THe Battell betwéen Fangomadan and Rosicleer continued with no lesse furie , than that vreasonable begun Combate of the Lapythes & Centaures , at the marriage of Pyrithous , the Companion of Hercules : and with like noyse , or more violence , did their stroakes redouble one vppon an other , battering and shiuering their armour , and staining the pauement of the Court ( wherein they contended ) with their bloods : either so impatient of delay , and desirous to sée the others downfall , that they enuied at the breathing time , which both their necessities made them glad to take . Yet ( of the two ) there appeared a greater and more apparant defect in Fangomadan than the Prince . For the Giant with his owne vnreasonable hugenes and intollerable weight of his armour was most oppressed : and Rosic●eer by his agili●ie and nimblenes , had more than ordinarie aduauntage : neuertheles he entred not and retired so at his ease , but with his armours burden , the Giants blowes , & hys excéeding trauell , his flesh was greatly brused .

At this time , two things much auayled the prince : the one the excellent temper of his armour , fashioned by the wise Artemidoro , the other his vnmatchable sword sent him from Quéene Iulia : for no force had force to enter the armour , nor no armour had strength to resist the sword , especially wéelded by so strong an arme .

Two weary howers were past , when as these worthy Warriers ( impatient to sée their fortunes stand on such doubtful termes ) with both hands met with their swords aloft , in such furious manner , that the Beholders ( thogh some of them were vndoubtedly verie valiant ) were so amazed , that their blood retyred to their affrighted hearts . The Pagan was quicke in the execution of hys blowe , which was the cause that it did little offend his Aduersarie , onely it caused his eyes to flash fire like lightening : but the prince setled his blow so furiously vpon the Giant , that if his stéely helme had not béene thrée fingers thicke , it had parted his head , yet it made him fall vpon the necke of his Elephant , and Trebatioes Sonne redoubling another vpon him , Fangomadan had falne out of the saddle , if he had not preuented it by crossing his armes .

This worthie Prince ( descended from Achilles ) might then haue concluded the Battle , when as the Moore was in this perplexitie , but hee would not , because it was against gentillitie and knighthood . Long it was not that hee paused , for Fangomadan comming to himselfe threwe from him that which remained of his shield , and with his sword in both hands went against his Contrarie : who committing himselfe vnto God , ran in with a thrust at him , & saued his life , for that the Giaunt could not fasten a full blow on his helme , but it glaunced downe on the Horse head , which being parted in two , beast and Lord fel to the earth : which gréeued Floralinda , who with her Hus●and from a high gallerie beheld this mortall contention . Yet went hee not without his paiment , for there was no ●nchantment could resist Rosicleers Sword , nor the Guider of that well tempered weapon : but with vnmatchable force it passed through his gorget to his throate : which the Giant féeling , he gaue backe , otherwise he had presently dyed .

Although the Sonne of Trebatio was a foot , yet did not his valiant heart faile him , but with a gallant demeanor he abode the comming of his enemie : in such sort that the Giant staid to behold him . The Prince séeing him staye , said : What doost thou meane thou diuelish Furie : ●was becommeth a Knight , for in killing my Horse thou art by custome bound to giue me another , or els to alyght from thine .

No such curtesie ( said the Giant ) makes me pause : but I thinke one of the Gods are descended in thy shape , but neither his nor anie other force will deliuer thée from my deathfull resolution . And there with he would haue ouerthrown him with his Elephant : but the Prince stept aside , & as the Giant passed by , he stroke him such a blow , that the sword pared away the armour and part of his arme : so that with great paine he was able to rule his sword . Yet this trecherous Moore returned againe to ouer-run him , and the Greeke abode him with al the dexterie that might bée : and at his second passing by , he assayled him as a tyger doth his pray , laying his strong handes on him wyth such force , that he pulled his furious Aduersarie quite out of his saddle .

The Giant séeing hee must fall , was subtle and cunning , and clasped in the Prince , as the Yuie twisteth about the Dake , because that in their falling he should not take anie aduantage of him , so that they came both to the ground : whereas might haue béene séene the gallantest wrestling in the world . For although the Giant were huge and deformed , our Knight was as well set and as strong as anie in the world , not being a Giant .

It gaue great con●ent to the Beholders , to sée what art and pollicie either of them vsed to get aduauntage of hys Contrarie . The Pagan in this wrestling lost very much blood , and wexed weake by reason of the wound in hys throate : which caused him to let loose the Prince , whose flesh and bones were verie much brused . But séeing it was not then time to loose anie opportunitie , they returned to their Battell againe with so great furie and quicknes , as though it had then but new begun , till such time as verie wearines did inuite them to leaue of , euen for a little breathing : which was not without néede , for they had sought foure howers together , without taking anie kinde of rest .

Those that were present did verie much extoll the fortitude of the pagan , in that he could so long indure against the Prince : for that they knewe by experience how farre the strength of his armes extended . And the Prince vnto himselfe sought by what meanes he might ouercome hys Enemie without killing him : for that he séemed to be one of the most valiantest that euer he prooued : and still hee thought that he excéeded the dexteritie of the mighty Gran Campeon , that was slaine in the Warres of Greece , by the hand of the said Prince . Likewise he remembred the manie and great affaires hee had to doo in other Partes : but that which gréeued him most , was that so long time he had not heard of his beloued Oliuia . The which thought kindled in him such cholar , that like vnto lightening hee went to the Pagan , first demaunding whether he would yéeld himselfe for ouercome , and leaue the Battell in the state it was ?

But this blasphemous King with a voyce that feared them all said ? Uile creature , is it possible that the Gods will consent being armed in the fielde , so poore a Knight as thou for pure sorrow and gréefe should desire to leaue off the battell , and yet wish me to yéeld as ouercome ? I do now perceiue that all your deities are vile , and that your power is but small , that one alone Knight dare attempt to doe this . Come downe you théeues from those celestial houses that you haue stolen and vsurped , and I will giue you to vnderstand that I am Fangomadan ? And therwith raging like a Tiger , hee assalted that warlike Prince , and gaue him such a violent blow vpon his helme , that he made him stoope and put his handes to the grounde , and doubling the same he stroke him ouerthwart , that it descended on his left shoulder , which the Prince felt verie gréeuous , & séeing himselfe so intreated , considering withall , that the force of his aduersarie was increased , he beganne to hammer blowes on him in such sorte , that hee made him séeme all bathed in bloud , puffing and blowing like a bayted bull .

The Pagan would haue giuen him a down right blow purposing therewith to conclude the battle : But the Prince beeing warned by that which before had passed , made shewe as though hee woulde abide it , yet when it did descend , with all the lightnes in the world he auoided and made him strike vppon the stones so furiouslie , that when the swoorde fell it broke off a great péece .

This louer of Oliuia was not iole on so good occasion , but stroke the Giant such a blow and with such good order on his shoulder , that he did not onely disarme the place but also made therein a great wound , out of which began to flowe a great quantitie of blacke bloud . And this victorious Gréeke withdrew himself when he saw the wound he had giuen him .

It cannot be imagined what great anger possessed the Giant , for like vnto a wounded Lyon ( although somewhat wearie ) hee assalted Rosicleer : who had no care to strike him , but to delay him with his lightnes , for that he knew well it would shortly tyre him . And so vsing his wonted dexterity , he onely auoided the blowes of his enimy .

Those that were beholders hereof did well perceiue the intention of this baptised knight : but yet he could not still so auoide it , but that the giant seazed on him such a blowe , that he made him somewhat to loose his memorie , and to voide bloud out at his mouth , the which Rosicleer tooke to be perilous , and let flie thrée or foure blowes on high to amaze his contrary , and therewith thrust at him with his sword in such sort that hee hit him on the thigh , and the point passed to the bone .

The Moore did not thinke it to be great , till such time as assaying to follow him , he fell-downe vpon his handes , but he was not so soone downe , as with the quicknesse of his thought he was a foote againe , florishing with his vnmeasurable sword .

This valiant brother to the Knight of the sunne could very well haue ouercome him in thus detaining him , but he sodainely conceaued it to bee cowardise , and therefore determined to put the state of the battell in one blow , and as the giant was striking at him a mighty stroke , he entered within him , thinking to ouerthrow him , but he found him like a rocke : therefore being together he gaue place to the Moore to benefit himselfe of time and occasion .

But the giant leauing his greate fauchion , seazed on the Prince with his heauie armes , & rescused him in such sort , that it séemed he would breake all his members , so that they must needs returne againe to a perilous wrastling , in so much that with the heate of the battell and with wearinesse , they fell both on the grounde , and inforcing one to get the other vnder , they both lacked breath and the giant bloud , through which faintnesse they both sounded , the vnhappy giant neuer againe reuiuing . And this is alwaies to be looked for of those , who liued as hée did , making his owne content a God , and worshipping his onely pleasure .

All that were aboue woulde haue descended to them , but there was none that could forsake the place where as they were .

For that incontinent the heauen was couered with a thicke and blacke cloude , with such thundrings and lightnings that it seemed that all the firmament would fall to the earth , in the which was hearde the bleating of beastes and other heauy groanes in the saide courte for the space of one houre , till such time as the storme was past , and the heauens became cleare as they were before .

Nowe looking for the warriours they onely sawe the Prince , as one amazed new come to himselfe , and as though his aduersary had béen before him , he gaue assault till such time as he was wholy in his remembrance , and saw not the giant .

But that which grieued him most was that he lacked his good sword , which he woon with so deare experience , as was said in the first booke . And looking about for the giant , he sawe on the one side of the court , a sumptuous edifice like to a sepulcher , which was sustained with foure deformed Lyons made of alablaster , the Sepulcher it selfe was all of Christall , so cleare , that all might be very well séene which was within , and marking it well , he knewe that it was the bodies of the giants and their mother who laie as though they had beene aliue with their eies open , and euery one a very long scrole or writing in their handes , which declared the cause of their deathes : but that which made the inuincible Prince Rosicleer most to maruell was to sée his good sword sent from Quéene Iulia smitten quite through one of the foure pillers that sustayned the couering of the sepulcher which piller séemed to be of very fine Iaspar stone .

WIth zealous care the faire Princes of Macedonia did cure the wounded gréeke , and comforted the weakenesse of her beloued spouse with her presence , and would not absent her selfe til she saw him whole and sound . She greatly reioyced to sée the knight of Cupide , vnto whom that she might shew her selfe thankefull , she cured him with her owne hands , and neuer would consent that any other should do it , for all his often modest desires to the contrary . Sometimes they would al thrée descend and sée that faire castell , and passe away the time in the fresh gardens that were there , and often behold the superbious edifice and curious sepulcher which the pagan had . It so fell out that one day he being altogether recouered of strength , the prince Meridian calling vnto him his spouse & the Troian Oristides , caried them to the chamber of the Prince , who was then vp and walked , although not out of his chamber , for that he was somewhat leane . He seeing them comming , receaued them with that gallant grace ( with the which aboue all the rest he was indewed ) and said vnto the faire Prince .

It well appeareth worthy Lady that you take liking not to come very often vnto my simple lodging , nowe those delicate handes hath so soone put me in such estate that I am not as I was wont to be visited . To whom she said ▪ Sir Knight if this way you will carry it , I wel could long ●re this haue giuen you entire health , but I receauing content in your company haue delaied the cure : at which fault of mine , it séemeth you are malecontent , neither can I blame you ▪ séeing the gallant Oliuia is not here by whome you should receaue all the contentment that may be giuen .

You doe well faire Princesse said Rosicleer so to put it off , that I may more and more protest the seruices I haue sworne to the beauteous Floralinda , which if weakenesse hinder not , I wil on any occasion perfourme .

Cease now to talke of occasions said Floralinda , I know ye haue béene alwaies a professed seruant to faire Ladies , and therefore worthily were you called the Knight of Cupide , and in their defences haue you shewen your selfe a second Mars . But tell me certainely swéete Prince , now Mars is vnarmed of his good sworde , were it not a faire sight to sée Oliuia his Venus by his side ? Impossibilities said the Prince are not to be expected , Oliuia is too farre from hence distant to be here with wishing : but should the Knight of Cupide wish for Venus , she were not farre to séeke , Floralinda of Macedon beeing so nere . With your leaue great Prince said Meridian , if this be Venus , and you Mars , I dare ingage my honour the olde fable will prooue false : for neither will you forsake Oliuia for this face ; nor my Venus make Meridian Vulcan for your valour .

Let vs leaue these iestes said Floralinda , if we run into such comparisons : for if the Prince or I had that intention , yonder shines the same glorious Eie of daie that discouered to all the Gods the lustfull Mars and his faire minion in an iron net , and the same sun would surely shewe our sinne to all the earth . But the Grecian Prince wil neuer proue the Mars ( said Rosicleer ) nor Floralinda so light a Venus . Inough , inough , said the Troian Ori●tides , Meridian is disposed to stand on nice tearmes , it was not long since he was otherwise imployed : but libertie now & the possession of his faire Loue , maketh him secure . The Greeke Prince hath lost his Sword , and his Oliuia is far distant , Meridian may therfore be much merrier than his famous Rescuer . Let vs intend our iourney towardes Greece : and therefore worthie Knight of Cupide , dispose we pray thée of this Castle and the curteous Giant , as to thy bountie best séemeth .

I will giue vnto the Giant ( said Rosicleer ) that which his bountie and vertue deserueth , being there too vrged by Meridian , Floralinda , and your selfe . Therefore I praye you call him , that we may finish our affaires here .

The Nephew of the Troyan was not slothfull to fetch the Giant : who till that time would not speake with anie , neither come foorth of his chamber with the gréefe he conceiued for the losse of his Father and Brethren : & all that while his Sister did cure him , and giue him diet . He came in a gowne of russet veluet cut vpon purple , and the Giant Ladie with him : who although she was great , yet was shee well proportioned . At their comming , all the Princes arose vp , which argued in them great and high curtesie ▪ and beeing all set againe , the Greeke address●d his talke vnto the Giant .

I doo wel vnderstand ( vertuous Brandafidell ) that neither the death of your Father and brethren , neither to sée your selfe ouercome and in prison , and your Castle in the power of a strange owner , hath bin occasion to alter your heart : as one that knoweth vnto what man is subiect , liuing vnder the continuall chaunce and change of fortune . It shall not therefore be needfull for your comfort , to laye before you anie example of him , that in one daye was a King , and in the same was throwne into a cage or prison . This I speake ( worthie Knight ) for that you should accept this present fortune as a thing you looked for : and so you shall see that the euill shall neuer gréeue you , because it commeth as a thing expected before . The death of them all is a griefe vnto me , and I should haue béen verie ioyfull , if there had béene any other meane to haue preuented it , but the imprisonment of these Princes being betwéene , deserued that a better estéemed life then mine should be aduentured for their liberties .

It is now done , and there could be no lesse don . Therfore confirme your selfe vnto that which fortune doth offer which is the fréendship of these Princes and mine : and if there be any other thing requisite and necessarie for the satisfaction of the dead , you are at libertie and Lorde of the Castle as before , for that these worthy Princes doe thinke it conuenient , and séeing you are a néere neighbor vnto the Princes Countrie , acknowledge him for your friend , and he will fauour you in all he may . And in satisfaction of the pain and griefe they suffered in the inchantment & the losse of my estéemed swoord , hée shall at our intreatie tell vs who is this great wise man , and where hee dwelleth , that in way of prophecie thus foretelleth wonders . And therewith the Prince concluded his spéech , giuing contentment vnto them all .

Then the stout Pagan aunsweared , with a kinde of humilitie which procéeded from his vertuous disposition , I will not ●●ower of Knighthood , for this present nor for that which is past , newly binde my selfe to be more affectioned , neither héerwith more extoll the noblenesse which you doe vse , in doing that which is common to so soueraigne a Prince . I liued in securitie and you being the victor , I cannot say I am ouercome . And being conquered by those warlike handes , I do extende that nothing could to mee bee more glorious then to haue put my selfe in the field against him , that Mars himselfe dare not contende with . The libertie which you and these Lords doe giue , I so estéeme of it as is good reason I shoulde , but I woulde change it howsoeuer , to be alwaies in your companie , and employ it ( as experience should manifest ) in your seruice , while life lasted , ending therewith my swéete bondage , I acknowledge all you my kinde Lords and friendes for that you demaund touching the inchauntment . Many dayes past , my mother did tell vs that in the Grecian house was borne my fathers death , and now it is wel séen for that you haue giuen it him : and she said , that with very griefe to sée my father slaine shee should dye , and that I shoulde see in her reuenge , running brookes of Grekish bloud , for that she had an Unkle , the wisest man that is to be found in all those partes , who neuer woulde carrie vs to sée his dwelling , which is called the hidden Iland , and they say that it was neuer séen of any since he dwelt in it : And that for this reuengement , he will ioyne together the greatest part of all the Pagans , nourishing and maintaining fiue Knights which shal be those which shall sweare the reuengement , to whome he will giue armour & horse , wherewith they shall fight against the Grecian princes , and that the swoord of one of them should bee that which most bloud shall shed , and it séemeth vnto mee that in part it is performed , and I doe beléeue that hee hath with hym those youthes . And at his departure hee tolde mee that I should be constrained by the Gréekish vertue to be on that part , against whome hee will procure my reuengement , which he calleth present death : and that I should remain the kéeper of this Castle , for defence of all such as shoulde procure the aduenture of the swordes ( for so the Castle is called ) and likewise that there shoulde bee heare in fast kéeping , two Ladies the most principalest in all the world till such time as a Maiden childe in equall battle doth ouerthrow me , and he said that foorthwith I should tell you who it was . This is princely Lords , all that which I doe know of this aduenture , or my euill fortune , for that I find my selfe friend to the Gréekes , and must sée their bloudes spilt for my cause , but in shedding of mine owne , and loosing my life in your defence , it séemeth vnto me that I doe that which I am bound to doe .