CHAP. I. How the bodies aliue and dead , of the Princes , Dramusiande , and others , ( supposed slaine ) were conuayed vnto the Perillous Isle .

THE wise Aliart , who ( giuing credite to his fore-knowledge , that all the Princes would miscarie , & the Pagans gaining the victory , should beare the sway in Constantinople ) hauing made such prouision as for the purpose was conuenient , when hee noted , that the highest Power woulde not permit , that man shoulde certainlie knowe what was to ensue : comforted himselfe by some of the Princes , who beeing yet aliue , ( though voyde of sence or feeling ) might yet recouer . And therefore determined , by meanes of his arte and singular medicines , to giue them hope of life : albeit they coulde not speake one word , through the extreame losse of their blood , yet by lifting vp their eyes , and gesture of countenaunce , they seemed to intreate helpe : which was with such diligence administred to them , that howsoeuer theyr mindes were afflicted , yet their bodies amended . Héereupon his ioy excéedinglie increased , séeing their weaknes so diminish , and their outward appearance so pleasing : as nowe hee h●ld no longer doubt of their death , which was verilie expected in the end of their last battaile . And as his minde was thus busied about their recouerie , he heard of the ship which brought the dead , wherein was Argentao with heauie countenaunce : which was the lesse to be meruailed at , in regard of the small comfort there to bee expected : and sending to vnderstand some tidings , suddenlie issued forth certaine persons in two small boates , crying , good newes , good newes . At which noyse , Aliart , as one wakened out of sleepe , knewe not well what to say , or how to conceiue thereof . But béeing come neere this Ship , he heard them all say , that Dramusiande ( who for two daies had lien as dead ) was c●me to himselfe againe , and lying with his eyes wide open , séemed to request remedie for his wounds .

These tidings were so ioyfull to them all , especiallie Aliart , that intending presentlie to succour Dramusiande : hée entred where the Princes aliue were , who though they spake not , yet in their traunce could they vnderstand what was said or done to them . My Lordes ( quoth Aliart ) take comfort , for one of your louing friends , who hath hartilie bemoned the dead , liueth , and hopeth yet to restore them , that you may reioyce in their liues so déerelie loued of you . But hee would not name Dramusiande , fearing least the weake bodies of the princes , by such matter of so great and suddaine ioy , should bee the more shaken and endangered . As he was going to medicine Dramusiande , some of the other persons turned backe , crying : Sir Aliart , succour the liues of these Princes , whom we suspect for dead , that wée loose not all hope , which this good aduenture hath perswaded .

Aliart hauing about him all necessaries , that are required in such an vrgent néede , went to Argentaos ship , wherein béeing entred , he found Dramusiande , Almaroll , Francian prince of Thessaly , Dragonalte king of Nauarre , Don Rosuell , with Dirdan sonne to Maiortes , in whom appeared verie little shew of life . Then beginning to annoynt them with a certaine vnguent , thought powerfull enough to reuiue their weakened forces : Dramusiande and two of the Princes séemed somwhat restored . But Almaroll , whose heade was in a manner cleft , as one not to be hoped of by any outward testimony : the other holding him déere in friendship , could not but shew themselues highly contented , to sée him raised from death , the want of whose companie might be a hinderance to their health . These businesses thus proceeding ( as in like cases of miserie ) somewhat prosperouslie , the ships béeing vnder full saile , attained néere to the Perillous Isle , where none else coulde discerne them but the sage Aliart , who had couered them with a cloude , that they might not be séene by anie other : because the Pagans remaining vict●s ( as they thought ) might haue no power to violate this royall Signorie , neither that they might extinguish all hope yet remaining , of preseruing the memorie of so many wounded Princes . Wherefore causing the shypps thus to enter the Isle in this cloude , he commaunded that Dramusiande , with the Princes Francian and Dragonalte , should be brought into the shippe , where Primaleon and the rest aliue were : but seperated them from the other , because as yet no expresse signe appeared in them , whether they should escape the danger or no : and the rather , that the extreame affliction of the one , might raise no discomfort in the other . Afterward he appointed , that the shippe which brought the dead , should enter the néerest Bay to the Fountaine where the beasts of mettall were , like them which Palmerin slew when he conquered that Isle : and thence they were caried into a faire Pallace , where they remained til he could giue them sufficient buriall . All which he did , to the end , the Ladies ( whose husbands were dead ) should not offend the liuing with theyr dolorous complaints : intending by little and little to make them forget theyr losses , and with patience to beare their ouer-hard fortune .

The shyppe béeing thus come into the Bay , immediatly the newes of theyr arriuall was knowne to the Ladies , where-upon , accompanied with the men of the Isle , they came in great fury running thetherward , each of them thinking to finde her husband aliue , not déeming how soone they should rue theyr mishaps . When they were come to the shippe , Aliart , who best knew the estate of the wounded Princes : with chéerefull countenaunce met them , and béeing round enuironed with them , taking Gridonia and Flerida each by the hand , said : Ladies , I am glad of a deceite happening to me in mine owne arte , which vntruly tolde me , that all the defenders of the Grecian Empire , should perrish , and the Cittie of Constantinople be in the enemies possession : but ( praysed be the diuine bounty ) the Pagans are discomfited , & all your Lords in good hope of life . But thus I would aduise , that without any noyse , or your disturbance , they might be brought foorth of the Shippe , and each one quietly carried to his Ladies lodging : For thys I must tell yée , there is another Shyppe at hand , wherein commeth Argentao with many other , among whom are they that died before you were conueyed to this Island .

All the Ladies , betwéene hope & dread , departed thence , each to her Cabinet , because they would not contrary what Aliart had appointed . Then caused he to be caried Primaleon to Gridonia , Florendos to Miragarda , Platir to Sidelia , Don Edward to Flerida , Palmerin to Polinarda , Florian to Leonarda , Berolde , Gracian , and Dragonalte , seuerallie to their wiues : Floraman to a Pallace hard by , and Blandidon to his mother .

And one thing most notable happened , when Palmerin was brought to his Lady , the loue which betwéene them had euer beene equall , wrought now a contrary effect . For Polinarda , seeing her husband not able to stand on his féete , in great amazement was depriued of her speech : And hée that had not the power to speake a worde while hee was in the Shyp , when hée beheld his loue thus ouer-gone with gréefe , suddainly said : Feare not swéete Lady , for I shall soone be well .

Aliart gaue order to the Princesses , how they should dresse and regard their wounded husbands : then taking with him Cardigea , Bernarda , and Arlencea , hee conducted them to the Shyp , where they might looke to their Lords , because as yet they were not in case to be brought out of the Shippe . Ioy intermedled with feare , made these Ladies diligent & carefull each of her charge : but they whose husbands were not there present , neither dead nor aliue , were wondrously afflicted with gréefe , and had not the place béene so enchaunted , that thence they could not depart , many of them would haue aduentured by land and sea to haue found them .

But Aliart by faire promises still gaue them hope , that shortlie they would be there , all which auailed not : For when they sawe so many Princes , which were the verie flower of all the Christian Knights , so dangerously wounded , & in such perill , they had little hope of their husbands liues . And this was partlie occasioned , by one of the prince Beroldes seruants , who comming in the Shippe with Argentao , where the dead were , happened to steppe in at the same instant , when Aliart laboured to continue the hope of the widdowed Ladies , & said , that Argentao had brought back the Knights dead .

These wordes did so dampe and vtterly dismay theyr mindes , that beeing nowe more then certaine of theyr seuerall losse , in rage they would presentlie haue runne to séeke their dead bodies : But Aliart , who by the skilfulnes of his Arte sought to quallifie their discontentment , caused certaine spirits spéedily to appeare before them , resembling in shape and proportion the knowne seruants to theyr Husbands , and they to each Lady deliuered such ●nde Embassages , as they then verilie beléeued theyr Knights were liuing .

Thus pacified he this impatient furie of the Ladies , and attended to the curing of the other Princes : who ( with the helpe of their kinde wiues companie ) began to be indifferentlie recouered , and now all spake chéerefully one to another .

CHAP. II. What Targiana did , after the Campe was dissolued , and the Soldane Albayzar her husband dead .

TArgiana & the Princesse of Armenia , when the third daies fight began , considering that in so many battailes , not any of the Christians ( most famous for armes ) were dead : began to perswade themselues , that the Pagan part woulde be ouerthrowne and discomforted , where-vppon they with-drew themselues into a ship : which from her Father was thether sent well prouided , and wherein likewise were manie of her friendes , where hearing the successe of the battaile , and the death of Albayzar , they lanched out into the maine , attended on by some other ships , that prepared themselues to returne with her towards Babylon .

But her vnkinde starres , not satis-fied , first with her scorning by Prince Florian , then to sée her husband baselie led prisoner by Florendos , to present him before faire Miragarda , ( as is declared in the second part of this historie , ) and now lastly , that he was slaine by the same Florian , of whom shee had béene so greatly despised : but that nowe a new disgrace ●as prepared for her . Wherefore , contending inwardlie with her pride of minde , where-with her former conceits had alwaies béene ledde , when she beheld her selfe to be his widdow , who by so many Trophies had renowned her beautie : shée nowe sate amazedly mourning at her wonderfull mis-fortunes . Hauing sailed on tenne leagues and more , they were met with an Armie of twentie shippes , guided by Ristorano her Cosin , who ( after the decease of his vnckle the great Turke ) imagined how hee might signorize ouer that state : and taking this to bee his best way , prouided himselfe of the afore-said Nauie , when comming within an hundred miles of Constantinople , hee made stay , awayting from time to time , what newes hee could heare of Albayzar and his power .

When he vnderstood of the Pagans discomfiture , he set on towards their Campe , to disclose some secrets to the vnaduised Albayzar : holding for certaintie , that if hee were aliue , hee was conquered and in great distresse : thus with a gentle gale he sailed onward .

Targianas Nauie béeing surprised , that little expected any such fierce encounter , and therefore rode on at pleasure : were all boorded and seazed on , ere they had any libertie to prepare themselues for fight . When the prisoners were brought before him , and that he behelde Targiana among them , he was so ioyfull that he could not dissemble his déep contentment . Then began he to scorne the Lady , casting in her teeth what she had doone in fauour of the Christians , how greeuously shée tooke it , when Polendos and the rest were her Fathers prisoners , & how she fled ( vnrequested ) with Florian of the Forrest .

The Lady , who was of a great spirite , dismaied not a iote , albeit shee was his prisoner , of whose intent before hand shée could easilie diuine : Wherefore , shee aunswered him sternly , as one dreadlesse of death , for life ( among so manie losses , ) was not by her regarded . Heare me ( quoth she ) Ristorano , I confesse I haue fauoured the Christians , in repaiment of infinite curtesies from them receiued , while I remained in Constantinople , not that I did negligently carie my selfe , in any thing that might or did displease my husband . But for I am assured , that in vaine I doe excuse my selfe to thee , were all true where-with thou couldest charge me : dispose of me as thou wilt , but looke for warre from the Christians , in regard of the loue they beare mée . And though I haue béene absent from my hereditarie kingdome , ( which thou vniustlie séekest to vsurpe ) yet haue I a childe , as is well knowne through all Babylon : and those people , who for their loue to Albayzar , desire to haue his sonne their Soueraigne , will chastise thee as thou well deseruest .

Ristorano ( who willinglie would haue slaine her , the easier to compasse what hee desired ) considering on her spéeches , thought it better to deferre her death , till with more security he might effect it : and séeming to shew no outward signe of feare , with angry lookes thus he replied . Thy offences merrite more then a common kinde of death : wherfore so lightlie will I not kill thée , as I sée thou wishest I would .

Héere-vpon , hee commaunded her with the Armenian Princesse , into a priuate roome of the shippe : and hee was in a thousand opinions , whether he should land , and take the Cittie of Constantinople , or turne backe into Turkie , and rule that kingdome . For it was the Citties good hap , that Ristorano , not hearing what had happened to the principal Knights , who had defended the Cittie , ( as the wise Aliart so procured , who likewise knewe of this Armies making thitherward ) but beléeuing that the Christians were conquerers , and therefore doubtful of his owne fortune : durst not goe on shoare , the rather , because his owne men were more willing to be gone then tarry . So contenting himselfe , that Fortune had deliuered Targiana into his hand , and hearing by his spials , that Brundo , sonne to Don Rosiran de la Bronde , with foure thousande horse , lay before Constantinople , expecting if they durst land or no : fearing to be taken , with all spéede possible , he made hast to be gone from thence .

When Targiana behelde her selfe in his power , whom vndoubtedly she knew intended her death , albeit her mind was inuincible , yet sate shée very pensiue , not giuing a word to the Armenian Princesse : who likewise gréeued to see her selfe a prisoner ; neuerthelesse , because she expected not death , shee laboured her thoughts the better for her escape , and turning to Targiana , said .

I remember good Princesse , that when I was to depart from Persia , a wise Enchauntresse named Drusa Velona , gaue me a Ring of such vertue : that being sent in a Letter to any Knight , whom I should make choyse of for my defence , he would presently come to helpe me . Thinke then what Knight may be most conuenient for your purpose , and I will write the Letter : for the Ring is of such force , as to wound the hart of any Knight , and make him loue ye , although before he hated ye neuer so much .

Targiana right ioyfull to heare Drusa Velonas name , whose Art had before auailed her , when she conducted her away , and enchaunted the Princesse Leonarda : began to thinke with her selfe , what Knight she should determine on , to deliuer her from the hands of Ristorano . But among so many opinions not knowing how to resolue , the Nauie entred Turkie , where Ristorano secretly conuayed her to a Castle , accompanying her with certaine Matrones , who had charge that she should send no Letters abroade . For he feared , that if the Turkes should vnderstand , howe their Lady Targiana was imprisoned in her owne Kingdome : they would stirre in her behalfe . This hindered their former desseignment , of sending the Letter with the Ring : and which by reason of the companie appointed to attend them , could not be performed .

CHAP. III. What they did in Constantinople , after the departure of the sage Aliart .

VEry sorrowfull remained all the Cittizens of Constantinople , for the departure of the sage Aliart , who had caried with him thence the Knights aliue and dead : but because on the contrary side they were some-what fearefull , least the Pagans should renue their forces , seaze on the Citty , and so all hope be vtterly lost in repossessing it : they began to strengthen their walls , and take order for matters concerning gouernment . And studying to elect one , who might be fit for such affaires : there thither came ( as hath beene declared ) Brundo accompanied with foure thousand Horse , who slewe and put to flight all the Pagans remayning there-about : wherefore it was generally iudged , that God had sent him to be Gouernour of their Citty , vntill such time as their owne Prince returned . Héere-vpon , by publique voyce he was elected , to his owne no little contentment : not so much for desire of the gouernment , as that he estéemed it a matter glorious , to preserue the Grecian Empire to the progenie of Palmerin . Being thus enstalled as Gouernour , he gaue himselfe to refortifying the walls , and leueying summes of money for maintenance of the state . To this end he would often assemble his forces , and accompanied with people of the Citty likewise , would sack and destroy the enemies holds neerest the Sea : for therein were found abiding many Pagans , which had not as yet beene dealt withall by the people : there likewise were hid great summes of treasure , which brought much benefit to the weale publique , helping well to enritch both the Souldiours and Cittizens . The walls being fully perfected , and the ruined buildings in better forme then before they had béene : such diligence on all sides was vsed , that within two moneths , the Citty was as beautifull as euer it was , so that nothing else wanted , but the noble presence of the absent Knights , which made it most of all to be regarded : but by the assembly of people from all parts , it séemed to excéede the former populous estimation , and Brundo with soundest iustice still preserued them in peace . Yet often was the breach héereof endangered , by the Embassadours from Spaine , Fraunce , and other Kingdomes , who came to demaund the dead bodies of their Princes , and not finding them there , lamented excéedingly , because they would not credite what was said , concerning their carrying thence . But Aliart fore-séeing this danger by his Art , suddenly shewed himselfe amongst them , when by vertue of his authority and vnreprooueable reasons , he vrged them to rest satisfied , saying : That he had prepared for their Lords more honourable buriall , then euer could be bestowed on Princes : euen as the wise Vrganda , who in the time of Amadis & his sonne Esplandion , fore-seeing what would be the end of the passed battailes , had prouided the like . The Embassadours contented with this aunswere , returned to their seuerall Countries : and Aliart confirmed the Regiment of Brundo , giuing order for many matters , that might redound to the Cittizens profit . He likewise told them newes of the Princes , who being caried thence with so little hope of life , were yet now reduced into so good estate , as within little while they should haue their Emperour Primaleon , though no more he might aduenture the life of a Knight at Armes . The people of Constantinople were very ioyfull of these tydings , because now they were assured to see their Prince againe , whose vertues they did both loue and reuerence . So abiding in prouident ca●e for their Citty , they entreated Aliart , that ( so soone as might be ) he would send their Prince Primaleon : which he promised to doo , and so returned to the Perillous I le .

CHAP. IIII. How the Princes that were in the Perillous I le , were now recouered past any danger : And what happened to Madam Leonarda in child-trauaile . How the other Princesses in like manner were deliuered of children : and how the Prince Florian of the Forrest departed thence .

ALiart being gone from Constantinople toward the Perillous I le , perceauing by his skill , that there would happen a mischaunce , sufficient to disturbe the Princes quiet : made his arriuall there the sooner , finding all things wel as yet , that the Knights had indifferently recouered their great losse of blood , and walked about the Iland , albeit their wounds were not thorowly healed : which some-what offended them , & made them ( in a manner ) scorne Aliarts wisedome , as the like they did in foreiudging the issue of the perillous battaile , handled at large in the end of the second booke of this History . But tenne dayes were not fully expired , till they found themselues in better disposition , ioying more entirely in each others amendment .

Nowe the Quéene Leonarda , ouer-charged with the irksome panges of child-bearing , hauing foure dayes together endured the bitter agonies incident thereto , was at length deliuered of a faire daughter named Victoria : who being no sooner borne , but the weake Mother ( folding her armes together , and lifting her eyes to heauen ) departed this life . This her suddaine death , which the wise Aliart before suspected not , very much troubled all the royall company : but especially Florian , who was wonderously enamoured of her , he ranne about in such fury , as at euery instant he would haue slaine himselfe , and he had done it , but that Palmerin , Pompides , and Aliart his brethren , were still enforced to kéepe him company . At length , growing into extreame hate of the Iland , because he had lost the company of his beloued Leonarda : one day taking Aliart aside , he thus began .

My Lord and brother , eyther giue me leaue to dispatch my selfe , that I may not out-liue her , whose beauty remembred makes life loathsome to me : or let me depart this Iland , to the end I may not sée the place , which daily renuing the memory of my loue , wil vrge me but to the greater impatience . All the Princes liked wel this determination of Florian , who was not yet perfectly healed , albeit his dexterity vsed in the battaile , hindered his hurts from being so déepe as others were , by meanes whereof he was the best recouered amongst them all . All the Lords & Ladies greatly laboured to comfort Florian , & pacifie his greefes , but all their endeuour amounted to nothing : for hée was so transported with griefe & passions , as he liued the most despised life that euer malcontent did . When Aliart made proofe of his Art and industry , and saw all was in vaine to remooue these humors : he prouided him a Ship , and causing him to put on like Armour as hée was went to weare , as also a shield with his former sauage mans deuise : accompanied him foorth of the Iland , to the great griefe of all the Princes , especially Don Edward his father , whose age made his wounds more offensiue to him . His brethren would gladly haue borne him company , but hee ( reiecting all comfort ) would not permit them : so taking his leaue of them all , & lastly of Aliart , gone is he for all aduentures whatsoeuer . The griefe for Florians departure , was partly qualified , by ioy of the princesses , who now were to behold the fruits of their labors . Miragarda was deliuered of a son , so like her selfe , as in beauty he excelled all the youth of those times , & was named Oliuanto . Polinarda had a sonne likewise , who was called Leonato . Claricia , wife to Gracian Prince of France , brought foorth a sonne , hee had to name Caro. Onistalda , wife to Berolde Prince of Spaine , was brought to bed of a daughter , who was named Argentina : in beauty shee seemed another Miragarda , but for honest curtesie much more affable . Bernarda , wife to the Prince Francian , and daughter to Belcar , had a sonne , who was called Belcar after his Grandfather . Sidelia , Platirs wife and Primaleons daughter , brought foorth a sonne , named Estrellant . Denisa ▪ wife to Belisart , had twinnes , a male and female : the sonne was called Fortenbracio , the daughter Candida . This Lady grew so faire , that she excelled all the dames of Greece , and made the minds distracted both of Palmerin and the Emperour Primaleon : because each of them for this rare and singuler beauty , without regard of honour or kindred , made choyse of her as their chiefest Patronesse . Clariana , wife to Dramian , she had a sonne named Orino Leonida , daughter to the Duke of Pera , & wife to Frisoll , brought a sonne , called Arguto . This was no lesse an enemie to Primaleon the second , ( then was Frisoll his Grandfather , who was named in those times the Knight of the Sunne , to Palmerin d'Oliua ) according as in fit place shall be declared Arlencea brought her husband Dramusiande , a sonne of great stature , who had to name Franardo , excéeding his father in valure , and dooing seruice like him to the Empire of Constantinople . Cardigea , daughter to the Giant Gatarin , and wife to Almaroll , had likewise a sonne , who became no lesse faithfull and valiant then his father , and therefore after his name was called Almaroll . Florenda , daughter to Arnedes King of Fraunce , and wife to Germaine of Orleaunce , had a daughter named Spira : who was so faire , but yet arrogant withall , that not contenting her selfe with any Knights offer to her seruice , thinking her selfe to be the onely woman : remayned without a husband , as shall be declared when we come to speake of her . Clariana brought to Guerin a sonne , who was called Armindo . The ioy was great through the whole Iland , for these Princesses good successe in child-birth , and when the children came to be christened , they were all named as ye haue heard alreadie : but as for those Ladies whose husbands were dead , they remayned in griefe , as they had good cause : For the kinde harted woman being bereft of her husband , can take no true delight in any thing else what so euer .

CHAP. V. What happened for the buriall of the dead Princes bodies .

ALiart beholding the wounded Princes so well recouered , presently began to bethinke him on buriall for the dead , that due honour might be done to each one , to remayne for all their succéeding posterity . And that the Ladies might not knowe whether he went , hee secretly tooke shipping , and so passed to the place where the dead bodies were . Comming néere the shoare , he espied Argentao , with others accompanied ( who noted the Ships making thitherward ) hastning to the Port , and there they met together euen as Aliart landed . Argentao with a loud voyce told him , how Satrafort , Gouernour of the Castle , had taken into his custodie the Princes dead bodies , by reason of a strange accident there happening in this manner . The day before , in the chamber where Aliart found the bookes of the skilfull Vrganda , was heard a wonderfull noyse , and going to know the reason thereof : they beheld round about the chamber many faire Toombs , equalling the number of the dead Princes , whereby they found themselues disburdened of their former care , which was , how they might finde meanes to interre the Princes , with such honour as they had all highly deserued . And holding this aduenture to be very important , they stoode conferring héereon with Alfernao at the Castle , euen as they beheld this Shippe comming vnder saile , when Satrafort meeting Alfernao on the bridge , and ioying to be accompanied with so wise and woorthy a Lord as Aliart , began to acquaint him with the whole accident .

It nowe remayneth sir ( quoth Argentao to Aliart ) that your arriuall héere in so happy an houre , may thoroughly resolue vs in many doubtfull cases : because ▪ though all these Toombs are of most beautifull Marble , yet know we not how to appoint each Prince the place best beséeming him . As for you my Lord , to whom farre greater aduentures then this are reserued in knowledge : you can best appoint how matters shall be ordered , in that you are to dispose both of them and vs . Aliart very ioyfull of these good newes , perswading himselfe , that whosoeuer prepared these Toombs so ready , had likewise appointed them to the dignity of each person : without shaping them any aunswere at all , entred the Castle , where being conducted to the Toombs , and assaying to remooue them thence , but could not : he meruailed not a little thereat , and standing in a solemne conceite héereon , he bethought himselfe , that it were necessary to haue al the other liuing Princes there , in defence of whom all they had lost their liues : but especially the wiues of these slaine Knights , that they beholring their honourable buriall , should take their losse the more contentedly .

Héere-vpon he dispatched thence Satrafort , by whom hee aduertised Primaleon , Don Edward , and the rest , that with conuenient spéede they should come thither , and bring with them all the Princesses . Within two dayes following , they had there personally present , the Emperour , Don Edward , Florendos , Palmerin , of England , Platir , Gracian , Berolde , Floraman , Francian , Dragonalte , Blandidon , Pompides , Dramusiande , who now began to walke a little , leaning on a speares trunchion , and Dirdan with him . But Almaroll could not be there , by reason of his weakenes , marrie all the Princesses were there together : with ioy and great kindnes did Aliart welcome them , that all their passed gréefes were vtterlie forgotten : and each had their lodgings seuerallie appointed , that such as were not soundlie healed , might haue the better attendance .

CHAP. VI. How the seuerall Tombes were made manifest , with the Epitaphs belonging to each of them .

THE Ladies whose husbandes were dead , did not as yet behold where they should be buried : but imagining it would be in the Castle , grewe into the greater pensiuenes , and wept as women in like case will doo . Which when Aliart perceiued , hee gaue order the next day , that all the Princes with the Ladies , should come into the chamber , where hauing caused the dead bodies to be brought , they flocked all together to beholde the euent . No sooner were they there assembled , but appeared foorth of the wall the figure of an old woman , who holding a rod in her hand , made signe by her lookes bent on Aliart , that he should commaund to bee brought into the midst of the Chamber , the bodie of Arnedes king of Fraunce , which no sooner was done , but a goodly Tombe like a bed , presented it selfe vnto them , which was bedect with flowers of golde so curiously formed , as it was most meruailous to beholde , and in the midst of a cloth rarelie wrought thereon , was written this Epitaph .

The honour of Fraunce is not heerein enclosed , Which nor to time nor place can be disposed .

Policia , the wife and Quéene to Arnedes , standing before this Tombe , with Flerida & the other Ladies , made great lamentation ouer the Kings dead bodie : which they would haue continued both that day and the next , if the Sepulcher ( after it was closed ) had not béene suddenly taken away , they knew not by whom , and then againe beheld if placed in the midst of the wall , vnder the féete of the figure of the same Policia his Queene . When presentlie another tombe most richlie wrought , was séene to stand in the others place , hauing this Epitaph on it .

Spayne , grieue not thou , sith death cannot depriue Thy fame and honour which thou heldst aliue : For thou in greater glory doost suruiue .

Melissa his Quéene would haue stept before it , to witnes her inward gréefe by her teares : but the third Tombe ( as pleased the power that sent it , to hinder her laments ) intruded it selfe , and the second was likewise conueyed to the other in the wall . Each one meruailed at this third Sepulcher , séeing there was nere a Crosse thereon , nor anie Christian signe vsed on such monuments , yet béeing verie huge & great : wherefore they imagined , that it was made for the Graund Cane Maiortes , who was a Pagan , and the doubt héereof was fully resolued , so soone as they read the Epitaph , which was thus . From man , became a dogge , then changd to humane state , He seru'd me with a dogs firme loue , for times to wonder at . All the Princes shed teares , when faithfull Maiortes was layd in his Sepulcher , especially Don Edward , who had him with him in the forme of a dog , and afterward a man , ( as in Primaleons historie is declared ) coulde not refraine from weeping .

It pleased Aliart to behold all these testimonies of loue , and hee laboured to conuert all this gréefe to ioy , in regard the totall ruine of Constantinople had not happened , but that the other Princes , whose death were once as much to be doubted , were now to be séene in so good estate . But ( as in like cases ) gréefe is not easilie remooued , so still they helde on , till this Tombe was lifted vp and conueied thence : marie foorth of the Chamber , because hee was not a Christian . And then was placed another Tombe before them , so roially adorned : as they were verie desirous to knowe for whom it was , when looking on the Epitaph , they read thus .

Belcar heere sleepes , heauen hath his soule by right , The world his spoyles , all won in fayrest fight : With such rare honour as became a Knight .

Belcar enclosed in his hearsse , with many silent passions of his wife Alderina , his sonne , and all the rest ( because Aliart had intreated no more accesse to the bodies ) it was conuaied thence , and ( as the former ) placed at the foote of his wiues figure , the statue séeming to shed lifelie teares , such wondrous arte had the skilfull Vrganda vsed on them all . Then appeared to them another Tombe , the fore-part whereof was ingeniouslie formed , and béeing couered with a sumptuous cloth all of golde , they read thereon this Epitaph .

Frisols fayre deedes doe merrite more regard Then earth can yeeld , true fame is his reward .

The successe of this Tombe , resembled the former , when another was immediatly presented , not one iote lesse beautified or adorned : whereon appeared the instability of Fortune , and thus the Epitaph .

Belysart dyed , but not infamously , His vertues conquer deaths blacke obloquie .

This Sepulcher taken away before Denisa could do her dutie to it : there was another intruded , whereon in verie faire letters this Epitaph was engrauen .

Onistade , dreadlesse of deaths crueltie : With fame hath wonne faire lifes eternitie .

Quickly was this tombe conuaied thence , and in steede thereof another , containing this motto .

Albanis hath wonne what neuer can be lost , Then death how canst thou of thy conquest boast ?

This likewise being remoued , another more rich & precious was presented , with this Epitaph .

Mourne not Bohemia though thy King be dead , His life and death , hath made thee famozed .

King Rodamont béeing in his graue , and bemoned generallie , it was taken to place appointed for it , when Aliart séeing another alreadie in roome therof , perusing the deuise , found thereon this inscription .

Estrellant fought not for an earthly crowne , Immortall life trode those affections downe .

The Ladies and Princes could not cease from wéeping , beholding the losse of so many hardie Knights , but when this Tombe was caried to the wall , the next approching had this Epitaph .

Vassiliards fayth did testifie his end , Whose deeds , whole worlds of time shall still commend .

Next , followed the Sepulcher for Duke Drapos of Normandie , with these two lines thereon .

Normans , it is in vaine to weepe for mee , Country farewell , my fame shall liue with thee .

Another faire Tombe was next presented , with this sentence to be read thereon .

Tremoran no better way could finde to die , Then in stoute warre , by fairest chiualrie .

Euerie one stoode silent , except such as sighed , not knowing what to say , seeing the Tombes so strangely carried from place to place , and yet not discerned by whom , vpon the next were these lines .

Fierce Tenebrant , when death had him in chase , Turnd manfully , and died with deaths disgrace .

His bedde of honour béeing couered and gone , another as magnificent was produced , deliuering these verses .

No blame can Orleaunce to my death impute , That lost my life in honours swift pursute .

Then Luymans Tombe was the next in course , bearing this testimonie of his vertues .

Vertue the obiect of my high desire , Bestowed on me what most I did require .

Next was to be seene another Sepulcher , not of white stone , as all the former were : but more red and bloody cullored , containing this Epitaph .

Though Rosiran were not the greatest Lord , His honour heere doth with the rest accord .

Nowe euen at the dayes shutting vp , Dramians hearsse presented it selfe , with this deuise .

So sweetly Dramian dyed among the rest , That now he liues as famous as the best .

And when it was conuaied thence , as all the rest had béene , Aliart looked about , and behelde no more Tombes thus to be offered , wherein the greater states were to bee enclosed : then looking on the old Womans figure , it turned the face thereof toward the wall , as if it séemed to commaund them now to depart . Heereupon he caused the Ladies whose husbands were liuing , to lead the widdowed Princesses by the hand , and hee followed , comforting them in this manner .

Fayre Ladies , séeing it pleased GOD , that your Lords should loose their liues in defence of his faith , you ought to conforme your selues to his will , and with-drawing yée to more quiet of minde , be carefull of your owne health , least your losse be a greater endamagement to Christendome . To morrowe we shall sée , in what manner these greater Lords are to be buried , for I cannot beléeue , that the wise Vrganda would prouide such rare Sepulchers for these , and haue no care of them of higher desert . Héere-with they departed the chamber , meruailing at the strange accidents they ●ad séene .