AFter that Don Edward sonne to the aged Fredericke king of England , had finished his long desired marriage with Flerida , daughter to the renowned Palmerin d'Oliua , Emperour of Constantinople , ( not onely to his owne good liking , but also to the content of his friends and familiars ) he tooke his voyage from the Empire of Greece ( as it is at large mentioned in the booke entituled Primaleon of Greece ) toward the realme of England , accompanied with the Princesse Flerida his espoused Lady , beside , a traine méete to attend on so puissant a person as the Prince was . Being arriued at the English Court , to the no little ioy of the Knights Father , and great delight of his kinsfolke and friends , they were welcommed as beséemed their royall estates , and ioyfully receiued to their hearts content . It chaunced in short space after , the Princesse Flerida waxed great with childe , a thing of no small comfort to the aged king , nor of little pleasure to the young Prince .

Now is the tediousnesse of their trauaile , the wearisome labour of their long iourney , cleane cast out of remembrance , as of no account , and the ioyfull Prince Don Edward deuiseth each dainty delight , and each gallant attempt , that either might procure the Princesse to pleasure , or by any meanes giue her occasion of pastime . And for because the pinching pangs , which alway frequentetth one in her case , might either cause doubt of her good deliuery , or daunger in her well doing , ( her person being somewhat ouercharged with sickenes ) the young Prince was as carefull in preuenting such ill chaunce , as circumspect in prouiding to shunne any such chaunge . Leaning the Court , he walked with her in Prograce through the Forrest of England , for that he supposed the sight of the spreading Trées , and pleasant passages through the grassy groues , would be an occasion of the vnminding her former fits , and driue out of memory the sudden assaults that were incident vnto her féeble nature , vsing himselfe very pleasantly , and calling himselfe Iulian , the more to encrease her mirth .

All this while remained the aged King in his Pallace , where the English Prince being armed , cast his eyes on the portrait of Gridonia , hauing by her side a Lion , and a tender infant , the sight whereof was of such maruailous estimation in his conceiued thought , both by the shew of beautie he held , and shape of bountie he iudged in her , that hée abandoned his naturall Countrey , to trie his good fortune against the couragious Knight Primaleon . For the more certaintie whereof , you may at large peruse the effects of his valiancie , in the discourse of his memorable aduentures , and concerning the fortunate procéeings which passed betwéene them aswell the prowesse of the one , as valure of the other : I must needes say it was such , and of so great authoritie , as it bare the title of perfect magnanimitie . But returne we to our matter .

The Princesse Flerida perceuing the courteous care , and diligent endeuour , that her royall spouse Don Edward vsed for her greater delight , so louingly labouring to auoyde that motion , that either might séeme to her person displeasant , or by any sinister meanes to make shew of her disprofit , desired him to appoint such prouision for her , that there shee might discharge her heauy burthen , and not to depart before she sawe the fruits of her labours . To which reasonable request , the Prince right courteously consented , being right glad to fulfill that occasion , that might be to her content , and for that cause as yet he refused the gouerning of the kingdome , appointing the whole affaires thereof , to the wise discretion of King Fredericke his father , vntill such time as he saw the Princesse in better estate of her health . And in this order sought he ech vnfrequented place of passage , and eche solitary habitation , to remooue his Tents when pleased the Princes , déeming those places to his better content , then the youthfull delights of the King his Fathers Court . But as the fayrest colours soonest fadeth , the freshest flowre , soonest withereth , and the cleerest day quickly cloudy , euen so the man to whom Fortune dooth anouch most fréendlinesse , is soonest intrapped by he dissembling falshood : and when least he thinketh of any secret doubt , he is deceiued by sudden daunger . So this valiant and renowned Prince , whom Fortune had encouraged by his admirable conquests , and aduaunced his name in respect of his Noblenesse , new reclaiming her former and woonted courtesie , causeth him to taste her present crueltie , and where before she helde his Honor as best woorthie her fauour , now in a chollericke humor breaketh of her fréendship , causing him to knowe , though she had holpen him long , she was now minded to hurle him downe at last . The time being come of her appointed treacherie , and the meane deuised to accomplish her crueltie , shée caused Don Edward to leaue the company of the Princes Flerida , and all other his Lords and Ladies who were there present with her , and walketh to the Sea side , which was not farre distant . Returning agaiue . hée caused the tents to be pitched foure miles from the Forrest , on a pleasant gréene platte , by a little running riuer , which delighted the minde of the Princesse , the place was so fine and fitly chosen out . On a sudden there was heard a great tumult , in a thicket of trees neare adioyning , to sée what it might be , the Prince mounted on Horsebacke , and rode to the place , where casting his eyes aside , hee espied a wilde and mighty Bore , which sight the Prince was not a little glad of , but with diuers of his noble Lords , made present pursuite after . Don Edward still rid after the game , that the other had quite lost the sight of him , which they sought againe to recouer , but all was in vaine , for the day being cleane spent , and waxing somewhat darke , caused them to retyre againe to the Princesse . Who séeing her Lord Don Edward not returne with them , fell into great dismaying , and doubting of his safetie , which she had iust cause to doe , for that this his sudden departure , was greatly lamented through the Realme of England , and all kingdomes in Christendome , before they had his presence againe .

The strayed Prince , being thus allured by Fortune , affecteth his game with such great delight , that he neuer minded the Princesse distresse , but gaue himselfe wholly to his present pastime , not fearing for foreséeing what might be the perill . His Stéede with tediousnesse of trauaile , waxeth stract in his limines , which caused the Prince to stay and alight , for the darkesomnes of the night had lost his game , and the fayning of his Horse , required to haue rest . Don Edward resting him at the foote of a Trée , beganne at last to call to minde , the desolate estate of the Princesse Flerida , and the griefe his Lords would conceiue for want of his company . Faine he would haue slept , but could not , for still the doubts that assailed his mind , one while for the Princesse , another while for his Péeres , first to thinke how his absence , would cause her to iudge somewhat of his vnkinde dealing , then how his Lords would stand in feare of his danger : these , and a thousand more tristfull terrors , with held him from receiuing that swéet rest , he gladly looked for . Alas ( thought he ) how hard is his hap to whom Fortune is aduerse ? how contrary his good lucke that awaiteth her liberality ? the one is a thing euer to be doubted , and the other ought at no time to be desired . The night is spent in these and such like cogitations , and at the appearence of the day , his eyes began to waxe heauy , as commonly it happeneth vnto those , whom conceiued sorrow denieth the required rest , at last very griefe of it selfe constraineth them to slumber . This carefull Prince , hauing obtained such quietnesse , as the extremitie of his paine would permit him , stretching forth his armes , calleth againe into question , the retchlesse regard he had of himselfe , so lighly to leaue his Lady , and so vngently to forsake his company , which although it happened against his will , he iudged they would not accept it so in worth . Then mounting vpon Horsebacke , rode on to finde his company , so vnaduisedly lost , but Fortune still denying his pretended purpose , by how much he estéemed himselfe néere to his comfort , by so much the farder of she set him to the contrary , yet hasting on in hope , at last he arriued in a great Groue of Trées , the thicknesse and height whereof , caused him to fall into admiration with himselfe . Through this graue ran a faire and cleare Riuer , wherein he perceiued the resemblance of a Gallant and curious Castle , as strongly fortified , as rarely edified , the sight whereof , somewhat asswadged the egernes of his gréefe , likewise , the pleasant ratling of the gréene leaues , with the mellodious harmony of the pretty chirping Birds , exiled the former heauines of his heart , and caused him to remember the gladsome time , wherein he spent his labour , to gaine his best beloued , during the warres of the Emperour Palmerin , where first he named himself Iulian. In these pleasant conceits , hee rid along by the Riuer side , so rauished with his inwarde delight , that he little suspected the imminent daunger , for vnto that place did he chéefest frame his desire , which Fortune had appointed to worke his distresse . Don Edward beholding the braue scituation of this Castle , so curious in workemanship , and costly in outward resemblaunce , the Bridge at entring whereof was so large , that foure knights might easily haue Combatted thereon , no lesse insued at his sudden arriual , then he meruailed at this his strange aduenture . The Porter of the Castell , with double diligence , more then deserued thankes , set open the gate to allure him in , which the Prince perceiuing , misdoubted no daunger , or any secret guile in his gallant prospect , because he neither sawe any to resist his entrye , and the Porter being vnarmed made him doubt the lesse . It last , more on a youthfull courage , then an aduised care , he aduanced himselfe to the Gate of the Castle , desiring to know the name of so pleasant a place , & who protected a thing of such force . The Porter not to learne his lesson , but smoothely colouring his secret craft , to the good lyking of the Prince , and furtheraunce of his Ladies pleasure , cunningly coyned this gentle reply . Sir ( quoth he ) my selfe am a seruaunt , to her who likewise to your person oweth seruice , and if you please to enter the Mansion of your Vassaile , what wanteth in cost , shall excéede in curtesie , and your selfe satisfied to your farder content . The Prince regarding the circumstaunce of his woords , and not respecting the collusion of his wyles , alighted , and presently entred the Castle , where with humble duty he was conducted to the great Hall , and serued with humility in euery respect . The Lady of the Castell , who was chéefe in this deuise , hauing woone the man , whome most she made account , of , to cause him as yet to dread no doubt , or else to feare any ensuing daunger , came and welcommed the Prince with such large protestations , as his thoughts were quite absent in thinking of any perill . The Prince well noting the curtesie of the Lady , ( whose comely countenaunce and gallant behauiour , not onely gaue a shew of singuler modestie , but also bare the face of apparant honestly ) perswaded himselfe , that all the commendations in the world , were not of sufficiencie , to requite her great gentlenesse . For being so brauely ga●ded with gallant gentlewomen , and euery one at becke and call with dutifull humilitie , hee rather déemed her a second Lucrecia , then doubted her to be a dissembling Lais , rather one that regarded fidelitie , then in such sort to intrap him by flattery . But as the sweetest Rose is not without his sharpe prickell , or the finest Veluet but hath his bracke , so vnder the smoothest countenance , is soonest found deceite , and in the fayrest talke , to bée the foulest treason . And there was a trustie Damon , so was there a trothles Damocles , as there was a faithfull Laelius , so there was a flattering Aristippus , happy may he be that findeth a friend , which preferreth the honor of his faith , before the horror of falshood , more accounting of the welfare of his friend , then any thing else in his wordly affaires . But to returne to the prince who made great account , of his so gentle entertainment , and esteemed wel her friendship that she handled with such dexterity , which to gratifie with thankes , he entred into this discourse .

Lady , if this sudden motion doe strike me into a maze , & your sacred manners , inforce me to muse , impute the one to the rare perfection of your beauty , and iudge the other , as the rash presumption of my boldnes . First , your famous mansion did not a litle daunt me , & now the faire mistresse doth no lesse delight me the one excelling all in brauery , the other surpassing euery one in beauty . Wherefore good lady , if it shall like you to report , and licence me to request , let me vnderstand your name , and who is gouernour of this place . The Lady as one currant in her coy , conceytes , and not to learne how to vse Courtier , quickely sounded the depth of his desire , and as a skitfull pilot strooke Sayles against a storme , then taking Don Edward by the hand , she walked to the window , and shaped him this answere . Worthy sir , the great fame of your noblenesse doth wel deserue that title , & the sufficiency of your present behauior doth vrge me to vse it , the excuse of your boldnes ful well we allow , in respect of your bounty which we cannot mis●ike , for that the authority of your name , doth beare you out in the one . & the effects of nature doth braue you in the other . I would my beauty were so ample as might content such a Gallant , or my bounty sufficient to entertaine such a Guest . Letting that passe , I would the proportion which hath liked you to praise , were answerable in perfection or able to please . Touching your request , both this Castle and Gouernour thereof , resteth at your commaund to what you shall desire , and if it shall like you to accept of one nights lodging here , not for the good chéere you shall finde , but for your good company which we fancy , you shall be resolued in euery doubt , and to morrowe or when please you , you may depart . Don Edward perceiuing her courteous proffer , thought it stood with his honour to accept it , and against his honestie to refuse it , and while they were vsing the time in these and such like familiar spéeches , the Tables were couered , and euery thing prouided to a braue and sumptuous banquet , which in cost excéeded , and in delicate fare surpassed , that in the King his father Court , he could not be more gallantly serued .

There Banquet finished , and the Tables withdrawen , courtesie on all sides artificially offered , he was conducted into a notable faire Chamber , the sumptuousnesse whereof surpassed , where preparing him to Bedward , he conuayed his good Sword vnder his Pillowe , which Sword was of such great vertue , that while it was about him , no enchantment could preuaile , or by any meanes annoy him . Bearing in Bed , he called to minde the great distance of place , and diuersitie of passage , betwéene his beloued Flerida , and his sorrowfull selfe , which with many a grieuous sigh he often bemoned , but at length conuinced with heauinesse of sléepe , for that the night before he enioyed no rest , turned him to the wall , to receiue the charge which was toward him . The Lady of the Castle being maruellous séen in Magicke , and knowing by her Arte , that the Prince was sound asleepe , sent a Damosell to his Chamber to steale away his Sword , which while he had , she could not accomplish her desire .

The Damosell in all respects fulfilled her Ladies minde , and hauing brought it to her , she commaunded her to goe vnto her Couzin Dramusiand , and desire him with all spéede to haste him thither , for now he might take secure reuengement on the Prince Don Edoard , for the death of his father , who was slain by one of the linage of this noble young Prince . The Damosel went spéedily and did her message , returning with the young Giant whom the Lady sent for , and hauing vnderstood the full minde of his Aunt , entred the chamber of Don Edoard , where taking the sword of the Prince in his hand , brake foorth into these or the like spéeches .

Somtimes thou didst remain in the seruice of a man no losse famous then fortunate , who little knewes now that thou art in my keeping , but since my hap hath béene so good to gain thée , I dare auouch to make thée more redoubted , homaged & estéemed , then when thy Lord Don Edoard did gird thée about him so putting it vp againe into the sheath , he approched vnto the Bed , and spake in this order . Don Edoard , awake then captine Prince , hath was thy hap to light in my hands , and froward thy Fortune to approch this place , bid now adiew thy former delight , and content thy selfe to liue endles delleur , the court of England was sometime thy pleasure , but now this Castle of mine must be thy Prison , all the youthfull affections , which were wont to be thy sollace , thou must forsake , & passe the remainder of thy dayes in sorrow . I rue thy case , but can giue thée no comfort , I sorrow to thinke on thy misery , and can giue thée no remedie : blood will haue blood againe , and cruelty will haue the like rewarded , thou shalt féele the force of my chollericke moode , and by reuengement will bee so sharpe , as will be trebble griefe for thée to sustaine it .

The Prince being vanquished with a sudden feare , to heare the Giant vse such words of fury , put vp his hand where he● thought to finde his Sword , but failing of his purpose , he presently sayd . In the greenest grasse lyeth the most deceitfull Serpent , and in the calmest waters the deepest whirlepoole : so in those places where aman thinketh himselfe farthest of all mishaps , he is soonest assayled by some sudden mischance . Well ( quoth the Giant ) though my anger doth vrge me vnto great impatience , and that I cannot brooke the open iniury done vnto to mee , but am bent seuerely to reuenge me on thée and all thy Kindred , as my after dealings shall make manifest , to their great dishonour , yet will I kéepe thée , being first chaunced into my hands , that thou mayest witnesse to the rest my his displeasure . As for thy life , I franckly and fréely giue thée , séeing the Kingly Lyon disdaineth to vaunt on his conquered Prey , and the Princely Eagle scorneth to stoupe to a Flye . Besides , thy life is not of sufficiencie in such a cause as this , beeing first the death of my Father , next , the distresse of my Friends , now , the present griefe of my selfe , and lastly , euer hereafter , to all my issue an eternall sorrow : which to appease , the life of one , no not of tenne , no , nor yet of an hundreth is able to make recompence , or suffice to quench my rigour . Neuertheles , in poore and meanest sort I minded to vse thee , not as thou list , and as I like , not to thine owne choyse , but as I shall finde occasion : so that to recount thy posted pleasure , and also to thinke on thy present ensuing paine ( though it be griefe to mee to vse it , and so harde thy hap , that thou canst , nor mayst refuse it ) shall witnesse a world of miseries that thou art to abide , and the rarest Misfortunes , that euer man did taste .

This is thy lucke , and this is my law : this thy hard hap , and this my heauy hatred , as 〈◊〉 thou departest , thou shalt sufficiently vnderstand , and by that time thou knowst , what and who I am , that haue this authoritie , thou shalt feele to thy greater woo my pretended iniurie . Hauing thus finished his talke , he caused him to bee carried into his strongest Prison , which was in the top of the Castle , and clapped a great pair of Gyues on his legs , minding in this furie , neuer while hee liued to take them off againe . Don Edoard thus suddenly chaunged , from Princely pompe to present penurie , from the Court of his Father , to the Cabbin of his Foes , from the presence of his Ladie , to the loathing of his life , enclosed in a Castle so admirable , in a prison so vncomfortable , and in a Dungeon so dispaireable : closing his armes together , entred into these sorrowfull mo●es .

Oh poore Prince , is thy hope thou haddest of so great courtesie , and so soone chaunged into extreame crueltie ? Didst thou credite faire wordes to be such troth , and now doest thou finde them , quite turned to treason ? Alas , who sooner deceiued then the well meaning man ? and who more quickly beguiled then he that means most honestly ? Hath Fortune hetherto allowed thée honour , and will shee now leaue thée to taste this horror ? hath all thy life hetherto beene spent in delight , and shalt thou now end thy dayes in this direfull distresse ? Alas , then hast no helpe to the contrarie , wherefore thou must holde thée content , there is none néere to succour thée , wherefore suppe vp thy sorrow . Thy aged Father will misse thée , thy louing Ladie will lacke thée , and all thy Courtly companions will sorrow for thy want . And what of that ? Bucephalus will stoupe to none but Alexander : and Mercuries Pipe will be scunded by none but Orphaeus : Euen so my proud soo may no wayes be intreated , but either must be conquered in strength , or craftily deceyued in sleights , which how farre my thought is from : deliuery , so farre from comfort is my poore oppressed heart .

O my déere Florida , when thou shalt call thy vnkindenesse into question , and my last departure from thy presence into a Womans opinion , I know the care will no lesse trouble thy minde , then my want of thy comfort causeth my miserie . Alas , though I haue thus left thee by follie , yet thinke not but I still loue thée faithfully : and although thy griefe ( as I knowe ) is great , for my losse , yet thinke not but my sorrowe putteth me to extremity of my life : in that this Prison so amateth me with sadnesse , as I am of opinion , neuer againe to sée you , without whose companie my life cannot long endure , but eyther to dispaire vpon my hard Aduenture , or presently die in so sharpe an assault .

O inuincible Prince Primaleon , what griefe will you abide for losse of your brother ? and what sorrow will you conceiue for your deare Friend : whose misfortune ( I feare ) will cause you leaue your Parents , and whose tryed friendship mooue you put your life in perill . Except the Soldan of Niqu●e , Maiortes , Gatterit , & the King Tranies , by their friendly perswasion , may otherwise determine your purpose . And though their méere Loue kéepe you at home , yet I thinke my mishap will enforce them to be sorry : So that some of them will endeuour to heare of me againe , although it be vnpossible to giue mee succour , except fauour may plead their cause wi●h the Lady of this Castle , whose crueltie I feare will no way be intreated . In these and such like rufull complaints , the Captiue Prince spent his time : vntill earnest opinion of his Ladie to be present with him , vrged him to breake foorth into these spéeches . Alas my good Ladie , this cruell Prison is not cause of my death , but to sée your person accompanie me in distresse , when the Court were more méete to shrowde your séemely selfe , then this vncomfortable Dungion , for you to set foote in : Whose presence procureth so fierce an assault in my hart , that the feare of your safety is more to my perill , then a thousand torments might be to my paine .

Wherefore , good Ladie , content ▪ yourselfe , and suffer mee to moane , blemish not your faire face with rufull teares for me : the one may endanger your prosperitie , and the other may no way be to my profite . Thus clasping his armes together , and entring into a farther conceit in his minde : I leaue the extremitie of his griefe , to those that haue tasted the like mishappe , that where before he was equal with any for good fortune , he is now aboue all , respecting his ill lucke .

THe Hystorie doeth discourse vnto vs , how when the Emperor Palmerin of Constantinople , left his royall estate , to seeke aduenttures as a wandring Knight : that he ariued in England , accompanied with Trineus the Emperor of Allemaignes sonne , who for the loue of faire Agriola in the English Court , left his natiue Countrey , and behaued himselfe so valiant , that shée might esteeme him as one of her 〈◊〉 fauored Knight . And in sooth , not to diminish his praise , or hold backe one title of his braue behauiour , the exploites both of him and the Emperour Palmerin ( béeing both to most vnknowne ) were such , as the King of England , with all his Courtly assistaunts , not onely commended their valure , but also gaue them entertainement , agréeable to their bounty and magnanimity . For he perceiuing that their daily endeuours , tended both to the safegard of their person , and honour of his whole Realme , gaue them that preferment in Court , which they deserued in chiualry , and that honour in name , which they both argued to haue in nature , whereby they were encouraged to attempt the hardest aduenture , and so be honoured in their knightly behauiour . In fauour of their Prince , and ioue of their Country , at length they obtained the full issue of their enterprise : which was to haue with them the Prince Agriola , whom on a day , through leaue obtained of the King with the Queene her mother , they got leaue to walke into the field , not farre distant from the Court , accompanied with diuerse Noble men , and Gentlemen , as you may reade more at large in the Historie of Palmerin d'Oliua , which faith , That sporting themselues there on the top of a hill , on a sudden ( altogether vnlooked for ) there came a Giant named Frenaque , well attended on with twentie fighting men : who perforce tooke the Queene and her Daughter Agriola from them , neither respecting the woefull meane of the Ladies , nor gentle entreatie of the knights , who had no defence to rescue them , nor companie inough to resist them : But at that time were more ready to vse a distaffe with Hercules , then a Speare with Hannibal , and rather required to handle a Lute in Venus Chamber , then lift a Launce in Mars his Campe , and for a soldiers i●uniti●n , vsing sweete Parle with their Mistrisse , and their Ladies laps , for the hard lodging in the fielde . So béeing thus altogether vnprouided , lost the sum of their pleasure , and honour of their Knighthood . Palmerin and Trineus ( who had béene with the King in walking ) arriuing there , and hearing of this losse , encouraged them as wel as they might , offring themselues to die , ere they would put vp this iniurie . So willing them all to prouide them presently , for that a rash encounter , might turne to an hard aduenture , they proceeded in pursuit after the giant , and ouertaking him , behaued themselues so worthily , that he was slain by the hands of the Emperor Palmerin . Then the yong Prince Trineus , as well that his Lady Agriola might perceiue his hardnes , as also the Quéene her mother might giue his deeds commendation , so valiantly menaced his courage , that by the helpe of the other Knights , all the Giants traine were vanquished , so that the Quéene and her Daughter , had suffered no spot of dishonour by their crueltie , which greatly they stood in feare of .

This Giant had a Sister named Eutropa , so cunning in Magicke , that neither Zoriastes , nor all the other Magitians , were in this deuilish Art comparable to her , by helpe whereof , she had knowledge of the death of her Brother , which entered so déepe into her heart , that shee vowed her reuengement should excéede this cruell mischance . And hauing in her Castell with her a Nephew of hers , and the Sonne of this Giant Frenaque , named Dramusiande , by whom she meant to seeke her sharpe reuenge : shee tooke him in her armes , and entred into these rufull complaints . Ah swéete Nephew , albeit thou art fatherlesse , yet art thou not friendlesse , and though in thy tender time , Fortune hath framed thy mishap , yet espect a farder time , which my Art shall beginne , and thy manhoode finish . And he that hath thus cruelly murthered the Father , both hee himselfe , his lynage , friendes and familiars , will I persecute with extreame rygor . After these and such like speeches vttered , shee prouided to fortifie and make strong her Castell , least the King of England should seeke both the ruine of it , and destruction of the Giants kindred , when once it came to his eare the Treason shée pretended against him , wherefore , shée armed her selfe with all those of her kindred , knowing that to resist the power of a King , asked no smal defence . And for a further remedy , least worst should happen , she enchaunted the Forrest round about , so that none could enter her Forreste without her leaue , vntill such time as the yong Giant Dramusiande were able to beare Armor , and receiue the order of Knighthood . In processe of time , the young Giant grew able to beare Armor , and then his heart began to thyrst for reuenge of his Fathers death , the which to accomplish , hee was very desirous in Trauell to aduenture his strength , according as his heart desired .

But Eutropia perceiuing the courage of his minde , to excéed the strength of his person , de●iled him to stay his Iourney , and she would yéelde into his hands such a one on whom hee might sufficiently reuenge the death of his Father . Thus , and with these perswasions , she changed the minde of Dramusiande , vntill the hard fortune of the Prince Don Edoard brought him to her Castell , where he entred without any daunger , for that his good Sworde , kept the force of all Enchauntments from him , but hauing lost it by her Diuellish deceyte , remained as I haue expressed in vnspeakeablie .

Leauing this matter , it shall not be amisse , to speake somewhat of the state and condition of Dramusiande , who albeit he were a Giant , which commonly are of rough and impatient nature : yet was he indued both with ciuilitie of life , and honestie in behauiour , exempting crueltie , and surpassing all of his stocke and parentage in courtesie .

For after he had a long space kept Don Edoard in Prison , and not onely perceiued his Princely qualities , but also the sobrietie and great gentle●●● his life , hee caused his Fetters to bee taken from his féete , and gaue him leaue for recreation , to walke about the Castell , vppon condition , that hee would not séeme to passe beyond his limits , without his consent .

The courteous Prince , gaue him his hand and Oath , that he would not passe one foote further , then his Licence should permit : Yet notwithstanding for all that , he gaue charge vnto diuerse to respect his walking abroade , in that hee respected his Aunte Eutropaes promise , which was , that many valiaunt Knightes , would Aduenture their liues in the searche of this strayed Prince , whome she doubted not but to haue also as Prisoners in the Castell .

And against the comming thither of any such , shee caused to lye in Embush in the Forrest , a great number of Armed men , to aide Dramusiand against them , if his hard hap should misse of his purpose . Tssus passed the young Giant his time in pleasure , and Don Eodard acqusinted himselfe with his former sorrowes , ( as it chanceth vnto those , who of long time are kept from the sight of them they most desire ) as well for the want of his espoused Ladie , as also the griefe the King his Father would conceiue for his ill luck . But yet the gentle pastime that Dramusiand would often vse with him , caused him to spend the time in pleasure , that else he would haue wasted in mourning . Thus leauing the captiue Prince in his forced content , we will returne to the Prince Flerida , whom we left in the Forrest , sorrowfully exp●cting the glad returne of her Lord Don Edoard .

WHile the Princesse Flerida , with no lesse griefe of mind , then agony of her whole person , remained in the Forrest , expecting that which came not , as well to abandon diuers chollericke humours , that ouercharged her impatient mind , as also to exile the eger passions , which were still approching her weake nature , shee busied her selfe in gathering flowers , accompanied with the faire Attaida and diuers Ladies and Gentlemen , for that this time of recreation , was more correspondent to her good liking , then heretofore she could conceiue the opinion to like any . On a sudden , she fell into remembrance of her Lord Don Edoard , whose long absence she admitted to some misfortune , or else vngentlenesse in himselfe disdained her presence . In which of these resalue her selfe , shee was doubtfull : for that in the one she might conuict her selfe of rash beléefe , though in the other she might stand vpon good occasion . Betwéene these cogitations she spent the whole day , yéelding her complaints likewise to the vncomfortable night approching : which indéed séemed to her more obscure , more griesly , and more despairable , then any night passed to her remembrance . So that vpon this hard motion , she fell into a resolute opinion , neuer to heare good tidings of her lord Don Edoard , for that the knights who had spent their labour in his search , were returned without any tidings .

The Lord and Ladies perceiuing these passions to be more extreame vpon her then any heretofore , beganne to cast with themselues whether they might depart and leaue her in these fits , or stay still with her , which was to their great griefe : at length they thus concluded , to abide the returne of the Duke of Galles , for whose absence likewise the Princesse was more agréeued then she would haue bene , had he bene present . This vncomfortable night gone , and the chéerefull deawes of Phoebus displayed ouer the earth , the duke of Galles returned a glad sight to the Princes , and no lesse ioy to her attendants , for that she hoped of wished newes of her Lord , and they to heare what was become of their Soueraigne . But their expectations were farre disappointed , for he was as ignorant of the Prince , as they which caused a fresh hurt vpon the olde griefe : neuerthelesse , he intreated the Lords to take themselues to trauaile , it might so fortune ( he perswaded them ) that they should haue better successe then he had . In the meanetime , he would abide with the Princesse to comfort her , for that she had vowed neuer to returne from thence , till shée had heard some tidings of her best beloued .

The noble Gentlemen , of no lesse loyaltie to their Prince Don Edoard , then loue they bare to the Princesse Flerida : addressed themselues presently to fulfill this request . Among whome Pridos , eldest sonne to the Duke of Galles , and chiefe Gentleman attendant on the Prince , rode along the sea shore , where he mette with two of his companions , who likewise endeuoured themselues in the search of Don Edoard , with whom he determined to returne , for that he was past hope of any good successe .

Neuerthelesse , to auoyd the euill conceit of the Princesse , and the angry moode of his aged father , hee left them , and rode on very solitary , sometime exclaiming on Fortune for his hard hap , and then againe blaming his folly , when he perceiued no remedie : In midst whereof , he brake forth into these , or the like spéeches . If it were méete for mortall creatures , to blame or inuey against their heauenly Creator , then both iustly , and by good reason , may I claime the like occasion , whose sorrow can not enioy one houre of succor , whose mone be admitted on halfe houre of mirth , or whose extreame griefe , but once taste the sauour of halfe a minutes rest . The Horse haung laboured all day , can take rest in his Inne at night , the little Bird , can comfort her selfe on euery twigge : the Fish can sport and make pastime to himselfe in the Riuer : in briefe , euery creature enioyeth a quiet and pleasant life , man onely excepted , who excelling all creatures , both in forme and feature , is inferior to them all in tranquillitie of life . So that surueying the whole course of mans life , both from the beginning and to the end , I will admit the Phylosophers sentence .