The first Chapter . How the Princesse Rosselia of Rome , being deliuered from the Inchantment , desired her father to bee reuenged on Don Heleno , Prince of Dacia ; and of that which followed thereof .

SO many were the harmes receiued of the princes of the Gréekes , ( most Noble Lord ) that in all the Pagans countreys there was no spéech of any thing , but of reuenge , and that , the most cruell that might be : for those which were grieued , were so great Monarches , that each of them determined to inuade Greece apart ; particularly , Bembo , who drue his pedegree from Iupiter , and felt himselfe most toucht , séeing the Gréeke louer to beare away the spoyles , which were due to his worth and valour .

Well had the Pagan some body else , who likewise was grieued for him . For Proserpina below in her darke kingdom , through the malice which she bare against the Gréeks , entreated her beloued Pluto , for aid in the behalf of Bembo , against the Grecians . The infernall prince was so subiect to his wiues request , that he commanded Discord to be called , whom , with the greatest company that possibly might bée , he commanded presently to depart , & to leaue neither armes nor lance on end , which should not bee bent against the Gréekes : for the Grecians bold attempts were not to bée endured . Discord felt it selfe some thing grieued , euer since the time of the venturous Octauius Augustus ; for her arme being vnable to resist the valor of that yong man , he peaceably possessed the whole world ; wherefore it was an easie matter to make her leaue that infernall habitation : shée was well accompaned ; for with her went Ambition , and Ielousy , friend to the blind god , and there went Auarice and the rest of the infernall Furies . Discord sallied , armed at all pieces , in russet armour , with a sword in each hand , & vpon her shoulders a bright shining Mirrour ; a signe , that as she pardoned none , so would she go in safetie from her enemies , accounting all for such Couetousnes marched with her spectacles , which made all she saw séeme greater , with a monstrous aspect . The first place attempted , was in Morea , against the braue Epirabio , to the ende that in seruice of his Liciana he should repaire into Grecia , there nowe to recouer that , which before , by his late comming he had lost . They knew how to take so good order , that although the Prince went with his confederates , al the kingdom was in an vprore , to attend the seruice of their soueraigne Lord . The king of Lituania was already summoned , to the ende that , with the greatest forces that he was able to make , he should draw nere vnto Niquea . Couetousnesse encountred this man , and in such sort ouercame him , that at the instant hée beganne to order his people , wich were many and well armed .

The faire Lisiana would not stay from going into Greece ; for not a little succéeded for her there : Good friends had they ray3sed against Grecia , but their chiefest trust remayned in the braue Romanes . Discord , Couetousnesse and Suspition tooke charge of the Con●uest : For the very soule of Resilia was possessed , séeing her faith so ill rewarded , and that the Dacian had made a scoffe of her . There is no Uiper , which sheweth it selfe so cruel , as a faire Ladie doth against him , whem shee hath once loued as her soule . Iealousie crossed in the middest , vntill she was wholy ouercome , forcing her to aske cruell vengeance of her father , for that which the Dacian had committed . They made herto adde thereunto , which was , that the Emperour asking her , whether there past any promise of Mariage ? Shée ( beeing blinded with passion ) answered her Father , Yea.

Wrath approched in so good a time , that a Basiliska returneth not more wrathfull , then the Romane Emperour Constantius shewed himselfe to bee against the Gréekes : he presently commanded a Councell to be assembled in this case : there entred thereinto Arsiano , the braue Prince of Almany , whom Dishonour had already ouercome , bringing to his minde , the disgrace whereinto Don Heleno the Prince of Dacia had brought him : and as his voyce was the first , and he well disposed thereto , hee gaue his opinion , that by fire and sword , vengeance should be taken . No man gainesaid this passionate yong man . The alarme was spéedily giuen in Rome , and in all the Townes subiect thereto .

Thither came the Kings of Zerssa , of Carthage and of Argier , all which were friends to the Romanes .

The king of Rodes failed not in this warre . As for the furious Almaine , he thought with his owne people alone to giue battell to the whole world : for he left not in all Almany , neyther high nor low , one man that was able for the warres .

The King of Scotland came with a mightie Hosse , in fauour of the Romane Empire , for the friendship he had amongst the Daughters . Discord was yet of greater power ; for it passed into Gibia , leading Reuenge by the hand , where she published the death of their Princes , by the hands of the Dacian Lord in Rome : their death was there already vnderstood , and mourned for .

But those infernall furies knew how to take so good order , that all that whole populous Kingdome was at an instant in an vprore : who had a yonger brother , and the most valiant man in all those kingdomes , called Brundusio the strong , who although that hee were not a Gyant of his bodie , yet there was no man ( how strong soeuer ) that was able to resist his force , which yet was not knowne to be borrowed . He spéedily began to leuie people , gathering together the Borderers , which were braue Knights , with many proud Gyants , which excéeded two thousand : of other people , the strong Brundusio raysed an hundred thousand fighting men , and with them hee went to ioyne himselfe with the Romanes , carrying sufficient prouision for many daies , perceyuing that the warre would be of long continuance . The Emperour of his ariuall receyued him with great ioy , séeming vnto him , that with that people , and the rest which he would leuie , it were a small matter to subdue the whole world : they would not inuade the Gréekes , without aduertising them of their departure , déeming that it would bee attributed to their small valour , although it followed a most cruell nauall warre , as that which passed betwéene them and the Soldan of Egypt , which would giue them notice , that they were daily to expect them . Herewith was there made a most proud defyance , signed by xii kings , which were ioyned in that confederacie with the mightie Romane , who of himselfe and of his adherents , had leuied aboue foure hundred thousand most ready and expert Souldiers : for amongst them went the fierce Almaines , a people through all the world held for valiant . Commandement was giuen for the making of many engines for the wa●res , and prouiding of munitions , because they would not euery day lend for prouisions . In such sort was the Romane furnished , that not of Grecia , but of all the world , he made smal reckoning , promising his daughter to crown her E●presse of Constantinople , in despite of all the Grecians . And with this preparation they spéedily sent fo●re Gyants , in company with a cousin germane of Brundusio , called Coriando , a most valiant Knight , & held in the second degrée after his strong cousin , with a Damsell called Sabina , which knew Don Heleno , for that she had invited him to the Iusts , who caried the defyance signed and sealed , knowing what she had to say , as shee which was one of the most discrat women of the world . The messengers were about to depart , when in the great Palace entred those , which were sent by the Soldan of Niquea , aduertised by Lupercio , of that which the infernall Furies had gayned vpon the Romane Prince . There came the brother of the Prince of the Garamants , subiect to the Soldan , and two other Princes , which were of Media and of Armenia , who , although they had beene in disgrace with the Soldan , about the stealing of L●riana , as is said in the first booke , the trueth being knowne , that they had not be●n the cause , nor acquainted therewith , he receyued them into his friendship , binding them by new fauours , which was , to send them for his Ambassadours to the Court of Rome : They went with such company as was fit for so great Princes , as they were . The King knowing of their comming , with the most principal that were with him , went forth to receyue them , taking the King of the Garamants by the hand , to do him the greater honour : they al let them down to heare the Ambassade of so mightie a Monarch as the Soldan of Niquea . As they all expected the Ambassade of the Soldan , the valiant King of the Garamants , making a little reuerence , drew out a sealed Letter of credence , and giuing it to the great Emperour of Rome , Constantius looke it , and with a loude voyce a king of Armes read it , which said thus : was therein . The valorous Coriandro , who went in company with the foure Gyants & the Damsell , answered him , that therein went certaine Knights of Rome , into Grecia , to defie the Gréekes . Much were they pleased with the answere of those Princes , and séeing they held that course , hauing so good occasion , they said they would accompany them : for no lesser displeasures had they also receiued of the Gréeks . It appeared what they were , by their Armes : and so those of Rome also reioyced in their soules , to haue so valiant Knights ( as they séemed to be ) in their company , not seeing the houre to méet them in Grecia : where we wil leaue them vntill their time , for they will bring in matter inough to talke of .

CHAP. II. Of that which happened vnto the Prince Poliphebus of Tinacria , with the Damsell which caried him into the kingdome of Samogacia .

ALl those which haue weighed the great trauell of Imagination , with such sound consideration , and so aduisedly , as is requisite , ( most noble Prince ) haue iudged it very great ; and not without much reason : for he who will please many , must seeke out matter different : for that which to one is loathsome , another holdeth for pleasant and swéet ; and to hit right to please many , is impossible : for euen betwéene thrée that are inuited , there is great difference in tasts : as he said , who had wel experimented the same , Horace . I say so , because it is not possible in so large an historie as this , which I now haue in hand , but to bee tedious , with the diuersitie of Chapters : although that if men impassionate should be Iudges therein , this is the most certaine meane to entertaine that can be .

But of force , séeing I take this way , I must haue recourse to pardon , and to treat somewhat ( leauing so many defiances ) of the noble Tinacrian , who with some amorous griefe tooke his leaue of Rosabel , both woondring at what they saw the one in the other : but it made it the lighter , to sée the valorous kinsemen which he had , and what it behooued him to doe , to be called brother to so great Princes , and Unkle to such a Knight ; for yet to Claridiano he was vnknowne . With this conceit he retyred to embarke him , where his Damsel attended his comming , feareful that his long staying might be the occasion , that he should not come in time with his succours ; for the most accomplished Lady in all Samogacia , had grounded her hopes vpon him . At his comming , she told him , what paine she endured , and the cause thereof . Great griefe would it be to me , faire Damsel , ( said the resolute yong man ) if my staying should giue occasion of any defect , and I should be very glad if you would shew me your necessitie ; for since our comming out of Gréece , we haue had no place for it : and séeing that now the Seas and fortune haue giuen it , I should bee very glad thereof . All shall be perfourmed , valorous Prince of Tinacria , séeing the life of her which sent me to séeke , resteth in your hands : and because you shall be the more willing to procure her remedie , harken , and you shall heare the greatest and most vnreasonable , that euer was vsed to Lady ; for if you be sworne to the lawes of loue , you shall vnderstand how vniustly my Lady is condemned to an infamous death : and vnderstand , that in the great and populous kingdome of Samogacia , there is a King , who for his valour and person is worthie to be King of the vniuersall world ; it pleased the Heauens to giue him sonnes and daughters , which is the greatest pleasure in the world , and fortune willing to try his valour , with taking them all away from him , leauing him one onely daughter , of whom it is said , that the summe and ful perfection of beautie , and accomplishment of qualities , is included in her shape and goodly proportion : for in her , beautie is no hinderance to her discretion , with both which graces she is adorned in the highest degrée that may be , and so haue they giuen her a name conformable to her constitution , ( calling her Celibella : ) for her beautie séemeth rather heauenly , then of the earth ; where , if ought be excellent , yet it bringeth with it some ill-fauoured abatement . With this Lady , the Princes of Podolia fell in loue , Knights to whom nature had shewed her selfe very bountifull , endowing them with what is most desired : she made them equals , to the end that as brothers , and so like in proportion , but that by their names , no man could haue knowne them : the elder was called Daristeo of Podolia , and the yonger Rosaner : Both at their comming affected the Kinges fair● Daughter , wooing her with many Tiltings and Turneyes , which they caused for her sake , wherein they were both commended in equall degrée . As to subiect the mind in these louers cases , is reserued to loue onely , it ordained for the greater euill , that Celibella most affected the younger , not for that he had more then the other , but that fortune thought it an honourable trophe to triumph of these two louers : with her eies did this faire Dame giue her beloued gallant to vnderstand , to what estate fortune had brought her : but they had so small hope of béeing beloued , that notwithstanding that she shewed it with a thousand good countenances , yet he could neuer be perswaded , that she loued him : for as that Lady is the Phoenix of beautie , hee held a fauour from her hand , to be such a thing , as loue it selfe could not deserue , and so they procéeded in their loues a-vie , without acquainting the one the other with the secret of their mindes . It was no small griefe to the Ladie , that Rosaner could not perceiue how well she loued him ; and for the Lady to make shew thereof by any signes or other meanes , she would not for any thing in the world , well knowing , how much she should therein preiudice her honour : with the often fauours and publike prayse , which she gaue to whatsoeuer this gallant did , he was partly perswaded that she loued him : but yet he could hardly beléeue , that fortune would be so fauorable . At this instant , wherein Celibella shewed her selfe most affected vnto him , accepting of the endeuours and exployts which Rosaner performed in her seruice , there was brought to the Court a kinsewoman of this Ladies , who was the beginning and ending of all these mishaps : She truly was fayre ; for somewhat being of kinne to the Kings daughter , claue to her . As my Lady was young , and a nouice in loue , she was of opinion , that it was much ease to disclose it : some others are of the same opinion : but for my part , I vtterly condemne it : for there is no greater griefe , then to reueyle the secrets of the heart , whereby the renowne may be touched , and from whence nothing is drawne , but the Lady to subiect her selfe to the party to whome shee reueyleth her secret , who also ( peradu●●ture ) will hold her for more light in discouering it , then for being in loue . This hapned sometimes . The vnwary Lady trode these reasons vnder foot , & told all to Felina , for so was her kinswoman called . The discouery of this secret serued not to yeeld any ease to the Lady , but to incite her kinsewoman to fall in loue with the Prince Daristeo , and that in so good earnest , that shée spéedily made it appeare . But as hee was so engoulfed in the loue of Celibella , he tooke no notice with what affection Felina shewed her selfe to be his . The Lady Princesse perceyued it well , and receyued no small pleasure therein , imagining that therewith Daristeo would leaue to bee so enamored of her , for the beauty of her kinsewoman was ●ell worthy to be beloued . There were often meetings in the hall betwéene these foure louers : but I know not who is able to agrée them , for with my tongue I am not able ; for neyther partie left to loue , though it were not accepted . It appeared in their eyes : for the two brothers fixed theirs vpon the Princesse , and she with new spoyles beholdeth her Rosaner , making her eyes fat with beholding him . But her cousin being touched to the quick , with apparant signes giueth testimony of her loue , in beholding her Daristeo , in whom she onely delighteh , and from whom she draweth her life ; and although she were but a nouice in that occupation , the carelesnes wherewith the prince answered her , put her in such care , as I thinke no body hath béene more carefull : for from that time forward , her griefe was such , as her cousin was very sory for . This amorous passion did so much pinch her , that shée knew no meanes how to remedie it , neither saw any possibilitie ; for the prince neuer tooke any regard of the fauours which shee shewed him : which was worse then death to this afflicted Lady , who growing desperate , would haue taken any course for remedy , although somewhat dishonourable .

As the king loued these Princes , holding them in place of sonnes , although he had not yet determined vpon whom be would bestow his daughter Celibella : so had they opportunitie to discourse with the lady , who seeing that her father was well pleased therewith , forbare it not , making shewe that to be the cause , concealing the trueth . Rosaner being the man who wore the palme , his brother could neuer imagine it , thinking with himselfe , that if the Ladyes affection were guided by reason , he was rather to be beloued than his brother : but loue led it another way , without respect of the large kingdom whereof he was prince ; for to him which perfectly loueth , it neuer representeth the qualities of the thing beloued : but only what is in self , which otherwise were but a fayned loue : and so the Lady loued the fortunate yong man , not with a litle enuy of loue , séeing what was enioyed .

The passionate cousin was shée , who sped worst in this businesse ; for although that the Princesse loued not Daristeo , yet he was neuer perswaded that shee loathed him : for the discreet Lady bestowed some fauours vpon him , which were a meane to entertaine the Prince , and hée held himselfe happy , to obtaine so much at her handes . But poore Felina neither perceiued any shew that she was beloued , neither was there any end in vnderstanding her ill hap in being not regarded by him , whom shee loued better then her selfe . In this meane while , the braue Furiandro , bastard sonne to the king of Podolia ( which hée gat in his yong yéeres , vpon a most strong woman in the mountaines Rifei ) came to the court to séeke these 2. brothers : he proued so fierce and valiant , ( that they say ) that in valour he doeth exceede the great god Mars ; for there is no knight , no , although they be ten , nay twenty , that are able to kéep the field against him , neither any Gyant , how fierce so euer he be : he is beloued of the common people ; for hee is not of that condition , which such men commonly are of , which excéede all other in force and strength of body : but he is rather courteous and a great friend & fauourer of Ladies , although that in this occasion ( I maruaile not ) he haue shewed himselfe cruell to Celibella . Much did the princesse reioyce at his comming , & all the whole court ; for the feastes were renewed , wherein it is incredible & not to be beléeued , what that furious knight did : for he was séene at one blow , to strike downe both horse and man ; all men gaue him the prize for valiant . The king respected him according as was reason , for his valour & good gouernment ; for that was it , which most aduanced him aboue all others . All this was nothing , neither the assurance which shée saw of her paine , to cause Felina to giue ouer her determination , but rather increase it , attempting one of the boldest & most presumptuous enterprises of the world , from whence could ensue no other thing , but that which followed : for vnable to endure to sée her self so little respected , she aduentured to say vnto the prince Daristeo , that the princesse would expect him that night in the garden , to confer with him of matter of importance . There could nothing happen more pleasing to the infortunate prince , then such a message ; for as it was a thing vnlooked for , now holding him selfe assured thereof , he held himself the most happy man in the world : he held the day for as long as a mans life : he thought the night fled from him : euery minute he held for a yere , such was his desire to meet the lady princesse . The subtil Felina , séeing her plot to take effect ▪ took a sute of Celibellas , which did best set out her beauty , & clad her self therwith : & as the heauens would not frustrate what she had exployted , so could not the gallant sée , whether it were the Princesse , or shée . But hee comming into the garden , lesse armed than was néedfull , went to the window , so passionate , that he knew her not . The cruell damsell counterfeyted her speach , and sayd , I haue hitherto , Oh prince of Podolia , dissembled how much I haue loued you , for some respects which haue forced me thereto : but seeing your great deserts , I could not forbeare ( holding it vniust ) but to impart my faith vnto you , and to say , that you are more beloued , then all the men in the world . As he should haue made an answere , in an alley among ●ose trées , ( priuily armed ) came Rosaner : for as hee was wise , so would hee not come into so suspicious a place , carelesly and in danger of his person : he had beforetime there spoken with the Princesse , and séeing a Knight there , and that shée stood talking with him , well may a man iudge what he felt , who held him selfe beloued , and with so great affection : hee was come somewhat néere , when the vnlucky Daristeo said ; My deare Lady , I could neuer imagine , that the loue which I haue euer borne you , could haue bene so highly rewarded , neither can it yet sinke into my head , that I could euer deserue so great a good , as thus to sée you to bestow such and so particular fauours , which wholy is to be attributed to your generositie , more then to my loue or desert , although the I might hope much : for I beléeue , that no man euer loued with greater affection then I. The cause hereof is the little confidence which I repose in my owne deserts and worthinesse , to attayne to so great a good , as to bee beloued by your beauty , neyther can I leaue to consider the high estate you hold , without vnderstanding who he was , or imagining any thing of his brother : for now Fortune would néeds shewe her mutability against these two Louers : with the greatest suddennesse of the world , the beloued Rosaner ranne vpon his deare brother , not knowing who hee was . Neuer Eagle turned with greater liuelynesse , then did Daristeo against his brother ; and as they were very valiant , so began there betwéene them a most cruell battaile , but the elder had the worser , not through want of force , but of armes & fortune . Although the other had receiued some hurts , yet they were but small . The furious louer would néeds close with Daristeo ; but therein he sought his owne death : for the desperate yong man being deadly wounde● , before hee gaue vp the ghost , reuenged himselfe , by bereauing life from his m●●t deare brother Rosaner : for stumbling forwardes by reason of his wounds , he thrust out his sword arme , and by chance hit him right in the face . The elder brother had not yet so much lost his memorie , but that he followed the blow , vntil the point of the sword pierced through his brothers braines .

These faithfull louers came to fall iust together , losing with one onely blow , their liues , ielousies , and loue , and the greatest good of the world , which was the fayre Lady . The vnhappy Felina stood beholding this battaile , vntill that she sawe them fall : then sorrowing their death , with her outcryes shée disqueted all the Palace , and falling downe in the euill which shee had done , without dissembling it , neither had she strength to auoid the punishment , she her selfe being her owne executioner ; for euen in the same attyre as shee stood , she cast her selfe headlong out at the window , falling vpon her head betwéene the● , and in their death kept them company . The greatest part of the people in the Palace , ran into the garden , and the king with the furious Fur●ander ; who when he saw the cruell happe of his two brothers , was likely to haue lost his wits , which was the cause of altering his condition , imagining with himselfe , that they were dead through Celibellas occasion . Some others did suspect it , to sée the brotherly death betweene two louers .

It caused extréeme sorrow in all the court : for the king shewed himselfe very sorrowfull ( as was reason ) to sée so pitifull a chance . What the Princesse did in her chamber , I would rather that some other body would report it , then I which saw it . A thousand times would she haue ended with one death , that many deaths which she should endure through ●he absence of her Rosaner , which shée beganne presently to shew : for the company of her damsels was displeasing vnto her , wherein she was woont chiefly to delight : the fight of knights and gallants was loathsome , and their discourses yrksome ; so as her whole delight was to be solitarie , receiuing some pleasure in me , discoursing of the cruelty which fortune had shewed her . There was nothing but did put her in minde of her knight ; and to remember him , it was death to her : and hauing no more comfort but what shee reaped from her teares , which were so many which shee shed , for that lamentable mischance , that it bereaued her of a great part of her beauty . All the Court was in an vproare ; the king in making search for the murderers , could take no rest , so as in the citie there was nothing but suspition and mourning . The most valiant Furiander disturbed all , forgetting what he had promised when he took the order of knighthood , that hee should neuer take part against any Lady ; for as ech of his brothers had discouered vnto him part of his loue , and séeing how much they were tormented , and how carelesse she was thereof , which was not for want of affection , but rather of discretion , he fully perswaded himselfe , that to be rid of their importunities , she had procured their deaths ; he conceiued it with such apprehension , that nothing could disswade him , neither to see the sorrowfull signes which the princesse gaue for the death of the two brothers : for this furious yong man had determined what he would do , & would draw his comfort for the lesse of the two princes brothers , from the death of a lady , whom to behold , I know not who but would haue ventured his life for her . It hapned ( most valiant prince ) that one day the king being despised , for that he could not be certified concerning the death of these princes , as he had newly dined , the fierce Fur●ander , armed at al pieces in blacke , of bright and shining stéele armour , without any deuice , sauing onely in the midst of his shielde hee bare reuenge most liuely painted . Being thus furnished , his comming into the Hall , made al those which beheld him , change countenances , who with the fiercenesse wherewith nature had endowed him , making a little reuerence , and a litle lifting vp his visor , said with a hoarse voyce , ( for yet I haue not forgotten , what feare I was in to heare him ) Mightie king of Samogacia , not withstanding that I am of opinion that my comming , & in this maner , will not a little offend you , the great griefe which I endure to sée the most dearely beloued princes of the world slaine in the palace , doth enforce me a thing , euen the heauens should lament for so vniust a death : that gods doe know how much it grieueth me to come in this maner , considering howe much my deare brothers were bounden vnto thée : but the feare that I am in to returne again to P●dolia to the king my father , who sent me to séeke them , hath forced me , séeing that nothing can be done against that which the heauens haue decréed : and to the end that the common people shall not say , that they dyed , and that no man would reuenge their death ; and séeing the many certaine signes which in their life , and since I haue perceiued , I say , that I will maintaine against any one , two , thrée , or foure knights together , with my horse and armes , that they were slaine by order from your daughter the princesse Celibella : which from this day , to the end of 4. moneths , I will maintaine , because the princesse shall vnderstand , that I desire not to preuaile by reason of the shortnes of the time ; but that she may haue time to send whither & for whom she wil , to defend her honour , so as shee may not be accounted murtheresse of princes .

The diuilish knight held his peace , and there was no man so valiant , that durst so much as moue . The king stood some what in a doubt , pondering on the waight of the case , and at length resolued , and I beléeue hee was forced ( ●eeing how much Furiander was feared ) to admit the challenge , and so he caused the princesse to be called , which God knowes , was sorowfull ynough for their deaths ; shée imagined straight what the matter was ; and so halfe amazed , foorth she came .

The king propounded vnto her the Pagans occasion : she could not answere ( for I thinke no body could ) vntill the qualme was past , which had almost bereaued her of her life , and then she answered with so great stomake , as made mee wonder ; it was the equitie of the cause and the great wrong that was done her , did thus animate her thereto , saying , that it was a lye , & that she would take such order as should be requisite , to recouer the honor whereof she was thus robbed with so great trechery , she being innocent of the death of those Princes , but séeing the one failed , she was to séeke who might giue account of her honour . Her father the king commanded her presently to be committed to prison , because he would shew himself a Iu●●icer , notwithstanding it was against his owne daughter whom he so dearely loued , and of whose life depended his own : for it was the kings law , held inuiolably ▪ ( although very rigorous ) that whatsoeuer person were accused of an offence committed within the palace , that doeth not either of himself , or some knight for him answere the challenge , within the time lymitted in the challenge , shall be condemned to be burnt ; the most cruell thing that euer was heard .

Then came your fame ( valorous prince ) flying through Samogacia , with the highest pitch that euer knight enioyed . The poore distressed Lady was of opinion ( as in deed it is true ) that she could not repaire with more reason and assurance vnto any then to you , and so shee sent mee to seeke you . I came from the citie with that care , which a matier of such importance as this is , doeth require , and vnderstanding of the great feasts which were in Grecia , I was of opinion to finde you there among your brothers ; for by the way I vnderstood , that you are sonne to the great Emperour Trebatius , with whose fame the whole world is replenished , & seing it was my hap to méet you in so good company , I am the gladdest woman in the world , assuring my self , that bringing you , I bring life to the princesse , & although that we haue bin hindred in our sayling , with tempests , yet the wind being fauourable , wee shall ( I doubt not ) come in time to Samogatia , ( for there yet remaine twentie daies , before the challenge bée expired : ) and this is ( Sir Knight ) the cause that hath mooued me to take the paines to seeke you , and I beléeue it shal not bee in vaine ; for seeing the wrong that is done to the Princes , you will not suffer it to proceede ; for the fame of your valour importeth no lesse , but that you imploy it in fauour of those which are distressed , as is this Ladie .

The lady hauing ended her story with some teares which fell from her eyes , remembring how much it would grieue the Princesse seeing her long stay , that valorous Tinacria was verie pittifull , especially in the behalfe of women , holding it for no honour which was gotten against them ; and so he answered , I would that the heauens had giuen me farre greater force ( faire damsell ) to the end that your businesse might be the better assured , although hauing so much equitie on her behalfe , I hope that it shall suffice to yéeld that contentment , as such an excellent Ladie as shée is , doth deserue , against any that without reason shall procure her griefe , and I refuse not the houre , to méete that Knight of so little discretion .

Great comfort did those couragious spéeches yéeld to the Damsell which the Prince vsed : the weather was fauourable vnto them ; for foure daies before the time was expired , they landed néere the Citie of Adibia , ( for so is it called ) with great pleasure to them both , to sée themselues so neere ; shée to her soueraigne Ladie bringing so good a returne ; and he , which much desired to shew all his valour in defence of the Princesse : and but that it was onely his , it had neuer béene accomplished with that good hap ; for the Pagan was one of the most strong men in the world . One day and a halfe did they spend in comming to the Citie , which was full of strangers , although neuer a one so valorous , as to answere the challenge , notwithstanding that Furiander came daily to the lists . They passed the night in a groue of poplar trées , where , what happened vnto them , you shal heare in the next Chapter .

CHAP. III. Of that which hapned to the Prince of Tinacria , with a Knight much affected to Celibella , and how he ended the battell for her .

IT should bee past midnight , ( most Noble Lord ) when a Knight with his lamentations did awaken the valiant Poliphebus , who a little from him had laid him down to sléep . The sonne of the cruel Garriofilea , sa●e vpon the gréene grasse , and being frée from loue , he harkned , and gessing which way the complaint came , fully armed , not knowing what might follow , for he would not goe vnprouided : he saw by the Moone light , which shined very cléere , at the foote of a great Oake , a great Knight stretched all along vpon the ground , richly armed in blew armour , wrought all ouer with many knots of gold , bee séemed to the Tinacrian to be some Knight of good account . In his shield , which he had fastened to his necke , was painted loue with a merry countenance , and fortune in the skirt , with the most piercing aspect , that euer was séene , with these letters vnderwritten .

Fortune being so contrary , With angrie valour taking part , Though constant loue be on my side , Yet nothing can assure my heart .

The Knight séemed to be in a trance , séeing he moued not , as indéed he was : for the griefe to lose the faire Celibella , had put him out of his wits . But when he came againe to himselfe , with a sigh , being out of breath , he began to say , O Fortune , with how many trials doest thou shew thy mutabilitie , tyring my heart with so many troubles ! If I did imagine ( blind Goddesse ) that I had euer béene rebellious against thée , that I had not respected thée , that I had not put my trust in thée , that I had doubted of thy power , and of what thou art ; I should haue taken this rigorous touch for a reward for my patience . But séeing that without any occasion thou wilt shew thy selfe my greatest enemy , I hauing giuen thée no iust cause thereof , I cannot forbeare to complaine , and onely of thy mutabilitie , séeing that with what , or for what , thou hast brought me to the point , that nothing but death onely can yéeld mee ease . O ●●wardly heart , séeing that for being so , thou suffrest her to die , which might giue thée life , & in distresse succour thée ! Pardon mee , worthy Princesse ; for now I sée the iniurie , which with my cowardise I haue done thée , in not daring to oppose my life in thy behalfe : and séeing that so many wayes I sée it lost , and that now fayling with thée , the remainder wil be worse then death it selfe : the Gods defend that I sée thy vniust death : but rather that I with iustice bereaue my soule thereof : for in so long staying , I wrong the loue I beare thée : and herewith , in a diuellish furie , hee snatcht vp his sword , and lifting vp his bres●plate , hee would haue thrust it into his owne bodie , saying , Herewith , soueraigne Ladie , I make amende , for not vndertaking the battell , although that I had seene my death before mine eyes ; by how much more then , beeing for thée , it might haue béene accounted life . The Tinacrian tooke hold of him , and before that hee could effect his diuellish intent , he seized vpon his sword , which he pluckt out of his hands , saying , Oh desperate Knight ▪ and with committing so vilde an act , wilt thou soader vp that which thou hast done against the Ladie , whom th●us● much louest ? The Moore came to himselfe , who was Prince of Prussia , a countrey very néere adioyning to that of the most faire Celibella , and beholding that Knight so tall and so wel armed , being perswaded that he saw his remedy , he said vnto him , Do me not , Sir Knight , so great displeasure , but suffer me to satisfie with my life , that which I haue committed against the most faire Lady , that the world containeth , séeing that vndertaking the battell for her , although with the losse of my life , I might haue done her particular seruice ; but being against so furious a knight , with very cowardise , I lost that which I might haue gotten , although I had remained without life and séeing that now to hold it , it will be to my further hurt , giue me leaue to procéede according to my determination , if you will not that I make a larger payment for the error which I haue committed which was the greatest that eu●r Knight committed , against her whom he so loued . Leaue off your so much sorrow ( said the warlike Tinacrian ) for men are not bound to vndertake matters aboue their force ; for in such case you of your part are excused . That cannot bee , said the Pagan , who owing his life , and would not venture it for her , in any daunger how doubtfull so euer the successe thereof were , cannot be excused , & therefore you cannot denie me the wrong that I haue done my Ladie . Notwithstanding all this , I will not yéeld that any such crueltie bee committed in my presence , neither is it weldone , but ill ( you see the end of this aduenture ) to torment your selfe in such sort , as may put you in such despaire as this , which dooth so much disgrace the valour which appeareth in your person . And because I came from farre about this businesse , and to fight for this Ladie , I pray you be satisfied , and hold me companie to the Citie , where I will trie my lot with Furiander .

Who can presume , Sir Knight , ( said the Moore ) to come into that Citie where hee hath committed so great a fault , such as the like hath not beene séene ? I haue not the power , neither can any thing make me thereto able . It hath not beene so great ( said the Tinacrian ) but it may be amended , if fortune fauour vs . The Prince told him so many things , that in the end hee offred to hold him companie to the end that he might see the forces wherewith hee should fight for Celibella . By this time it was day , and so they tooke their horses , and with the damsell and the Tinacrian his squire , they tooke the way towards the Citie , and by the way hee knew that this Knight was the Lord and King of Prussia , where he fel in loue with the Princesse Celibella , although he neuer knew the necessitie wherein shee was , vntill hee came with his armes onely disguised to the Court , to see her , which for her beautie was extolled through his whole Dominion : and comming thither , he vnderstood of Furiander his challenge : But the fame of his valour was such , that hee durst not vndertake the battell for the Princesse , notwithstanding that hee loued her , much more then his owne soule : and falling into consideration of what hee had done , going forth of the Citie , he meant to haue slayne himselfe . The Tinacrian recomforted him the best that hee could , and he did not a little preuaile , being the most fearefull yong man in the world . They ariued , when the King was newly risen from the table , and had that day inuited the famous Furiander , purposing with some good reasons to haue disswaded him from that attempt , being very sorrowfull , for that he perseuered in his determination , he saw néere at hand the certaine death of his déerely beloued daughter : for hee continued so obstinate in his vniust challenge , that nothing could withdraw him from his damned resolution . The two Princes came in , whose presence gaue no small ioy to all that were in the hall , principally the Tinacrian : for no man had a greater grace in his countenance . In ouer-looking the hall with iudiciall eyes , the sonne of great Trebatius doing some reuerence , said , God saue the great King of Samogacia , and graunt thée that peace which thy personage deserueth ; this Knight and I come from farre countries , onely to defend the wrong , as we haue vnderstood , which is done by a certaine Knight vnto thy Daughter ; and casting lots , whether of vs should first enter into battell for her , it fell to me , which gaue mee no small content , to doe thy daughter this seruice , and performe that , whereto by the law of Knighthood I am bounden ; and therefore you may commaund her to be called , and wee shall sée , whether shee will commit the equitie of her cause into my hands . The Gods requite thée the band , ( Sir Knight ) wherein you haue bound me , with offring your person to such danger as this present , which is one of the greatest that you haue séene , which might be ended by some other meanes , if this Knight would , who is the defend●nt to the challenge : but séeing it must goe as fortune will appoint , there is no more to be done , but to come to the battell , which the Gods graunt may end , according to the equitie of the cause . To be of the Princesses part , ( mightie King ) hath compelled me to come , answered the Tinacrian . The fierce Pagan being somewhat moued , rose vp , saying , I would not , Sir Knight , that you should haue so great confidence in the Ladies innocencie , but that you should come so well furnished with forces , as are needfull for the battel , and so you may take this Knight to helpe you ; for my challenge doth extend to foure . It shall not néed , said the sonne of Trebacius , to haue any more companie , than the equity of my cause doth giue me : for if I be in the right , my person will suf●ice for a greater matter ; if in the wrong , little will great forces preuaile against iustice ; and I much desire , that such a Knight , which is so famous as you are , before so many people , should not make shew , to trust more in the strength of your arme , then in the equitie of your cause ; which most commonly fayling , valour is of little effect . The furious Pagan beeing there with ●ffended , answered , saying , I thought not , Knight , that my curtesie had animated thee to be so proud : but because thou maist know , that I will not passe the time in words , being more fit to vse deeds , we wil no longer deferre the battell . As he had ended his answere , came the most faire Celibella , all clad in mourning attire , which did greatly encrease her beautie . The Tinacrian had neuer séene greater beautie ; for there were few in the world that did excell her . Her father told her at her comming , how that Knight vndertooke the battell for her . The faire Princesse knew him straight , by his deuice of a bough which he bare in his shield , & that hee was the man for whom she had sent . She presently gaue him authoritie , with greater contentment , then can be spoken , although that when she remembred the infortunate Princes , her most pleasing thoughts were watred with teares . These two valiant Warriours made no delay , for the fierce Tinacrian taking his leaue of the King , went into the lists , taking with him the Prince of Prussia , who stood to looke on . On the other side of the lists , presently came in the valorous Furiander , much people accompanying him although there was no bodie that would he should winne the palme , or weare those armes , wherein hee had accused the Princesse , who was set vpon a scaffold with a sufficient gard ; where she prayed to her false Gods , that her Knight might obtaine the victorie , séeing the in so iust a cause he vndertooke the battell . Face to face stood these two warriours , whose lookes and gestures were such ▪ that he which stood farthest off , did scarcely account himselfe in safetie , at the giuing of the fearefull signe ; they drew with more swiftnesse , then an arrow flieth : In the middest of the place , was appointed the course of their Carriere , making a greater sound in their meeting , then if two hils had runne together : they bowed not in their ●addles , with the force of the lances , which brake like K●xes , whose splinters flew so high , that they were out of sight . These two rare men in valour , turned their horses with their swords in their hands , & approching the one iust to the other , they gaue so fearefull blowes , as would haue beaten a rocke in pieces ; eche of them could testifie his aduersaries force , they redoubled the second with greater courage then dexteritie : either of them féeling his owne blood in his mouth , they began to make benefite of the nymblenesse , wherewith they were endued , closing , and beating by the blowes , in such exquisite maner , that Mars himselfe could not haue done the like . The valiant Moore spurring his horse , thinking by swiftnesse to get aduantage , charged , carrying his sword firme , with the point forwardes : The great Tinacrian was well aware thereof ; there was neuer seene any Eagle more swift then hee in giuing blowes , and making his horse to giue a bound , hée passed before the Moore , and turned him so sodainly , that hee wondred at the Sonne of Trebacio : they came to ioyne , and the Moore would giue the first blow ; hee did it , which was more swift then the wind , and strake him vpon the rich Helmet , whose finenesse warranted his life , for otherwise hee had clouen him to the saddle ; it sounded like a bell , and therein the Tinacrian saw a thousand starres in the skies , he fell vpon his horse necke , and the Moore doubled his blow ; but if hee had giuen the third , the battell had béen ended : for it came with such force , that he was quite senselesse : he had closed with him , if he had not séene , that more furious then a Basiliske hee returned with his sword aloft . There was no man in that place , that yeelded not the victorie for the Pagan ; the Ladies fainting confirmed the same : for losing her Rosiall colour , it became like snow , séeing the blowes which her Knight had receyued , who was nothing discouraged therewith , but casting his shielde at his backe , grinding his téeth against the other , he assayled the Moore , giuing him so mightie a blow vpon his helme , that he left him al that part vnarmed , charging him so vehemently , that there mist but little to haue laid him in the dust : hee tooke hold of his horse necke . The Tinacrian ioyned with him , accounting the victorie for his owne , and with both his handes gaue him another blow , which imprinted his sword in his flesh , wounding him in the shoulder : as the Moore setled him selfe , ( losing no occasion ) he gaue him two thrusts , one after another , which set him on the arson of his Saddle , griping him so , that it seemed , he had striken him quite out of breath . The Pagan aduanced himselfe , & closing with the Tinacrian , he thought to preuaile by grasping with him ; but he found the sonne of Garofilia as fast in his saddle , as if he had béene a rock : they tugged so hard together , that they both were out of breath ; their horses stood more fixt in the ground , with ●●uing in their wrestling , then the most moored roots . With one turne , they fell both to the earth . The Pagan had a mishap , because one of his feet hung in the stirr●p : which if the Tinacrian had perceiued in time , he had slaine him : yet notwithstanding , before he could get it out , with his dagger he gaue him 2. cruel stabs , & left the marks in the flesh , which the Pagan held for mortal ; and so turning to his enemy , who as he was higher then he , he lifted him from ground , carying him in such sort , that the Batchelour had lieffer haue bene deadly wounded ; hee did his best to encounter his aduersary , and so recouer footing , whence twise whéeling about , they hurled together with greater force then a Coluerine shot , they ga● to their weapons with such speed , that al those which were present , wondred thereat . I beléeue , quoth the king , turning himselfe towards the principall of those which were with him , that in these two warriours , is disciphered the flower of cheualrie .

No pleasure can be compared to that which Celibella receiued , séeing how well her knight had acquitted himself ; for on foot none of her brothers could do better : and yet oftentimes fighting with them , hee made them to doubt of the battaile . Some aduantage was perceiued in him : for striking with great rage , the Tinacrian happily crossing inwards and standing very firme on his right foote , he ioyned hitting right on the side of the vaunt-brace , the trenchant sword rebounded to the hollow , entring a third part in at the brest . The Pagan féeling the wound , & thinking it had bene to the death , gaue a signe thereof : for with the very paine of the wound he went crosse-leg'd , and was readie to fall : the furious yong man holpe him , doubling another blow vpon his helme , with so great might , that hee made him set his knées to the ground . There is no serpent so wrathfull , which can turne so , as Furiander returned against the sonne of Garofilea , and with the raging smart which he felt of his wound , throwing his shield to the ground , he went with such fury , with his sword in both hands , that he made more then foure lose all their colour in their faces ; the blowe was with lesse héed then wisedome required to beare ; for it had beene the last that euer the Tinacrian had receiued , he hit him so right vpon the gilded crest , that hee made him to sée a thousand starres in his helme , and he charged his furious sword with such force , that he made him to 〈◊〉 both his handes and knées to ground . The impatient Moore drew néere with another , no lesse then the first , hée had stretched him out for a pray : according as he was strong , so he suddenly pinck't from him his v●●n●-brace : and Lirgando saith , that he also tooke his shield from him . Gualtenor saye●h no , but that hee did cut the greatest part of his Polarons .

If hee had béene able to haue giuen the third , I knowe not how this Batchelour had escaped from the battaile : but as the wound fell vpon that side where his heart was , it made him breathlesse so as hee could not thencefoorth procéed in his furie , giuing the Ba●chelour place to rise , there was no helpe for the armour against the blowe which he gaue , for hee cleane carryed away the crowne of the helme , and a piece of the head withall .

Well might the sonne of the great Trebacio haue ouercome him but hée was a Knight , who in déed did more affect the woorth which the Pagan had shewen , saying thus vnto him :

I doe much desire , Sir Knight , that this battaile may rest in that estate , wherein it is , for I see you are dangerously and sore wounded , very néere vnto death , and in going further , any your euill fortune whatsoeuer , would much grieue mee ; for I doe neither desire your death nor ouerthrowe , but perpetuall amitie and friendship , which from hencefoorth I offer vnto you , swearing and protesting vnto you , that you most in●uriously vphold and maintaine the wrong against a Ladie , who in apparant shewe hath much sorowed and lamented the death of your brothers .

When the generositie ( most noble Prince ) is so discouered , & procéedeth from a gallant brest , there is no Aspicque so fierce and cruell , but will bee therewith appeased : hée had not beene Prince of Tinacria , neither could that haue bene the country of your most noble Lordship , if therein had not bene bred so rare a good , as was this .

And so this valiant ●●oore sound himselfe bound , with the reasons which the Prince vttered , ●aying , F●●thu●g could happen to me so well as this , my life and reputation being in such danger . I would ( valorous man at Armes ) gladly in exchange , to purchase the friendshippe of such a knight as you are , and seeing it behoueth 〈◊〉 , and that of my ob●●inate contending there can nothing grow vnto 〈◊〉 but perpetuall infamy and discredite , I doe from hencefoorth vtterly giue ouer the battaile , and freely se● at ●●ertie the Princesse , condemning my euersight and blin●●●●e , séeing i● was not possible in so perfec● a subiect , to 〈◊〉 any thing which should so much disgrace it .

When the prince of Prussia lawe the 〈◊〉 league and bond of friendship concluded bei●●ue the 〈…〉 , he put sp●●res to his horse , and tooke his way towardes his countrey with all the spéede that might be , where hee passed his time in great heauinesse and sorrow , hauing atchiued no aduenture .

The Iudges were néere at hand , hearing what the Pagan said , which yéelded such contentment to the whole Court , that no man is able to expresse it : but ●● may be better imagined , then any way described .

The hidden fire in the scattered powder ( my Soueraigne Lady ) hath not so much power , neither is it of such effectuall force , as is settled loue , to shewe what it is , and what it is able to doe .

What man in the world could haue confirmed a peace betwéene Princes so much at variance , and with so great reason ?

Who could haue brought it to passe , that Celibella , the beauty of the world , should haue béene any whit sorowfull or grieued , for the spitefull Pagan● hur●s ( though neuer so deadly ) bee receiuing them , in fighting so disgrace and confound her ?

It cannot be imagined , that so great an alteration as this , can be attributed vnto any other thing but to loue . Fortune was more fauourable vnto him , then he was well aware of : for they were not yet gone forth of the field , when twenty Knights clad in mourning attyre , came into the Campe , which seeing him come foorth of the lists afoote , came to him to kisse his hands , and to acknowledge him for their Prince and soueraigne Lord ; for the king had so heauily taken the death of his two sonnes ▪ that the sorrow thereof bereaued him of his life ; and he left no heire but this mightie Furiander . Al the principal of the Realme were of opinion , to giue the crowne vnto him , and to accept him for their king , seing his valour deserued no lesse , but was much more worthy . The valorous Pagan did not a little sorrow the death of his father ▪ and the sonne of the most cruell Garofilea kept him company , mourning with him for the one , and reioy●ing with him for the other .

A newe life and a long , answered the Pagan , I would the heauens would grant me ( noble man at Armes ) to the ende , to acknowledge howe great a good it is to bee your friend ; but such as it shall please the gods to bestow vpon me , assure your selfe it shall be to doe you seruice , as he who is no lesse endebted vnto you , then for his life and honour .

It yéeldeth me not that ioy and solace ( said the Tinacrian ) Soueragine prince , to sée how gentle fortune hath shewed her selfe vnto me , to gette such a friend ( as I hope in the gods you will bée , ) as to sée with what affection , and in how good earnest you haue estéemed my offer , so as if I shall be able to equall my déedes with my desire , none shall shew himselfe a more faithfull friend then I.

By this time , the king with the whole court , was descended to receiue and entertaine the Tinacrian , who had already determined in himselfe , to entreat the king to receiue Furiander for his sonne . In approching , with his Armes displayed , he came to the faire yong man , saying ▪ Although●●t were for nothing else , most valiant knight , but to say that in my armes I imbrace the flowre of cheualry , I hold the troubles well imployed , whereunto this Prince hath brought vs . The faire Poliphebus wel discharged the part of the Moore , saying . It was a worthy matter , mighty king , to to considered , in how manifest a danger your daughter was ; but herein appeareth the noblenesse of your generous brest , that you not onely pardon what is done , with the passion to sée such princes to fayle , but you are now to receiue him for a friend , séeing his valour deserueth , that all the princes of the world should hold him for such : greater errours then these which may be pardoned , so venturous a knight vndertaking the same .

By this time was come the Kings daughter , so fayre , that I know not any man of reasonable vnderstanding , but would haue giuen , rather then to haue lost the sight of her , two thousand soules , if he had them . She drew néere , giuing the prince great thanks for that which hée had done for her , saying , I was well assured ( valorous knight of the Bough ) that committing my affayres into your victorious hands , it should haue such issue as is this . While as the fayre Tinacrian made answere vnto Celibella , loue began to sturre in the brest of the Pagan , who regarded the beautie wherewith the Infanta was adorned , whom in his conceit he had much offended : but loue playing his part , had obtained his pardon ; for sometimes she cast her eye aside , to behold the wounds which this new-come prince had receiued : and indéed the Pagan did not so much feele it , as the Lady did , for it did ease his paine , to behold her beautie : But to her , who had already yéelded her selfe tributarie to loue , euery drop of his blood , was worse then a cruell death : so farre doeth his power extend , who is called the blind god of loue .

Within the Palace , were these Princes cured of their wounds ; and fifteene dayes the Tinacrian there remayned , in which time he behaued himselfe so well , that hee obtained of the king all that he desired ; setting before his eyes the valour of Furiander , and the state which hee held : loue had so well disposed of the fayre princesse ▪ that it was no hard matter to winne her . The valorous Furiander knew not how to value this good ; for all the Court feasted him , holding it well content to receiue such a knight , for prince and Lord thereof . Much did the princesse desire that the Tinacrian should haue remained a longer time , but being vnable to end other matters , he tooke his leaue of the Lady , and committed himselfe to the déepe sea , with Ruu●o his squire alone . The fift day of his nauigation , with a prosperous wind he ariued in the kingdome of Hilepsia , where hapned vnto him , that which in the next Chapter shall be declared .