonies the space of eight dayes , the length and vehemence of , which trauaile had so ouerweakened her , as now she wexed heauie and desirous of sleepe : one day when she least thought h●ereof , she was sequestred from all her companie , and going alone into the Garden ( not perceiued by any one ) about the time of midday , she sat downe by a Fountaine in the middest of the Garden , which was round beset with daintie . Arbours and Cabinets of Gessemine , Rose trées , with floures and hearbes of all sorts that smelled most swéetly : and excellent pure water flowed from the fountaine , being brought thither in pipes from foure fayre Griffons , that were placed in the foure corners of the Garden , which was equall square euery waye . On the side of this fountaine sat downe the young Princes who had past so many nights without receiuing any rest , and thinking nowe but to ●lumber a little , shee slept there soundly the space of two houres , without knowledge to any of her attendants what was become of her : each one supposing verily she had lockt her selfe into her chamber , as diuers dayes before ( to couer her melancholly ) she was wunt to doo . It so happened , that about the verye latest moment of her sleeping , the water of the Fountaine murmured and made such a mightie noyse , as oftentimes the troubled sea dooth , when beeing stirred with great and most tempestuous winds , the fierce billowes beat either against some stonie rock , or driues vp the sandes against some promontorie , aspiring vp sharpe pointed from the middest to the top : by meanes whereof the faire Infant quickly awaked , dreaming that she was not by the side of so faire a fountaine , but on the raging of the sea , which leaped against the foundations of the Castell wall , and mooued very extreamlie as séemed to her .

Being thus awaked , the bruite of the water ceased , and appeared before her the most fayre Nimphe Aegle , resembling in beautie not any humaine or liuing creature , but rather some deitie or matter celestiall : such as comming néere the newe built walles of Carthage , appeared to the Troyan prince her sonne . Euen so this beautifull Naiade séemed to the princely maide , who at the first sight of her was some what astonied , doubting whether she should take her selfe to flight , or tarie still there , or whether this apparision was to encrease her heauinesse , or bring her comfort . This being well perceiued by the fayre Nimphe , who héertofore had amazed the most assured by her presence : she spake to her in this manner : bee not afrayd ( O princesse of rare vertues , and the fayrest creature in the world ) nor be a●ashed at my vnexpected appearing into your presence : for I am the Nimphe Aegle , seruant to the fayrie Ozyris your knights Nursse : by her commaundement , and according to the promise I made ye eight or nine daies since , I am come to yee in this place , not any way to astonnish or affright ye but rather to bring yee ioy and consolation , by giuing yee certaine resolution in a doubt , wherein yee haue liued and languished too long , to wit , whether your knight bee dead or aliue : to acquaint ye moreouer , with what I knew of his birth and valour .

The young princesse lending eare attentiuely to these wordes , cheered vp her thoughts , and tooke great pleasure in contemplating the excelling beautie of this fayre Noiade , as also to heare her swéete and gratious language , the sence and substance whereof concerned the thing shee most desired , and was so agréeable to her . So that longing to heare what the Nimphe had promised , after a modest and ciuill kinde of questioning , she thus made answere . Whatsoeuer thou be ( most faire and gentle Nimphe ) right welcome art thou into this place , and albeit thy presence at the first brought me some cause of feare and displeasure : yet now on the contrary , I am as glad and ioyfull héere to beholde thee , for reasons as yet knowne to thy selfe : and this ioye I receiue by sight of thée , procured the motion and change thou didst note in my countenan●e , not any fright , feare , or discontent , receiued through thy beeing with mee . If then thou hast any thing to tell mee , chéefely concerning that I most desire to know , I pray and intreat thée againe and againe , by the reuerence and respect thou bearest to thy Mistresse Ozyris , by these Fountaines and waters which thou hauntest , and wherein thou delightest vsually to bathe thy selfe : likewise , by the loue and honest affection thou bearest my knight , by the golden tresses of thy haire , with the swéet fauour and beautie I beheld in thy face : I coniure thée not to depart from me , vntill thou hast tolde me , who and what the knight is that beareth name of the Fairie , of whence hee is , where and in what part hee is at this present , and whether he be dead or liuing . Tell me withall , if his affection be such to me , as mine is to him , what ease , helpe and comfort , or loue like recompence , I shall receiue in the end for the loyall affection I beare him , and what will bee the issue of both our loues .

Thy knight ( faire princesse ) answered the Fayrie , is a man vertuous and of great valour , for he is the onely valiant , and most accomplished knight in all perfections , that at this day liueth , or heereafter shall liue vppon the earth : in like manner , his exhor●ation or originall hath he receiued from a father , that is the most hardiest king on earth , no one so worthie to weare a crowne royall , namely , the great monarch Floridamant of England , a prince so perfect and accomplished as may be possible . He being in quest of sundrie strange aduentures , which long time hee exercised as a knight errant , onely to acquire honor and reputation : left his quéene conceiued with childe , wherof she was deliuered in the absence of her king , and he was nourished vnder the wing and gouernement of the quéene his mother , vntill the age of seauen or eight yeares : when the skilfull Fayrie Ozyris , who all her life time bare good affection to the king , in the countrey where shee her selfe inhabited , as also to all that were of his familie : knowing and perceiuing well by her skill ▪ that if the young prince should remaine long time in his fathers Court , hee was destined to incur some great mis●haunce , euen no lesse then a strange and cruell death : by sudden inuention she found the meane to rob her of her Son , in respect , that if this misfortune had happened , it would haue prooued such an exceeding domage and preiudice , not onely to all the realme of great Brittaine , but likewise all the Christians that liue vnder heauen neuer felt the like , in regard of the good they should one daye recei●e by him . Hauing then so subtilly gotten him away , I will not tell you how or in what manner , because it requireth too long a discourse , and I intend to tell yee but breefely , the principall points of this historie .

She nourished and brought him vppe long time , in her riche and opulent Fayrie , which is as huge & big or rather greater , then the wydest kingdome in the worlde , and there enstructed him in all good manners , vntill hee was of able age , and capable to beare knightly armes , whereby hee might discouer what hee was . She prouiding him of all things necessarie for a knight , chusing and appointing him as her loyall and faithfull seruant , she being the wisest and most faire princesse liuing , as likewise he is the most valiant and vertuous knight in the world : directed his course , sending him as thou knowest and canst very well testifie and witnesse , to the princely Court of the great Emperour thy father : where what befell him , thou canst tell without my reporting , as also thou wast not ignorant of his departure .

What is become of him euer sithence his departure , would require a long time to recount , & the houre of my departure so vrgently presseth me , as at this instant I can tel thee no more , because I am constrained to leaue thee . But to morrow , at the selfe same houre I came this day , I promise to returne againe , not onely to tell the rest of his aduentures , but to let thee sée them all , to thy great pleasure and contentment . Hauing thus spoken , the Nimphe plunged her head at the first into the water of the Fountaine , and so departed , where likewise I meane to finishe this Chapter .

CHAP. 21.

How the Nimphe Aegle ( by the will of hir Mistresse Ozyris ) appeared another time to the fayre Porphyria , and made her for to see her knight in a Sphere , withall the aduentures that happened to him , since the time she saw him last .

THe nymph Aegle hauing thus left the company of the yong princes , she remained very pensiue , & more desirous than before , to know the newes of her knight , for now shée would faine bee acquainted with what the nymph had concealed , not contented with what was alreadie reuealed , though in some sort pleased , by knowing that her part and amorous desires aimed at no meane or base obiect , but so sortable and worthy as she could make choice of . And verie certaine it was , that in those times there was no Empire or monarch more renowmed nor anie king or Christian prince more esteemed , then was the realme of great Britaine , & the worthie king Floridamant . For his predecessors and himselfe had inlarged and augmented theyr gouernment further a great deal then the continent of England , not onely by their force and prowesse , but likewise by their swéete curtesse and benignitie , so valiant did they euermore shewe themselues to bee , as also humane and affable withall , yet al this aduantage was not sufficient to satisfie the princely maide , but rather vrged her to more pensiuenes and impatience , vnderstanding him to be of such rase and originall , whome before shee reckoned and estéemed but as a simple knight arrant : now proouing to be of so high extraction and great birth , hauing seated her affections in place of such dignitie , she remayned still doubtfull whether he were aliue or dead , for so long absence might verie well raise great and vehement suspition thereof . Here vpon she withdrew her selfe secretly into her chamber , beeing much discomforted and verie passionate as before , musing and pondering much more profoundly on her new and fresh conceites , than on the discourse of the beautifull and fayre Nymph Aegle : and albeit shee was indifferentlie comforted thereby , yet made shee no signe or semblaunce thereof to her cosin . Wherefore when the night was come , thinking in the darke shade the nymph would come again , and resolue her in the rest of her desires , shee went to the window and song the same vearses which the phisition had taught her , but all was in vaine , for shee hearde no song but her owne , nor anie mellodie but her Lute , which made a heauenly concordance with her voyce . Fayre Aegle was deafe for this night , and woulde not make answere to her musicall questions , but when the morning was come , and the rising Sunne made shew of a new daie , the young princesse hauing enioyed no rest all that night , amorous imaginations had so carryed her thoughts to and fro , with wishing and rewishing for the midde daie houre . So wearing awaie the tediousnesse of the time with as greate patience as he could , at the last she got her againe to the same fountains side , where she had slept the daie before , and the nymph Aegle retourned thether agayne while the princesse slumbered , making lyke noyse as at the first she dyd , wherwith the Infant awaked , marie not so much afrighted as earst shee had béene , but beeing verie gladde to beholde and see the fayre face of the demie goddesse , from whome shée hoped to receiue greater consolation then shee had done in the daie before .

Now the Fayrie had brought with her a sphere , or for your better vnderstanding , a bowle of peeces of engrauen wood , made in forme round lyke a sphere , wherein appeared the whole vniuersall world , how it was inclosed , and namely the earth , with all the prouinces contained therein , painted after the lyfe , and in such sorte , as within it ye might beholde the mouing of the starres of heauen , the foundation of the massie earth , the cloudie ayre , wyth the fluxe and reflowing of the Ocean , the other seas , and the riuers that binde in the earth , with all the roundnesse of the terrestriall globe .

These things might there be discerned with more pleasure and contentment than they can conceiue that trauaile farre , to see a little portion or many particulars , of that which this fayre Nymph shewed at one time to the Infant Porphiria . For you must vnderstand , that hauing drawen from forth the siluer waters of the cleere fountaine , this diuine peece of workemanship so lately named , shee opened a certaine little couerture , which was expressely made to discouer all the rest within , at the opening whereof she vsed these wordes to the princesse .

I will let thée sée heerein , vertuous and fayre princesse , all the vniuersall world , presented in the proper lyfe and figure , wherein likewise thou shalt beholde thy knight , and all his aduentures , which happened since his departure from thee .

Speaking these wordes , hauing opened the doore that was aboue , wherein was contained the figure of heauen and the starres , shee parted in three partes the rest of the round Gloabe , which when the princesse sawe discouered , she cast her lookes on that parte where Affrica was represented , and questioning thereof with the fayre A●gle , shee sa●●e , I praie thée beautious Nymph , fauour me more than with the bare sight of the wide world , before thou shifte to anie other place , tell mee what parte is this heere first described , inhabited with people so barbarous , grosse and rusticall , because they come first to sight , and tell mee what desarts these are , that nourisheth and bréedeth such infinite number of sauage and cruell beasts . This is that part , answered Aegle , which is named Affrica , defenced on the one side toward the Sunne rising , with the greate floud , which ye heare with such mercilesse noise come from the mountaines , and by seauen chanels or mouths runs into the bosome of Thetis , called Nylus . On all the other sides it is enuironed with the sea , especially on the North coast with the Libique sea , whereon the auncient people called Penes , exercised many outragious and extreame piracyes , these people came of the ●henicians , that passed thether with Dido Qu●ene of Carthage and the Gréekes , more ancient than they that passed thether before with Hercules . And to tell thée in few words ( least I should offend yée with tediousnes ) with what other regions this land is inhabited , ye must vnderstand that Ethiopia is this which ye sée rising from the red sea , and butting on Arabia , neighbouring towarde the North with the Egyptians and Lybians , who were so called after a man named Aethipos , that the olde Pagans sayde was the sonne of Uulcan : he being the first king , all the region tooke the name of him . Then may yee discerne here on the other side , the habitation of these olde idolatrous Egyptians , a verie fertile region , which in elder time was called Aeria , and since then cleped Egypt , by a brother to Danaus so tearmed . On the west is the limitrophing borders of Cyrena , towards the east it beholdeth Palestine , and on the North side the mediterranean sea . The great citie which yee sée in this region so well seated , with walls so ancient , and whose proud pallaces are now like an olde ruined mazure , is the ancient citie of Thebes , whereof Amphion is sayd to laie the first foundation , and the king to whom Andromache , wife to the hardie Hector , was daughter , being there slayne when cruell Achilles entered to sacke and spoyle the towne , murdering seuen of his children , the future hope of his genealogie : since which time this ancient citie hath continued in such had estate as ye beholde it . But afterward in this other place was builded by king Alexander the great this other beautifull citie , the walles whereof are not so ancient as the other , and according to the name of the edifier , it is named Alexandria . Sée on the other side in the same prouince the citie called Abiros . Here is proud Babylon and the citie of Memphis , renowmed by reason of the meruailes which Queene Semyramis there builded and erected .

This other greate Citie and wonderfull strong , whose walles are more fresh , as also beeing more newlye builded then all the other : is the famous Cittie of Hieropolis , so called in former times , but at this present is named the graund Cayre , which signifieth a Fortrosse in Egyptian language : in this Cittie lies the king or Soldan of all the countrey . Héere in this parte , not farre from the people I told ye off before , that made many courses and piracies on , the Lybian sea , I meane the Phoenitians , which are deuided into sundrie regions and prouinces : for héere are the Namasones in Lybia and Marmarica , drawing towards the kingdome of Barcha néere the sea : there are the Guydanes their neighbours , who in steed of bearing bucklers with them to the warres , doo carrye the Skinnes of Cranes .

On the other side , countenauncing the sennes Trytonia , are the Machlides , that weare theyr hayre ( as there ye may beholde one ) long behinde , and are powled short before , contrary to these other called Anses , who as the painter discribes , weare theyr hayre long before and shorte behinde : theyr daughters once a yeare fight extreamely with stones , in honour of the Goddess Minerua , whom they adore . The great mount ye sée not farre from this place , is the mount Atlas , whereby the neighbouring people are called Atlantide , which in the greatest heate of the day rayle the sunne , and cu●sse it with many iniurious spéeches . They that are on this side , hauing the right side of their heads shor●e , and raced toward the-left side : are called Maxes ▪ that vsuallie paint their faces with Uermillion , and make vaunte of theyr discent from the Troyans : as likewise do these Zigantes , being not farre off from them , and they liue by the flesh of Apes , wherwith the countrey meruailou●●ie aboundeth .

These other abiding in the region of the Hesterues , are named Troglodites , otherwise Megauares : people that being dead make no account of buriall , but after the decease of buriall , but after the decease of one of them , they vsually come to the place where he is , and being loden with stones , in a great laughter they throw them at him , and so retur●e againe without any thought of death . To these are next neighbours the Hylophages and Spermatophages : the first are so called , because that for their nourishment or food , they climbe and craule vp Trées like Squirrels , and there cutting the tender sprigs or branches , feed thereon and so liue . The other are so named , because they substantiate their bodies with many séedes of hearbes , that come from the midst of the marishie grounds in that soyle . There hard by likewise are the Ceneigdes , which inhabit the woods , and sit sleeping all the night on the trées , like birds . Furthermore concerning such like people , in the deserts of Lybia , are the Acridophages , which liue onelye but by Locusts that are found is those deserts , and therevpon they are so called . In the extreame being of this part of the world , are the Cynanimes , so called by the Greekes in their language , but wee call them sauage men . They which yee see heare all naked , are the Ichtipophages , and there is the place called the cape of Gardafuni , which lookes on Arabia named the happie , where are the kingdomes of Adel and Barnagas . In this marshie Isle , neighbour to Aethiopia and mount Atlas , named Hesperia , within the Tritonian ●ennes : dwell the Amazones , women experimented in feates of warre , and which onely manage the affayres of theyr common wealth , with out men medling or inhabiting among them . I leaue all the other people that are heere in this parte , because it would be ouer long to expresse their names , life , manners , and dayly behauiour : wherefore passing ouer this straite , that seperates the great Ocean from the Mediterranean sea , called Gibaltare or Hercules pilles : is the kingdome of Hea , which hath on the north side the Ocean and Athlantique sea , and toward the middest , the great mount Atlas I shewed ye before : there also are the kingdomes of Phez , Marocco , Alger and Thunis , inhabited with terrible and cruell people , and soure Pagan kings all cosens germaine : in their possessions they are very mightie men , well skild in warring against theyr enemies . But aboue all , the king of Phez is of high resolue and meruailous valiance , as I will declare to yee anon , when seeing the place where hee is at this present , I shall recount the meruailous aduenture happening him , so long since forborne : and with speech of him , I will likewise tell ye tidings of your Colen Pharisor , who is as sorrowfull as you for the wante of his companion . They that gouerne these two kingdomes of Marocco and Alger , the one named Phoas , and the other Orontes , haue led in their conduct a great multitude of the barbarous people of theyr Realmes , to sight against the Christians , and with huge numbers of Pagans expressely assembled , séeke to destroye the great and famous Cittie of London , wherein king Floridamant father to your knight , is cruelly besieged , in danger to loose his li●e , or see himselfe disposest of crowne and kingdome : but God of his infinite goodnes will prouide some helpe , that such misfortune shall neuer befall him .

As for the third , vnder whose lawes and commaundements they of Thunis are gouerned , to wit , Adylas : I will likewise tell yee more when we meet him in place where he is , to let ye know what he hath doone , and then shall yee see him that yee are so desirous of . But before this may bee doone , or you attaine to behold the long wished place : I will tell yee what these fayre Islandes are which you see within the Sea , the neere bordering neighbours to this kingdome .

Knowe then that these are the Hesperides , otherwise called Fortunate Isles , and commonly Canaries , not such as many haue esteemed them to bee , they are greatlye abounding in Dogges : but much more fertile are these aforesayde Isles abounding in store of Reedes or Canes , from which are made the Melasses Cassonades , and then Sugars most fine and swéete , abounding in very great quantitie . The people there dwelling , are subiects to a puissant Pagan king , who at this daye swayes the scepter thereof , named Brandissant , that chased thence sometime Argamor , the cruell father to foure sonnes , who succoured king Brandissant in so dooing , because the king had promised to each of them , one of these Isles for his part , and seuerally they should weare kingly crownes , such was their greedie desire to reigne before theyr fathers death , whose life was more offensiue to them , then any infectious disease to a healthfull time : according to which promise , after that Argamor was then chased thence , who afterward dyed with extreame greefe : the foure brethren , the eldest whereof is named Salazard , the second Zorlot , the third Canibarell , and the fourth Phagotroff , had the gouernment of the foure isles by them demaunded , conditionally , that thence●foorth they should be obedient to the commaundements of great king Brandissant , and liues as they ought vnder his Empire : all these are likewise at this instant in these warres , with great multitude of the Islanders , and other neighbours that owe tribute and allegeance , in company of the father to Brandissant , who hath engirt with siedge ( as I told ye before ) the famous Cittie of London , assisted by many more whereof ye shall know anon . Thus breaking off , the faire Nimphe Aegle turned and quickly ioyned together the seperated partes of the sphere , which beeing inuisibly closed and brought into the former estate , and casting it into the Fountaine , immediatly she threw her selfe in after it : promising to returne againe vpon the more owe , to tell what remained to the princesse of Constantinople : she sitting still by the fountaines side , rauished with ioy and delight for seeing such are sights , and heere because the day continued no longer ▪ wee gaue great reason to knitte vp thys Chapter .

CHAP. 22.

How the Nymph Aegle appearing againe to the Princesse Porphyria , daughter to the mightie Emperour of Constantinople , made her see in her Globe of all world , all that which Asia containeth , and in what part her louer was , with the pursuit of his high enterprises and aduentur● .

GReat pleasure tooke the fairest of fayre Princesses in the world , daughter lykewise to the most mightie Emperour in the worlde , to beholde so many notable thinges in so small a time or space , as I haue declared to yee in the Chapter going before : and desirous to knowe with all what yet remained , the next day she failed not to be at the selfe same place , experting the comming of the Nymph Aegle , who should discouer the deapth of her desire . In like maner , the Nymph , according to her promise , came in such equipage as she had done the daie before : and beeing there ariued , found the princesse willing to sée the other meruaylous strange and arteficial matters , that were diuinely engrauen within the round bowle , where before she had noted so many singular things alreadie exercised . The fayre Nymph opened agayne that rare péece of workemanshippe , bidding her behold and touch with her finger all that which Asia contained , and first on the East side leading towardes the North , shee shewed her the seconde parte of the worlde ▪ bounding on the great floud of Nylus , which watereth Egipt from Tanais to Mors maior or the Euxine sea , and one part with the mediterranean , but on all sides it is enuironed with the hoge Ocean : in shewing whereof , the nymph thus spake . This land which ye sée is named As●a , beeing of such gret●es , & comprehend such spacious circuit of ground , as it containeth more vnder the name than doth Affrica or Europe . It is vnder a calme and temperate heauen , the soil being verie fertile and fruitful , in bringing forth all sorts of hearbs and plants , the reason thereof is , because it ab●undeth in all kinde of beasts . It is also inriched with golde and siluer , and such drugs as are not common to other countries or parts of the world : likewise with brasse , yron , wooll , saffron , and many other things of great price and value , especially in this part of Arabia which is called happy , containing within it ●elf an Ile called Pauchaia , vpon the gulfe of Persia , enriched with thrée fayre and stately cities , to wit , Dalida , Hirracida , and Occeanida , wher the country is also most fertile , abosiding in wines , myrrhe , incense , gold , siluer , lead and other like mettals , which by particular ordinaunce , the Pauchaians will not permit to bee transported foorth of other countries . Assyria , that long since was named Assur the sonne of Sem , is this region which yee sée heere , hauing the countries of India and Media towarde the East , and westward the violent floud that passeth by the citie of Rome , called Tigris : about the midst it regardeth the soile of Sus●an , and by North it is neighbor to mount Caucasus , wher rain faileth , this countrie is watered by the riuer Euphrates , as Egypt in like manner is by flowing Nylus : not by naturall propertie or abounding of the riuer , but by industrie of the inhabiting people . Here southward to the Egyptian or meterranean sea , ye see the country so far famed & renowmed , called Iudea or the land of Chan●an , and here is Palestine , which by helpe of the floud Iordane is made verie fruitfull in many things for the life of man , especially in producing the best balme in the world . The middest of this region is so seated as ye may behold it , that neither heat or cold are at anie time more ouer vehement there , but the aire is so temperate , as the Israelites sometime imagined this to bee the land of promise , euen the same that God had promised to Abraham . In this countrie may ye sée your fayre cosin Pharisor for the gentle knight , who disguised like a pilgrime trauayleth in search of your knight : but going on full of deuotion to worship the holy sepulchre of the worlds sauior , he hath met with the braue king of Phez who hath a little hindered his iourny . In speaking these words the nymph shewed the princesse her cosin Pharisor , in the same place where we left him , listning to the good king of Phez , who recounted his aduenture and genealogie to the holy hermit , by whose meanes he receiued cure of his wounds , which brought her such exceeding pleasure as is impossible to be imagined , much lesse to be written And had it not bene for earnest desire to sée her owne knight , she would haue intreated the nymph to tel her by what aduenture he came thether , and likewise what the king of Phez was : but she was so earnest in her owne affections , as hauing a while pleased her eies with loking on her cosin , she importuned the fayre nymph more pearcingly then before , to shew her speedily the place where her own knight was , being now in farre better hope of seeing him , then at anie time else : the nymph willing to satisfie her longing , thus continued on her spéech . If your affection drewe mee not so so soone from this Land , I would shewe yee therein manye more meruailous things , as the behauiour and manner of life , of the auncient Iewes that inhabit it , with sundrie other strange occasions , worthie to bee vnderstood : but beeing sent hither onely to accomplish your will , and to let yee see what is most agréeable to ye , let vs passe on , viewing awhile the Medes and Armenians . The countrey of the first tooke name by one of the sonnes of Medea , and king Aegens that long since commanded in Athens : albeit it is more likely , of one Medos , sonne to Iaphet , one of Noahs children . This neighboring sea on the north side , is the Caspian sea , and that to the weast is great Armenia and Assiria : to the south are the Persians , of whom wee will speake anon , to the East lie the Pa●theans & Hirceans : these people haue bin mighty in war , & had large domination ouer diuers regions as credible histories doe amplie beare witnes : but at this present they are as slaues and subiectes to the mightie and puissant monarch of Persia , who in former time conquering their king , made them tributarie to his owne Empire . Marie that wil be but of slender continuance , by reason of your so farre famed beautie , which will prooue as hurtfull and dangerous to them , as Helens did to the Gréekes and Troians : and seeing now we are in talke thereof , I will let you knowe both the present and future aduenture , and , by the same discourse , the fairie knight your long desired and wished loue .

The great monarch , who by his valour hath dayly augmented and inlarged his monarchie , shewing himselfe in all places inuinsible to his enemies , hauing by fortune séen the portraite of your beautie somewhat figured nere the life became so surprised with your loue , as neuer since hath hée inioied anie rest , which was the cause ( as not long since you vnderstood ) vppon amorous constraint hee required you in marriage of the Emperour : but by reason of his difference in religion , the Emperour ●ound an excuse to refuse the mariage . But notwithstanding this refusall , hee is growen so obstinate in his opinion , of inioying yee eyther by force or fayre means , thinking he cannot liue without ye : as hauing caused his people to change their religion , to take away the former allegation of refusall , he is departed long since from his kingdome , and commeth in person into this country , only to require ye once more in marriage : when if he be denied , he meanes to carry ye hence , wherof it behoues ye to take héed , for he will doe his vttermost , which , ye must perswade your selfe , will proue no little matter . But I hope my Lady Ozyris will assi●t ye wi●h such good councell , as in the end ye shall escape the hands of this tyrant , who , to speake s●oth , beareth ye entire & earnest affection . But soone after , when once he might glut himselfe with the swéetnes of your loue and fauours , he will so hate and set●e his heart agaynst you , as the most foule woman in the world , shall be more fayre and amiable in his eye , then 〈◊〉 , such is the nature of this barbarous king .

Now while hee trauailes in vaine about these affayres , he shall one day sée himselfe depriued of Crowne and Scepter , which he will take from him , whom he seekes to rob of his greatest good for this effect . Sée héere alreadie his kingdome troubled and deuided , for you must note that all the people in his realme are reuolted one against another , because some are good and true Christians , and others , onely gouerned by frenzie , fearing that their king will renye his Christianitie : & by force of armes seeke to reduce the rest to their former religion , which beeing vnable to compasse , such venemous hatred and despight is kindled amongst them : as hee must hope of another remedie for so great an euill , but euen a new mutation of the kingdom and gouernment , which will so come to passe in very short while . For your knight , who is arriued heere but lately since , shall prooue to be their new Lord and king , after he hath somewhat more trauailed and suffered for the same . Then when he hath brought all into quiet , and gathered the people vnder his obeysance : the destenies , who will not staye his course from better fortunes , in a place so straunge , and with so few exploits of his vertue and prowesse : shall fill his sailes to more high desires , especially the incomparable loue he beareth you , and extreame affection in him , to let you sée by effects , the seruice hee hath vowed to your diuins beautie : this shall make him ( for some while ) abandon this famous Monarchie , for euer to continue in dooing déedes of vertue , laudable and worthie of great admiration . During which pursuite , these people being againe reuolted , he shall send hither a strong and valiant knight , who with great paine and trauaile , shall once more bring these mutinous rebels vnder his awe and obedience : his name , by reason of his generous acts and braue enterprises , shall be knowne from this part to the other side of the Pole , yea , hee shall bee so redoubted and feared , as the verye hardiest shall tremble to heare him spoken of . In this time , the Sophie , transported with amourous affections , not able to compasse his desseignes and enterprises : will vnfortunately end his dayes , as your selfe in time shall perfectlye beholde . You tell me meruayles , answered the princesse , but yet yee shewe me not where the knight is , according to your former promise : of whom though I was desirous to heare , yet should I be much more pleased so behold him . Lady , quoth the Nimphe , it is as necessarie for yee to knowe all these things , as it is expedient for you to sée him , because I am assured , both the one and other is agreeable to yee . Looke now then on this Orientall region , which is called Persia , of Perseus the sonne to Iupiter , and fayre Danae daughter to Acrisius , king of the Argiues , according as poeticall fables testifie . Regard I pray ye , how many thousand armed men are heere asse●bled , euen for the occasion so lately expressed . See this famous Cittie called Tauris , neighbour to the Medes , a people not long since spoken of : behold how it is besieged by the Persian pagans , vnder the conduct of a young foole named Mauspasian , brother to the Sophie , hee that hath caused all this warre : behold into what extremitie these poore Christians are brought , that are within the Cittie , they haue nothing left but bread and wine to preserue life withall , and within these fewe dayes they were constrained , to ●éede vppon the flesh of their horsses , which was openly solde in the butcheries of this faire goodly cittie : yet will they not ( for all this ) yeeld to theyr enemies , or forsake their religion , but trusting in succour from aboue , because else-where they cannot expect anye , rather desire héere to finish their liues miserablie . Sée the other goodlie Cittie of Susa , almost in the same necessitie : looke on distressed Ariodant , the prop and sole comforte of the Christians , who by flight escaped the hands of Adylas king of Thunis , that would haue slaine him by treason , because he refused to yéeld him selfe prisoner : On this other side , beholde the braue minded knight Taffinor , who halfe dead , by good hap fell into your knights company , and he healing him of a mortall wound , vndertakes to reuenge the iniurie doone him by the traitour Adylas : O inestimable , and ( not to bee comprehended ) curtesie , of so braue a knight . Sée I pray ye , with what deuoyre he begins to pursue this vengeance , see Argontes , the fauourits of king Adylas , dead on the ground vnder his horsse , slaine by the valiant right hand of this renowmed knight , with many other of his complices , the most appara●t and best knights in the host of Adylas . Not contented heerewith , note with what fierce hardinesse hee assayles the mightie pagan , euen within his Tents , notwithstanding he is accompanied with three or foure hundred knights of name and marke , euen the men of greatest valour in all the kingdome . It will not be long , before a hot and dangerous fight happen betweene them , from which Adylas shall not escape ( by my aduise ) so well as he wee●eth , Thus spake the fayre Nimphe , and euermore as shee discoursed , shewed all these things vnto the princesse , who was so ioyfull , seeing her knight represented to the life , as shee forgot to vse any more questions : and albeit the figure of him was very little , yet I thinke no tongue can expresse , no pen can set downe , neither hath any heart the power , to comprehend the surpassing c●ntentment she enioyed at this instant .

The historie reporteth it to bee so great , that she wept with conceit of ioy , and loosing all countenance , so far forgat her selfe , that she offered to run and embrace him in her armes , yea , to salute him with a sweete kisse : but her labour was in vaine , as well in regarde , that the workmanship and vis●on of all these things , were not to bee touched by humaine creatures : as also because the fayre Nimphe hindered her , and would not permit her to come neere it . Ouer and beside all the former representations , she shewed her the dead figure of the Sauage Polyppe , recounting the wonderfull combats Gerileon had with him , in such sort as yee haue read in the Chapters treating thereof . The shape heereof was so fearfull to her , as shee became troubled in minde out of measure : which made the Nimphe quicklye remooue it from her sight , and plunging into the Fountaine water , vanished away , with whose departure we knit vp this two and twenteth Chapter .

CHAP. 23.

How the king of Phez recited his genealogie and aduenture , to the holye Hermit and the fayre Pilgrime , and howe the Hermit tolde him a goodly discourse , to confirme him in the Christian religion . Moreouer , howe Squamell was conducted by diabolicall artes , into an obscure Chamber hard by Auernus , hoping to bee healed of his woundes by the helpe of deuils , with that which happened to him afterward .

BEcause the change of discourse , brings no lesse delight to the Reader , then the varietie of daintie viands contenteth such as take theyr repast : for a while I intende to change our purpose , leauing a part the amourous flame of the fayre princesse Porphyria , to come againe to the historie of the valiant king of Phez , not long since made a Christian miraculously , as yee haue heard before . To let ye vnderstand withall , according to the truth in writing of him , his genealogie and aduenture , whereof himselfe maketh recitall to the holy Hermit and fayre pilgrime , when hee was thereto by them required , beginning in this or the like maner . It is a long while since , that Artabaz sometime king of Persia , was enamoured on the fayre Quéene Lyxandra , the most fayre and wealthie Ladie in riches and other goods of fortune , that was in those times : for vnder her obedience and Empire , as also her lawes , liued in flourishing prosperitie the people of foure opulent kingdomes , which are on the coast of Barbarie , to wit , Phez , Marocco , Thunis , and Alger . But Looue had not touched with selfe same shaft the hart of Lyxandra , as he did the hart of Artabaz , because the more earnestly he loued , the more mortally she hated : ●y reason , that in the life time of king Brunon her father , hee had dayly vexed him with warres , seeking to depriue him of his kindomes and Signories . For this cause he trauailed and molested him , as no man in the world could doo the like : so that being ouercome with wea●ines of the passed warres , Brunan finished his dayes , after hee had made some treatie or accord of peace with the king of Persia , euen then when first he began to loue the fayre Lyxandra : who hauing auncient mallice engrauen in her heart , continued dayly in resolution to hate him more and more .

Héerevpon , she not willing to graunt marriage with the Persian king , nor to listen his solicitings , requests , and temptations , which stretched so farre as he could deuise , the perticuler discourse whereof were too long to rehearse : hee concluded to winne her by force of armes , and to renew the former warres against her , more sharpe and cruelly then euer hee did , against the deceased king Brunon her father . Which being thus pursued , he brought the vertuous princesse into such necessitie , as hee left her neither kindome , Cittie , towne , nor burrough , place nor Castell , but all was brought vnder his obeysance , and all of them spoyled , the strong Cittie of Phez onely excepted , wherein being constrained to shut vppe her selfe , he so long time continued the s●ege against it , as she was on the pointe of yeelding to his mercie , or else to take away her owne life : but then ( by good hap ) a young Knight , so highly accomplished as any other whatsoeuer , arriued on the coast of Barbarie , euen as the Quéene was in this great perplexitie , deuising with her selfe what she were best to doo : he hearing by the common reporte blazed abroad , what harde holde the Queene Lyxandra had against the Persian Tyrant , beeing brought so neere the place , by violence of the windes that droue him on the seas : was willing to succour her , beeing touched partly with pittifull affection , which the goodnes of nature had endned him withall , and partly prouoked on by fayre desire , to make appearance of his hardie valour , the fame whereof alreadie was bru●ed through most places in the world : but seeing at this first attempt , that his accesse and entraunce into the Cittie ( so narrowly besiedged on eueri● side ) would prooue very difficult , the gates being ramd vp , and the walles enuironed with Persian men at armes . An indifferent while he deuised with himselfe , by what meane both easily and couertly hee might get entrance . Hauing some space considered heereon , the Historie saith , that he especially noted one side of the cittie wall , where the enemies had made a very great breache , to enter thereby on the morowe , vpon the answer Quéene Lyxandra should returne to king Artabaz : and this breach was guarded by certaine armed men of the Cittie , while the Quéene assembling her councell , should agree on some expresse resolution of answer concerning her submission to her enemie . The assaylants on the other side of the breache , were making banquets , passing away the time very merrilye , vnder certaine assurance , that now the cittie should be yeelded or taken , vppon theyr request within of composition : and well ye wot , that a Cittie comming to composition , is more then halfe taken . This was the cause , that the young knight beeing come neere the breache , and séeing they that kept it were verie carefull of their charge , hee softly whispered with them , to know by what meanes hee might enter the cittie , to haue some spéech with the queene Lyxandra , concerning matters of importance that would prooue profitable to her , desiring them to let her vnderstand thereof , in that the cause of his comming thither , was earnest desire to imp●oy himselfe for her defence in this warre .

The Souldiers made him answere , that one should presently goe do his errand , and the Queene being aduertised heereof , was very glad , knowing well by his renowme and valour , that he was the gentle knight of the Flower , ( for so was he called , because as then hee loued a Ladye named Florixa , in regard of whose name , he bare a Uermillion Gilliflower painted in his sheeld ) a man so hardie and valiant , as hee was esteemed beyond all the knights of that time . Héere vpon she gaue comman●dement , that he should be let into the Cittie , by a doore that passed from her Castell ▪ to the Towne : marrie it was to be doone in the dead time of the night , and that so couertly or closely as might be : thus escaped the knight in , vnseene of the enemie , with his armour and horsse , and one Squire that bare him companie . In breefe , to tell ye what passed betweene them , the quéene letting him vnderstand the occasion of this warre , the successe thereof , and the extremitie whereinto she was brought farre more in effect then the knight had heard reported : she fell downe on her knées before him , and with the teares trickling downe her chéekes , intreated him , to helpe her both with councell and valiance , promising to deliuer vp all the treasure of her kingdome into his handes , if in this darkenesse he could illuminate them with some meanes , whereby they might escape the tyrants power , that forciblie sought to make a rape of her , wherevnto before shee would condiscend , shee minded to murther her selfe with hir owne hands .

When the knight of the Flower had noted his words , desire of honor prouoked him rather to fight for her , then all her teares , & promised her , with the helpe of God , that dread of death , should not with-hol● him from defence of her case , which according to her recitall , séemed to him most iust and reasonable . In this resolue , he thus aduised the Quéene to answer the Persian tyrant , that shee would not yeelde her selfe to his mercie , before shee made some proofe of the loue he bare her , a●d whether it were so effectuall , that he durst on the morrow aduenture the combate , against one knight , man to man , with what armes himselfe would choose . For one should be sent foorth of the Cittie , armed at all pointes , whom if hee could vanquish , shee would condiscend to his will : but if the contrary happened , and he were conquered he should raise his siedge , and depart with his hoste from before the Cittie , deliuering and restoring into her repossession , all such Citties , townes , borroughes , places , castels , lands and seigniories , as he had taken and ruined , rendering and restoring to her likewise , all the treasure , which she spent to maintaine her resistance in warre , the vale we and summe whereof he should credit a●d beleeue vpon her owne oath .

If he pleased not to accept this offer ▪ she was determined to kill her selfe with her owne handes , rather then shee would graunt what he so earnestly desired . This councell was so agreeable to the Queene , that presently she dispatched a messenger to Artabaz , to heare from him some answere or resolution . At this message hee did nothing but smile and laugh , in derision and mockerie ( as it were ) assuring himselfe of the victorie : and therefore accepted the Combate , with knightes ordinarie armes of Launce and Swoord : but to make short , the knight of the Flower and hee combatted the next day man to man , in such sort and so long time , as ( after a fierce and extreame cruell fight ) Artabaz was vanquished , and yeelded prisoner to the Queene Lyxander : where by meanes of the knight of the Flower , he forcibly was compeld to performe the articles & conuentions , sollemnly sworne on either part before the combate . When Artabaz was enlarged from the Quéenes prison , conquered despight and despa●●e , hee ranne himselfe vppon his owne sword , to let out the loue he before had conceyued towardes the Quéene Lixandra , who thus was deliuered from miserie and captiuitie , as also the violent furie of so great an enemie . Nor fayled ●he to thanke the yong knight the mean of her deliuerance , entertayning and feasting him there the space of a whole yere , euen perforce , as it were , causing him to tarrie with her , so that in the end she became enamoured of him , and but that she was a Pagan and hée a Christian , he being lykewise else where vowed , she woulde haue ioyned with him in marriage . And notwithstanding this prohibiting bond , both of the one and other religion , she could not support the extreame flame of this amorous fyre , but being ouercome with incontinencie , was constrayned to yeld her selfe in such sort , as she had knowledge of him almost against his heart and will . Howe oft this continued I knowe not , but within short time she was conceiued , which the young knight perceiuing , beeing wearie of these amourous sportings , which else where ought to be emploied , euen in place where his heart serued , one daie secretly getting from his companie , and being disguised , hee went whether the winde and fortune would conduct him . At his departure she was meruaylously discomforted , causing diligent search to be made for him in all places her lande , as also far and neare to enquire after him , being willing to change her religion and become a Christian , onely to marrie with him , or once more to get him in her custodie . But hearing by credible reporte , that hee was the valiaunt Brandismel , king of great Britaine , who being a young knight , so chaunged his name and disguised his armes , hauing espoused his Florixa , from whome came the king Floridamant , of whome at this daie is held such account : she comforted her selfe so well as she could , and couered her fault so cunningly , that albeit shée was great with child , she married with the worthie Knight Florinor , at that day king of Armenia , in time of whieh mariage , by about seauen 〈◊〉 after , she was deliuered of a goodly son called Florant , in remembraunce of the knight of the Flower his father . Within thrée years after she had thrée other sons , one named Adylas , the second Phoas , & the third Orontes , all found such hardie & aduenterous knights as euer liued in anie time .

Now because Ferramond was chased forth of Armenia , by Clarion brother to Artabaz , who was king after him and father to Mutinel at this time raigning , a long while he vexed him with warres , to recouer home his kingdome agayne , but he could not compasse what hee intended , vntyll Florant grew strong and abie to carrie armes , who beeing assisted with a mightie and puissaunt armie , and especially imployed in these affayres , went forward with his charge so effectually , that hee expelled thence Clarion and his people , who grew into such vexation heereat , as séeing he was no longer able to stand agaynst him , he caused him traiterously to be slayne by foure Persians , who counterfeiting to come in embassage to him , with letters pretended from Clarion , as he talked alone with them in his chamber , they c●uelly murdered him with certaine pistols , which for the purpose they had closely hid vnder theyr mantles . Florinor who tooke himselfe to be his father , was so offended and grieued hereat , as a good father will naturally be for the death of so valiant a sonne , and sent Adylas his other sonne , with a far more great and stately armie , to reuenge the death of Florant his brother , but hee followed his busines so slenderly , that albeit he was a valyant knight , ther he lest his life and his armie discomfited , which went so neere the hart of Florinor , that with conceyt of griefe he dyed , being then aged in yeres , as lykewise was his Quéene Lixandra , who carefully nourished me vp being the sonne of Florant , and endued with his name , as also young Adylas , bearing likewise name after his slaine father . In this time or soone after the death of Florinor , Phoaz and Orantes , seeking after aduentures as knigh●es arrant , prickt forward with desire of fame and honour , were slayne in two seuerall encounters by king Floridamant , beeing then as they were , a young knight , and following the same affayres . Eache of them left a sonne behinde them bearing their owne names , who lykewise remayned in the charge and kéeping of Queene Lixandra our grand-mother , shee verie carefully nourished and brought vs vp , especially me , to whome verie often shée discoursed these accidents : and litle before her death ( which rather was through age than anie other extremitie ) she parted and diu●ded the kingdomes betwéene vs , appoynting to one the realme of Phez . Adylas , Phaos , and Orontes , my cousins , had giuen to them the three other seigniories , to witte , Morocco , Thunis and Alger , wherewith wee all haue beene well contented , without quarrelling or falling at debate for anie cause whatsoeuer .

But we being as yet verie young , were assayled again by Mutinel the king of Persia , in reuenge of Artabaz death his predecessor , and would haue depriued vs againe of our kingdomes : but we so well defended our selues , as he coulde not altogether defeate vs of our right , but in regarde of our ouer young yeres , we promised him certayne yerely tribute , and obeisance or homage , when he woulde commaund vs to haue it done , which euer since we haue dayly continued , and in consequence hereof , being charged by him to arme themselues agaynst the king of great Britaine , in companie of king Brandissant and his brethren , to ruinate and destroie all christendome together , wee entered on the seas with a goodly great armie thitherward , and sayling merrily certayne daies in our voiage , we were surprized with a greate tempest , which separated vs one from another , in such sort , as I know not what is become of the rest . Well wot I , that my ship was wrackte against a huge rocke , and none saued aliue of all that were with me but my selfe alone .

Since when , hauing recouered horse and armour , such as by fortune I brought with me into the forrest of great aduentures , wher méeting a proud and arrogant knight , that challenged all passengers to combate with him , promising for prize of theyr victorie a goodly horse , a fayre armour , and a golden cup of inestimable value : desirous to gain these thrée if I could , I entered the combat with him , and all daie wee fought together , without apparance of victorie on either side till the verie declining of the daie , when wee were euen on the point to knowe where the lot woulde fall , when another knight no lesse valiant than proud , came to trouble our intent , very furiously assayling vs both . In which sirange conflict it chanced that this curteous Lord came , and seeing our confused order of fighting , behelde howe I was wounded , of which hurts , through the mighty and supreame diuine vertue , I am now healed .

Thus good Father , haue I fully sat●sf●ed your request , if ye will command me anie other seruice , assure your selfe I will doe it verie gladly . Thus king Florent of Phez ended his discourse , when the olde hermite began an excellent exhortation to confirme him soundly in the christian fayth , charging him to liue and die in defence thereof , and not to persecute it as before he had done . Taking occasion by the example of Saint Paul , to incite him forward to his dutie , according as he procéeded in Gods seruice after hee was so diuinely called . When he had finished his sermon , wher with the king was highly satisfied and contented , after hee hadde humbly thanked him for so great good receiued , he departed in companie of the faire pilgrime , with him to go visite the holy sepulchre of Iesus Christ : where what happened to them afterward , you shal reade at large in the third volume of this worthie historie , which ( if God permit ) you shal see verie shortly .

The discourse of the Giant Squamell .

SQuamell the ouer wéening proud knight , mightie in strength and of Giantine stature , was conducted on the blacke riuer ( as yee haue heard ) very farre vnder the earth , by the diabolicall arte of the Necromancer Charonifor , euen into a dark chamber full of fyre and smoake , the verie next neighbout to black Auernos : wherein hee was no sooner arriued , but certaine young spirits or deuils , the waiting seruants on the sorcerer , came quickly about him , foure bringing vnguents , others clothes , another a candle of Rosen to light their maister , that he might make readie his necessarie emplaisters , wherewith the Giants wounds should be healed . And he being halfe dead , was laid along on a banke before a great fire , that burned extreamly within the chamber , which onely serued to giue them light night and day : thrée times he swouned , while Chironifer his chirurgion felt the depth of his mortall woundes , which notwithstanding , by his speedy helpe , succour , and dilligence , within few dayes after were made verye whole and sound . Right well he knew how to thank the Necromancer , vowing his loue for euer after to him : and Charonifer likewise as glad of his health exhorted him still to follow his aduenture , and returne to the Forrest where hee was wounded , there to stay till he met a knight in black armour , mounted on the horsse which was one of the prizes of the combate , assuring him , that hee was one of the best knights in the world . If therefore he 〈◊〉 at honor and reputation , such as beséemed ●he order of knighthood , hee should not rest till he had fought with him and slaine him , otherwise it he failed in this 〈…〉 great 〈…〉 performe 〈◊〉 departing from his nightly shade , after he had taken leaue of the Necromancer : he was conducted back againe by the same way he went , entring the black Boate , to goe view the light of the sunne , which hee had neuer seene since hee ●ame thither . Beeing in little while arriued in the forrest of high aduentures , and riding by the morning light , the space of an houre : he found a Ladie of meruailous beautie hanging by the neck on a Tree , the fatall instrument , being the laces that bound vp her hayre , which being discheueled round about her , hung downe to her very feete . The Giant presently knew her to be the Lady Lucinda whom somtime he loued , and now so mortally hated , as hee was not a little ioyfull to behold this sight : lauding his gods , especially Cupid , who so meritoriouslie reuenged the rigour , which shee in former time had vsed toward him : for when he intirelie loued her , she scorned him , wherfore in ●esting maner he imbraced the dead bodye , swinging her about from one side to another : but at last hee was ware of a paper , which with a small thred was fastened on her bosome , which hee taking downe , and seeing them to be verses , read them to himselfe in this manner .

The verses written on a little Labell , and fastned about the Ladyes neck , as she hung vpon the Tree THou that goest by , if pittie thee possesse , then take compassion on this noble dame : Who foyld by loue , and fortunes forwardnes , heere ( as thou seest ) hath doone a deed of shame . Making her hands the engines of her death , And on this Tree sent foorth her latest breath . If ●hou be knight , and valour doost containe , doo thy deuoire , to wreake her haplesse end : On cruell Squamell , honors foulest staine , whom teares nor treates could make a Ladies frend . But full of rancor , pride and high disdaine : Still made her breath her sighes & sutes in vaine . If thou be Lady , or some vertuous dame ; and knowst the man that holds thy fauours deere : Loue him againe , and thinke not on my name , in whom the effects of scorne dooth well appeare , I was beloou'd , and then I would not fauoure , I sued for loue , and haue this for my labour . As when he lou'd , I coyly made refuse , so when I lou'd , he did disdaine my sight : I would not yeeld when liked him to chuse , he would not graunt when I would if I might . Let this vile death for my contempt suffice : And my example make all other wise .

When Squamell had read these lines , he was so ouercome with choller and despight , as letting fall the writing , he set hand to his Semitarie , where with hee smote at the Ladie , and cut her quite thorowe in the middest by her girdle : so that the one part of the bodie , to wit , the head , neck , shoulders and sides remained hanging on the tree , and the belly , flankes , thighes , legges and féete tombled on the ground , a thing very cruell , hideous , and gastly to be seene . Hauing in this sorte some what appeased his anger , hee did nothing but laugh , breathing foorth many iniurious spéeches against her : at which very instant , an other Giant of meruailous stature , exceeding Squamell in heighth by the head , arriued there , who hearing him speake such vile wordes , and seeing withall such an inhumaine déed : thought good to check and reprooue him for it in this manner .

Knight , thou mayst well blush with shame , that any one should euer see thee beare marke of chiualrie , and the arms which thou doost weare : imploying them so hadly as thou hast doone , vpon a poore and miserable creature , whose vnhappie destenie brought her to this end . I thinke if thou wouldst shew thy selfe so vertuous and valiant , to so many braue knights , which ordinarily passe thor●w this forrest , as thou hast witnessed thy selfe most monstrous and cruell toward this poore body : thou shouldst finde other affayres better beséeming a knight then this● , and wherein thou mightest with greater honestie spend thy time . How nowe companion ? answered Squamell , darest thou be so bolde as come hither to reprooue my actions , which are so vertuous and worthi● , as heauen , earth , and all contained therein do admire them ? especially this last déede by me doone vppon this Ladie , is so deseruedly to be praised , as if thou knewest the occasion thereof , thou wouldst commend and reckon me among other knights of vertue , that doo dayly make high estéeme of mee , and that more worthilie , than thou canst dare thus rashlye to reprehend mee : but because I repute thée vnworthie to know this occasion , I haue nothing else to say vnto thée , but if with speed thou get thee not gon : I will learne thee against an other time to speake more wiselie , in that I haue the power both to tame and teache . And albeit thou art of bigger constitution then I , yet will I shew thée , that in all the rest thou art farre lesse and inferiour to me : and for I am loth to laye anye hand vpon thee , but onely the very greatnes of my name , which is sufficient to make thee flie quickly out of my pro●ence , know that I am the great and puissant knight Squamell , the renowne of whose vertue enuirones all the worlde , and serues as a terror to the most audacious and hardiest knight .

Knight , replyed the Giant , I haue heard speeche of thee , and the bruite of thy name hath often héeretofore pierced mine eares : yet ( for all that ) I am nothing hastie of flight , because I doo not imagine thée to be so hardie and valiant , as the thundering reporte that hath beene blazed of thee for if thou hast heard report of the mightie Ferclaste , Androfort and Ergofe●ant , thou hast well vnderstood , that neuer might any knight bee equalled in force and prowesse with them : but the hardyest and stowtest indeed haue fled at the ●●nowne of their names .

Theyr ●ame while they liued was noised farre and néere , so likewise was the worthie ●●abot : then maist thou well thinke and assure thy selfe , that I who am Ergoferant , the onely suruiuer of those thrée , doo greatly scorne to flie from thée , except some greater matter enforce or constraine mee . What , answered Squamell , art thou one of those thrée huge Colosses , that serned as a terror to all Gréece ? and of those thrée remaineth none aliue but thée ? Tell mee what is become of thy brethren , for if they be dead , assure thy self I am greatly displeased , in respect of the earnest desire I hadde to combate with them , and conquere ye all thrée one after another , not for anie loue I dyd euer beare ye , or doubting anie hatred ye all durst beare me . Content thy selfe , sayd Ergoferant , that thou know●st ther were such thrée , thou must now enter the combate alone against me , I shall bee sufficient to breake thy foolish pate , and cause thée quickly giue ouer this proud daring spéech . To knowe what is become of my brethren , how they were slaine , and by whome , I am not to tell thée , because thou hast shewen to little curtesie to me , in scorning to tell me this . Ladies misfortune , and the occasion of thy hatred to her , vrging thée to committe such a monstrous and inhumane act , in this respect I thinke thée vnworthie to knowe theyr mishaps . I perceiue wel ( quoth Squamel ) why thou darest not tell mee , because theyr ende was with such shame and reproch , as it were thy dishonour , being their brother , to make report thereof , for perhaps , as it is no other like , some knight of smal valour hath slain them , and by conquest brought thée likewise vnder his obeisance . Thou liest in thy throate , answered Ergoferant , for a knight of slender valor could not conquere them , nor yet subiect me to his obedience , but if I yelded my selfe to anie one , assure thy selfe hee was no meane man of vertues . And that thou maist beare record thereof , we trifle too much time in prating , let the effects declare which of vs two proueth most valiant , otherwise thou doest but séeke occasion to shunne the combat , which take as thou will , for I will dally no longer . So saying , with a mightie mase which he bore , he let driue at his aduersarie , & the stroke fell with such violence , he standing with his semitarie drawen to defend it , as had hee not withstoode it with wonderfull strength , it had layde him on the grounde . But Squamell well awarded this horrible blow , without receiuing anie great domage therby , and deliuered back a sound answere for the same with his semitarie , which the gyaunt escaped in as ample manner : and thus began between them a sharpe and cruell fight , continuing the space of two hours , without discouery which side had most aduantage , but in the end it so fell out , that Squamel was readier to fight on horsbacke than the other , knowing howe to tourne and manage his horse for most harme to his enemie , mary Ergoferant was nothing so nimble , only his strokes were more waightie than his aduersaries , but he was nothing comparable in dexterie and nimblenes , which is the onely thing required in a combat . At length Squamel began to be verie sore trauailed , when sodainely ariued in place a knight of so little stature , as he might easily stand vnder the cleft of eyther of them , he galloping with the full carrire of his horse , hauing a fayre broad glistering sword in his hand , which hee handled so lightly , as if it had bin a litle riding wand , yet was it in sight so heauie , as it he could not haue lifted it with both his hands . To each of the combattants hee gaue a meruaylous stroke , saying , holde and cease your fighting , to tell me forth the occasion of your combat . Ergoferant was astonned here at , as giuing his horse the bridle , without conduct or gouernment he ranne awaie , kéeping no direct course , but here and there ouer the forest , as in short space he was farre inough from his enemie . Squamel likewise was so amazed with his stroke , as albeit hee rained his horse as strongly as hee could , yet ran he away with him swifter than the wind , carrying him also as far off the other waie . Heereat they both meruailed not a litle , especially the short knight , who séeing them fight so fiercely , reputed them of greater valor than to flie awaie so spéedily . But kn●●●ng as then no reason hereof , he fel into a great laughter , til sodainly he espied the ladie hanging , when hauing a prettie while behelde her , both the mangled trunke and the rest lying on the ground , perceuing she had bene of singular beautie , he toke some ●ompassion on her misfortune , especially after he had read the verses , which he found on the ground wher Squamel had throwen them : and so entirely was he moued with pitie , as hee resolued to know who had caused her mishap , to the end hée might worke some re●enge therefore . Herevpon he would ride to méete one of the two combattants , by force or fayre meanes to know how this happened : now while he is searching them , not onely wil I here conclude this Chapter , but also the sceond booke of this famous Historie .

Thus Gentlemen , here knit we vp the second part of Gerileons historie , if this may find but wished entertainment , the third partshall follow with all speed possible . In meane while an old promise remaineth to be performed , namely , the first booke of Primaleon o● Greece , which by Gods permission yee shal haue the next Tearme , if it may be finished so soone . Let then Gerileons welcome hasten on Primaleon .

A. Mundy . FINIS .