Honours conquest Wherein is conteined the famous hystorie of Edward of Lancaster recounting his honourable trauailes to Ierusalem, his heroic adventures and honours, in sundrie countries gained: his resolutions, and attempts in armes. With the famous victories performed by the knight, of the vnconquered castel, a gallant English knight, his admirable forces, and sundrie conquests obtained, with his passions and sucesse in loue: full of pleasant discourses, and much varietie. VVriten by H.R.

THE MOST DElectable and pleasant Hystorie , of the Illusturous and most puissant Prince , Edward , Knight of the holie Crosse of Ierusalem .

The first Chapter .

IT hath béene sayde ( courteous Gentlemen ) in the first part of this Hystorie , that this most famous Prince , our home born Countriman , hauing finished with great solemnitie , his marriage , to the good content of himselfe , and more encrease of ioy to his Ladie Valia , making small stay , as desirous to see the holie place where our Sauiour was aliue and dead , giuing the Thracian King most honourable thanks for their great intertainment , & honor done him and his Princes at their mariage , embarked first his Ladie in a small Sattia , which came from Marceelas , which of purpose he fraighted for Ceneto Vecha , committing the care of her , & her seruant Alinda , to the good regard of the Frier who married them . Which done , hauing well intreated the maister , marriners , and marchants , for their more fauour in their voyage , the winde blowing a fresh leuant , they weighed their Anchors , set saile , and betooke themselues to the mercies of the raging Billowes .

What sorrowfull parting was betwéene them , I omit , leauing that to their iudgement , which on the like suddennesse , depart with their sweete loues . To recount vnto you the trauaile of our beloued Knight to the holy lande , of which hée had great care , hauing embarqued his Ladie with her followers , taking a most reuerend farewell of the King , the Queene , and the Princesse Argentino , with all the Péeres of their Countrey , who both honoured and loued him , hée betooke himselfe to trauaile , not vnlamented of all the Court , whose loue was so vnited vnto him , that it séemed theyr spirits to part with their bodies at his bidding farewell . But as all things must haue ende , so had the Knight made an ende of giuing the kinde Adieu to that Countrey : and onely accompanied with his Page , well mounted , hée tooke his iourney first for Peloponensee , an auncient Cittie of Greece , which after many a wearie iourney , passing the dangerous mountaines , and vncouth places vnhabited but of rauening and most ouglie beastes , he recouered that Citie of fame , where he had of the Viceroy most honourable entertainment , with all shewes of loue and kindnesse that hee could require : where resting himselfe after his wearie trauailes , we leaue him for a time , to recount vnto you the successe of the Princesse Vallia , in her iourney by sea .

CHAP. II. How Argentino consorting with a Knight of her Countrey to make the Ladie Vallia away , who assailed her at Sea , and what chaunced her .

THe prince , whose loue Argentino , daughter to the Thracian King by all meanes sought to obtaine , burned in such iealousie and hate , wanting her desire , that all her mind and studie was , by some death or other , to quite her of her ryuall , the louelie Ladie Vallia , thinking thereby to gaine the loue of her knight , which we more desired then the worldes goods , and sifting her womans wit , which was apt inough to manie diuelish deuises , and finding none so perfect , which shée durst to practise , flaming with reuenge to finish her intended euill , bethought her of a knight in her fathers Court , whose countenance and shewes of kindnesse perswaded her , he intended some singular affection vnto her . Of this knight , her thoughts assured her : wherefore , casting from her all regarde of honour , required in such of so highestéeme : she sent for the knight , commanding her messenger to hast him vnto her presence . In which , no time was delaied of either part . For the Messenger no sooner had deliuered the princes pleasure , but the knight whose affections was somwhat bent to her loue , as one new risen from a dreame , amazed to behold such visions , as often in sléep appeareth , rowsing himselfe , without any questions demaunding , hasteneth with such spéed as he could best vse , to her presence , whom with great fauour , and vnwonted courtesies , she kindly entertained , vsing manie pleasing spéeches , to inchaunt him to effect her diuelish will . Of all which , when he had with such kinde thankes requited her , and that shee felt the toole had taken some conceit of her lyking , cunningly to sée howe this potion would worke , shee sayeth :

Siegniur Gualintie , for that I haue noted the weake conditions of men , and sée by experience the small account they haue of their words , and faithfull promise , I dare not say what I would , wherefore , I am enforced to conceale in secret , that which to the death consumeth mée . And therefore withall , feigning a womanish kinde of heauinesse , powring forth a fewe dissembling teares , like the Crocadill , to effect her intended euill , she ceaseth her speach . Gualintie which sawe these vnexpected motions , amazed thereat , could not suddenly conceiue what these motions might intend , yet ayming at her passion , which he imagined was some discontent , he saith .

Honoured Princesse , what occasions your grace hath to carrie so hard opinions of mens constancie , it were too deepe a matter for me to question , yet wold your good thoughts might be such of your humble seruant , as I desire it should , and as my will is at your excellent hands to deserue , I doubt not then but my loyaltie should recouer those loose opinions you haue of mens constancie : for performance whereof , in all faythfull dutie , I humbly offer the faith of a knight .

The Princesse Argentino , glad to find the Gentleman in so good a humor , was easily drawne to beléeue what he promised . And therefore without standing on tearmes of light beléefe , she sayde . Gentle knight , whose worde I hold so firme , as the surest bands , I accept your kinde proffer of courtesie , for which , by that true fayth which honour ought to maintaine , your performance shall bee so requited , as thou shalt euer bée honoured for the same , and thy posteritie . Therefore what I intend , I will nor can no longer conceale from thée .

Know ( gentle knight ) and with that a sigh drawing teares , restrained her dissembling spéech , so that she could not vtter what she had to say , yet putting off she proceedes : Let it bee knowne to thée , most honoured knight , those abuses offered me in our owne Court , by that disloyall and vniust knight of the holy Crosse , who making shewes of loue vnto mee , manie times courted me with his false intended suites , as well as by his flattering teares of no other intent , as I find now by iust proofe , but to dishonour me and my father : else after so manie protestations , vowes , and solemne oathes taken , his loyall affection to me was such , as no torment nor sorrow , nor no turmoyle whatsoeuer , could remoue from his false and dissembling heart : he would not before my face in presence of my gracious father , and his most noble Péeres , haue conioyned himselfe in marriage with a runnagate Damsell , a begger , a common traueller , and therefore no better then a common courtezan , by his disgrace , so disgracing mee , as the remembraunce thereof can neuer be rooted from my faithfull heart , nor neuer shall my bodie take his naturall sustenance , vntill I be by some meanes or other , reuenged on him and her , that thus most periured hath shewed himselfe , the most vniustest knight of the world . And that minion , the which doubtlesse by some enchanted spelles hath woonne his loue from me , to her liking , which otherwise she could neuer haue done .

This ( good knight quoth she , ) my long protestations might wearie thee : but pardon my fault , and imagine how deare I holde thée , that amongst all the Knights of my fathers Court , haue made choyse of you , to participate with mee of my great heauinesse : for which , if thou canst but set downe a reuenge sufficient for them , but chiefly for that enchaunting sorceresse , and execute it by thine owne hande , I promise my selfe thine euerlastingly , or what other reward so euer thou shalt require . Guilintie , which felt by her spéeches , that gréefe she endured , was onely a longing to reuenge her of her loues riuall , a torment which stingeth all women to the heart , hoping she would proue as firme as she proffered she would , and that in pleasing her fancie , and reuenging her on the Ladie , hée shoulde gaine her loue , for so much by her insinuating spéech hée gathered , standing on no more poynts of hauing , but effecting her worde .

He vowed by that honour , which at her princely fathers hands he had receiued , neuer to take one quiet sléepe , vntill hée was for her on the Ladie throughly reuenged , and that with such rygour , as shee her selfe could not deuise so ill a torment . And so taking his leaue , humbly kissing her handes , he left her to her accustomed thoughts , spéeding to the Lantano of the citie , or as we say the Admirall , who had charge of all the kings Gallies , Foysts , Brigandines , and Frigots , vnto whom , faigning a matter of seruice , hee had for the imployment of one chiefe Gallie , he compounded with him for her , and presently had her furnished , with vittailes , and all other néedfull things : which done , as one carefull of what he intended , he put to the Seas , and by his owne skill , knowing what course the Ladie kept for her port of Cenito Vecha , shaped the like to his maister , rowing that night with all the force his poore slaues was able to make . In the morning the Sunne shewing his most glorious and splendent beames , and finding himselfe by his maisters reckoning to be well shotte from his owne coast . After some kinde shewes ofloue , and requitall to the master for his seruice and forwardesse in finishing his pretence , omitting the principall cause of following the shippe he sought , hee 〈…〉 offered him , by a Marchant in that companie of whom he so earnestly craued reuenge . The Maister which could well demeane himselfe , knowing the knight to be of great account , and beléeuing what he had sayd , promised his best furtherance for the same . And shifting his course for their more spéede , well waiting howe the wind had scanted vpon them , halled ouer for an Iland , where commonlie all men bound that way , accustomed to water . In which place by chaunce vnhappily they met them . The Lady and her women beeing on the shore recreating themselues , and the men busied in getting water , wood , and such wants , aboord , sawe the Gallie which rowed mainely in for the place , who shewing their colours , by which they were knowne to bee of Thrace , there was no further doubt , they hauing the Kinges passe , and the league such betwéene the nations .

But the knight whose heart was bound to reuenge him on a guiltlesse Ladie , no sooner came to anchor in the road , but halling the ship , enquired for the Lady , who was then a shore , which hearing , he spéedeth vnto them , furnished with twentie of his best men well appoynted , which he thought to bee suffient to supprise such naked people as hee supposed they were . No sooner was he on land , but with hollow heart , saluting the Frenchemen he met , vnto whomhe was well knowne , requiring spéeches with the Ladie , he was by those that honoured her for her fathers loue , as also for her noble husband , simply conducted to the place , where the Frier , with all the Marchants were deuoutly on their knées at prayer , vnto whose Orisons this bloodie minded knight , as bad clearke , said Amen , long before it was time , without regard of honour or oath made for defence of Ladyes , rushing vpon them , layde violent handes vppon her , and others on the rest of the Gentlewomen , intending to haue carried her away perforce , which the Frenchmen séeing , loth to loose the Ladies good company , required the knight to acquaint them with his intent , in offring them that wrong , whose kindnes refusing , without returning any answere , with his sworde slue him that first spake , which caused the others , with such weapons as they had , to reuenge their companions death , so that betwéene them began a most cruell and grieuous fight : the Frenchmen fighting in the right of our English Caueliers Ladies , so valiantly behaued themselues , that they slue the most part of those which came a shore : from whom recouering their weapons , it is not to be thought what exployts was done betwéene them . But in the ende all sorting out to the knights ouerthrow , who was in the fight slaine , with all his companie that stood with him in the action . Such as fled was by those that were busily imploied , séeing their friends so ill entreated , slain , so that none recouered to carrie tidings how they sped . The Frier in this broile being a man of peace , taking care of the Ladie and her companie , withdrew them from their presence : & searching in feare some place of safetie , from pursuit of the enemies , by chaunce lighted on the Cell of an Hermet , wherein they shrowded themselues .

The maister in the Gallie , noting their ill successe a shore , layd the ship aboord , rifled her of what she had , and like a most cruell wretch , sunke her in the roade : which done , hoysing his sayles , hauing a winde faire for his port , hee made no longer stay , leauing the Ladie with her companie in a barraine vnfrequented Isle , hauing no reléefe at all of any thing , but such rootes and hearbes prouided for them by the aged Hermet , whose guestes they were . Nowe against their willes , with this . Hrmet wee leaue them a season , to attend their deuotions , and a time of deliuerance , the Maister with the Gallie bound for his home , to shewe you what other fortunes befell the Knight of the Crosse .

CAHP. III. How the Knight of the holie Crosse , after some small stay in Peloponenses , betooke him to his trauaile , with his fortunes .

EDward hauing reposed himselfe in this Citie , thinking the time long vntil hee sawe the ende of his desired iourney , taking leaue of the Viceroy , betooke himselfe to his good fortunes . Two dayes trauailed hee throughout those desarts of Greece , onely accompanied with his Page , and a Currier which was his guide . The thirde day hee had sight of a mightie conuoy of Cammils , being at least sixe thousand , with their Marchants , which came from India , bound into Egypt . To those gouernours and Marchants he sent , requiring them of vittailes to relieue his store : his wine and oyle , by a casuall happe being lost , and no place of refuge néere to relicue it by a farre way : which the Marchants verie kindly graunted , furnishing his wants of what he required , and they could spare . With this companie he continued thrée daies , very pleasantly passing the time amongst them , of whose companie they were all right glad . The third day drawing towards the euening , as they began to vnfurnish their Cammils , and to set vp their Tents , determining to lodge there all night , their espials descried a companie of armed people , well mounted , which sped them towards their companie , so hardly pursuing the scowts , that they had much a doo to escape . Of these people the Marchants had great doubt , and séemed to be verie much troubled in minde at these tidings : which the knight perceiuing , chéered them with such comfortable spéeches , as he could host vtter , and they vnderstand : arming himselfe to withstand their forces , and placing his companies with such weapons as they had to receiue them , which was scarcely finished , before sixe galland Caunleres , with their staues charged come néere vnto them , and required the marchants to deliuer those goods they had , for the vses of their king .

The Marchants , reposing themselues of this noble champion , were driuen to a non plus , what to aunswer , but as men amazed , stoode gazing one the other in the face , whose timerousnesse the knight perceiuing , dreading no colours , mounting himselfe with his staffe charged in the rest , singled himselfe , and putting forwarde , required those gallants to say what their businesse was . The Tartares perceiuing him to bee a knight at Armes , and they souldiours , answered .

Sir , what thou art we know not , but by thy seeming , if wée be not deceiued , thou art a man of Armes , whom we come not in any sort to molest . But for these base fugitiues , which haue wronged our King of his customes , due to be payde of all men passing his Countrey , we come to be satisfied , which we will haue , or leese our dearest liues in gaining thereof : therefore gentle sir , as we haue declared the truth of our comming , take no part with them , if thou louest thine owne welfare . The knight which heard their reasonable answeres , could not take any thing spoken in ill part , vntill he had examined the truth of the marchants , and whether there was any such custome due to their king as they required , which on there great oathes they denied , vowing vnto them by all solemne protestations they could vse , that there were none belonging to the King , but outlawes , and such as liued on the spoyles of trauailers , neither was there euer any custome required of anie prince in their time , some of them hauing vsed that passage many yeares before .

The good knight which was loath to wrong either part , could not tell what to answer , considering the guise of men , which is to make the best of their owne matters , called the chéefest marchants , for in them he had most trust , and examining strictlie each particular , of their abode , their cause of trauaile , and their place whither they were bounde , swore them to the truth of all what they had spoken , which donehe returned againe vnto the armed outlawes , which attended his answer , saying .

False villaines , and deceitfull wretches , how dare you , being robbers and disturbers of peaceable trauailers , so much to abuse the reuerent name of your king , who is altogither vnacquainted with your trecheries , as to make his authoritie a shelter for your bloodie mindes , and spoyling the goodes of honest men , that you haue abused both him and vs , you shall all well know . Therefore if your businesse be no other then I haue notize it is , depart , or you shall know , to your great sorrow , and hearts griefe , that you haue met with him which will not bee dared with your high lookes .

The Tartares hearing him speake so like himselfe , and with such resolution , could well haue forborne to deale with him , or his companie , yet setting their rest vpon the courage of their companie , which were all well appoynted , and better mounted , defied the knight , who taking all aduantages , seeing their resolution such , encouraging the Marchants , who were all fearefull of loosing what they had , began most honourably to assaile them whose power was as brauely resisted a long time : in this conflict was most honourable deedes of Armes by the noble knight done , who euer cheared his companies , which were all likely to runne away . So hote and fiercely continued this good knight this assault , that encountering hand to hand the principall leaders , he gaue them such payment , as they could not with all their skill finde fault with their paymaister : such order hée tooke with them , dealing dole to all their costs , that manie of them for feare fled the fielde , betaking them to places where they might beholde the woonderfull déeds of honour done by this most renowmed knight , which on all sides they so assayled , as he had no way to get out , but such passage as he made with his well tempered Curtelar , of whose mettall he made at that instant sufficient proofe , which those outlawes well felt . And perceyuing their power too weake , to conquer where such a guider was , resolued no longer to abide in hope , but euerie one to make such meanes as he best could for his owne safetie , which the noble knight perceyuing , so hotlye pursued , that many Tartares soules hee sent to death : Others without armes , legges , and other limmes , lay weltering in theyr owne bloud , that it was lamentable to sée , such a Massacre amongest men , if they had beene such , as in men liuing in Princes obedience they should bée .

These Pessants thus flying , and the noble Edwarde wearied with pursute of them , night béeing at hande , so as it was not to bee discerned a friend from a foe , returning againe vnto his companyes Tentes , in a Valley distaunt from them a good Myle , hée was there at vnawares set vppon by one of their leaders , which had escaped him in the battaile , who gathering together an hundreth of his straggling Consorts , knowing him to bée gone that way , encountered him , who béeing wearie of the toyle taking so lately , had like to haue put him to the foyle , béeing so at the aduauntage assayled . Yet hee whose heart neuer was séene to faynt , arming himselfe to defende , casting his Shéelde on his arme , putting himselfe amongest the rowte of them , still crying Lancaster , God and Saint George for Englande , laying so about him , that some heades , some handes , and others in most pitifull wise crying out , hee made way thorowe the thickest , so behauing himselfe , that euerie one that coulde make shift for one , was willing to giue him rowme , and to bée gone . Of whome béeing cleared , breathing himselfe , and receyuing some ayre , hee might espie before him running vp the Hill , a Gallant mounted on a Milke white Courser , which the knight imagined shoulde bee the commaunder of those companies which last assayled him , with whom desirous to acquaint himselfe : hee gaue spurres to his horse , and so earnestly followed this Companion , who little thought of his comming , that ouer-taking him before hee was looked for , hee arested him so soundlie with his blade of authoritie , as he made him forsake his Horse , to taste the swéetenesse of the earth , which done he dismounted himselfe , saying : Abide you gallant , and accept a straungers courtesie . I promise thée false fellon as thou art thou dishonourest thy Maister , which made thée a receiuer of custome , to run away when payment is tendered : wherefore séeing there is no more trust in thée , héere in your kings name , I discharge thée of this office . And so at one blow taking his head with his Curtelax from his bodie , left his soule to him that had most right .

This latter taske accomplished , breathing himselfe a while , hee mounted his Horse , and pacing easily towardes the Tents , which by the fires light hée had sight of , hée was mette with diuerse of his companie of the Marchants , who béeing men of more valewe then manie of the rest , had put themselues in search of this woorthie Knight , passing all the way , thorowe so manie heapes of deade men , and grieuous wounded bodyes , that they admired his worthinesse , aplawding his valour , and still praysing him , giuing him the honour , aboue all men at Armes , whatsoeuer they had either heard of or séene .

Thus passing on in search of their honourable friend , whose companie they were not willing to forgo , sometimes carefull of his welfare , otherwhile commending his hawtie déeds of chiualrie , they espied passing downe the hill , a man armed , which they coulde not perfectly discerne , and therefore made a stande , intending to sée if there came any more , before they put themselues into daunger . But beeing perceyed of the Knight , who stoode still on his guarde , doubtfull of anie more such vnexpected customers , making readie for the fight . And giuing his Horse such way , as in his swiftest galloppe hee accustomed to make , he cried fiercelie out saint George . At which words the Marchants hauing knowledge of him , dismounted themselues , and kissing his handes , his knées and feet , honored him for more then a mortall man , which kindnesse , asbeit he expected no such reuerent honour , hee tooke thankefully , requiting them with all courtesie , for the care they had of his well doing , so with pleasant discourses they passe the way vntill they came to thrée tents , where they alighting , tooke him carefully from his horse , and bringing him with all dutie to his lodging puruaide for him , they vnarmed him , washing his brused body , and such small scarres as hée reserued in fight , with most precious Balmes , which done , making him all the frolike cheare and honour they could , they commend him for that night to his rest , causing a sure guard , and héedfull watch to attend him in his tent , and placing faithfull sentinels , dreading the enemies , they tooke themselues to their quiet repose .

CHAP. IIII. Howe the Knight of the Crosse , taking leaue of the Marchants and their companie , left them to their iourney .

THe day ne sooner gaue light , but the Negroes and slaues prouided to load their Camels , which done , the Tents taken downe , and all things ordered to depart , the way lying now for the knight to leaue their companie , when they had well broken theyr fast , and carowsed to their welfare , prouiding of al such prouision as they had , they presented him with a most curious casket of the rarest Iewels that euer his eyes beheld , beséeching him to accept them at their hands , as interest of their loues , vowing themselues euer his in all humble seruices . The Knight which was as courteous as valiant , séeing their thankfulnesse such , making choyse of some speciall Iewels , required them to value those which hée did fancie , for without paying their prize , hée would accept none . The Marchants which had receiued the benefit of his valour , and fréed from thòse men of mischiefe which had despoyled them of all if hee had béene absent , generally besought him to take in worth those they had presented , for that not onely theyr goods but their liues was his , alleadging that by him they enioyed what they had , and therefore would not be intreated to receiue any of them againe , but besought him with all humblenesse , if hee would not receiue them , to bestow them on whom he would .

The knight when he saw their importunate sute , commended their thankfulnesse , willing them to attribute that good hée had done for them to God , by whose sufferance he had wrought their safetie , and in all places to speake of Englands honour , and their knight aduenturers : which done , taking those Iewels of most estéeme with him , hee commended them to theyr iourney , who with many loath depart , bade him often times farewell with heauie hearts . This adue taken , we leaue the knight to his aduentures , the Marchants to finish their iourney , vntill fit time serue to recount such other aduentures as hée enterprised , to shew you further of the Lady Valia , Alynde and their honest company , left in the vnfrequented Isle .

CHAP. V. Of the great discomfort of the Lady Vallia , who of a conceited feare , fell sicke of a greeuous malladie .

YOu haue heard gentils , how the Ladie Vallia with those Merchants , was in the vnfrequent Iland , left without any manner of sustenaunce or reléefe , other then such wilde rootes , hearbes , and fruites , as naturally had their beeing in that barraine soyle , through which vnusuall diet , and a conceited feare of more insuing daungers , the Lady fell sicke of an extreame malladie , for whose recouerie no helpe could auaile : yet did those religious Hermits and Fryers the best they could . The Marchants and others of the companie , to amende theyr diet , employed theyr labours to fish , and to making of ginnes , to take foule and such beasts as was there to be had , onely for her content , but in vaine do they séeke to mittigate her sorrowes , or recouer her health , such was her gréefe for her Lords absence , and feare of more harsh pursuit of the enemies .

In this perplexed estate continued this good Lady , past all hope of recouerie , giuen quite ouer to death by all the companie , who ceased not their prayers for her good health . But as in all extremes the fauour of our God is most shewne , so beholde in this , Vallia lying on her hard cabine , slumbring as in a dreame , there appeared vnto her thoughts a beautifull Personage , so glorious in his attyre , as she beholding thereof séemed to lacke her senses . This Angell as shée supposing , after some pause and standing to behold her , thus said .

VAllia , surseace thy further dread : thy Lord eioyeth his life , whom once againe thou shalt meete , but haue no knowledge of him for a time : thine nearest allied death hath taken : yet dismay not , for in the seede of thy wombe shalt thou be made glorious . My message is done : thine intercessions are hard , and thy deliuery from this place asit hand .

This said , clapping his wings , as to her séemed , hée left the caue , and departed , wherewith Vallia , as one awaked from a trance , séeming as one of her wits to be bereft , cried mainely out for helpe , whose sodaine motions caused them all to feare her death was at hand : yet comforted they her all they might with such spéech & words of heauenvly pleasures as in such times is conuenient to be vsed , so long continuing their talke , that in the end grasping her hand about the neck of her trusty Alinda : she raised her selfe in her bed , and fetching a déep sigh , said . Reuerent father Hermit , you patron of learning , and others my good friendes , this night haue I séene my sauiour face to face , who by his diuine prouidence hath vouchsafed to shew him , selfe vnto me his sinfull handmaide , by whom I am assured of my Lords prosperitie , and all our fréedomes from this place .

The Hermit and the rest hearing these spéeches proceed from her imagined the lightnesse of her head had moued these fancies , and had the more doubt of her good health , and standing as men amazed , gazing one the other in the face , were as men senselesse , whose hard beléefe of her words vttered , caused her thus replie . Fathers and my good friends , let it not séeme incredulous what I haue sayde , but attend the euent , which ensuing to our comforts as we expect , giue the honour to him , by whose prouidence we are comforted . This said , bidding them good night , shée fell into a most swéete sléepe , in which she continued till the morning was farre spent . Before which time the company which vsually went about their vndertaken labours for getting their victuals , from the tops of the mountaines descried a small sayle at sea , which they viewed , earnestly waiting by a compasse they had , which way shée bare : but so long gazed they , that the gale blowing hie , and fitting their cause , which were bounde thither for water , hauing spent their store at sea , through such continuall foule wether which they indured , in such manner , that they durst cease no land for feare of daunger . They descried their hull , which séene , well was hée that might make most haste with the first tydings , thinking the time long vntill they came to the caue , where béeing néere spéechlesse with the hast they made , a sodaine feare possessed all the companie , specially Alinda , whose heart was at her héele vntill shee heard them deliuer the cause of their spéedie comming , which knowne , God was glorified in generall . And Villia as one ouer ioyed at this sodaine newes , might not by any intreatie be held longer in her bed , but calling for her apparrell , attired her selfe with such courage , as if shée had felt no gréefe , which done , resting her weake body on the arme of her Alinda , shee left the desolate caue , to take the comfort of the swéete ayre abroade , and to sée the euent of those blessed tydidgs she hoped of .

By this time was the ship ancored , and the Marriners making haste for water , whereof they had great neede , hoysed their boate , and with their vessels came a shore , where they were heartily welcommed of those poore distressed people , who enquired diligently from whence they were , and what occasion droue them to that coast . Syr quoth the boatswaine , being a man of some good demeanour , we are of Sicilia , an Iland belonging to the Spanish king , bound by our charty partie , for the coast of Egypt , and méeting as poore sea men oft doo , with foule weather , the winds raiging in such maner , our store of wine being spent , & water scarce , our comming is hither for that reléefe . Thus sir , quoth he , as I haue acquainted you with our fortunes , refuse not to let vs knowe what you are , which haue your abode in a place so vnfrequented as this , where I haue before this time bin often , but neuer saw or heard any that liued here .

Friend quoth the Marchant , wee are here a great many poore distressed soules , which by violence of an enemie that vnawares assailed vs on the shore , were driuen for safegard of this Lady to stand on our defence , where by fortune and the assistance of God , we vanquished the proude daring enemies , which were on land with vs : which when his companions perceiued that kept aboord his gally , they first rifling our ship , taking what they best liked , and afterwards leauing vs without any reléefe , sauing that apparrell on our backes , sunke our ship , and left vs to our fortunes , since which time we neuer had sight of any man or shippe , whereof we had any hope of comfort , before this time . Therefore if God haue ordained you for our good , and that as Christians you pittie our distresses , helpe this Lady with vs her friendes , to any place inhabited by Christians , your payment shall be large , and your charitable déede rewarded both of God and men .

The Boatswayne being a man as full of pitte as courage , hearing this lamentable discourse , and séeing the weake estate of the Lady , was moued with remorse of their good , promising his best furtherance for their comforts : so shipping one hogshead of water for the companie , hastneth aboord , taking with him the Fryer and two Marchants , whose words wrought such effect with the master and the rest , that a conclusion was paste for their passage , and the master comming a shoare , brought with him for the Ladies releefe , such bread , succor , and other prouision as he had , which came in good time , and not before it was long looked for , which was as thankfully receiued . The master and his company hauing a care to bee at sea , applyed all their people to labour , so that within two dayes they were well prouided with water , ready to set sayle .

CHAP. VI. How Vallia and the rest taking leaue of their good host the Hermit , was shipped from thence , with their fortunes .

SVch was the industrie of the Master , that long time was not spent before all néedful things were prouided , when hauing a pleesing gale for their course , warning was giuen to the passengers to be readie , for whom they made no long stay , but their leaue taken of the old Hermit , they commend him in their prayers to God , and themselues to such successe as they expected .

Al things fitted and the passengers aboord , the ancors weyed , an nimble boy yare with his knife , gaue way to the sayles , which tryned to good passe , a maine they cutte the waues , and ioyful of this happines , as to be endowed with great treasure , two daies & more they enioyed of quiet and calm content , without any annoyance either of wether or enemies : the third morning beeing ouercast and gloomie , a Boy looking out for daungers , espied vnder the edge of an Iland , two stout Gallies , who hauing sight of the Shippe , made towardes them with all spéede they could , of which béeing aduertised , a generall feare possessed all their hearts , especially the Ladie , who hauing so lately felt the force and extremitie of the mercilesse foe , was doubtfull of the like . But how timerous soeuer women in their kinde be , it resteth for men in extremities to shew themselues . The master being a man of courage , called all the companie , as well strangers as others , and vnto them hée sayth . Friendes all and companions , wee haue nowe small time to stande on discourses , séeing our enemies are at hand : if enemies they bée , as it is most likely , howif they getts the best , and wée by our cowardize subiect our selues vnto them , I doubt not but you all haue heard what miserie wée shall endure , for Turkes they are , that is without all doubt : therefore like men shewe your selues and arme you with courage and hope of victorie , for howsoeuer death cannot bee so bitter as the torments they will inflict on you , if they preuaile . Therefore as many as will take parte with mée , holde vp your heades , and prouide for your safetie .

These wordes were no sooner deliuered from the Maister , but you might sée with what vnited hearts euerie man gaue his consent to fight it out , and standing on no tearmes , euery man prouided him such weapons as hee coulde best vse , lacing close theyr mettinges , and making ready theyr fire workes to annoy them : whilst euerie man was thus busied , Vallia whome feare hadde neare ouerwhelmed , was comforted by her friendly trust Alinda , who chearing her weake spirits , said . Auant your feare Madam , cast heauinesse aside , and let not these sullen thoughts cumber you , wée know the worst , death is to bée preferred before a miserable life . Therefore take courage , showe your selfe to bée your selfe , and remember your noble Lorde , who were hée present , would dare all those curs to behold his face . Though we be women let s do our best , or at least , if your heart quaile , giue me leaue , for before you die some of them shall abie your life , or both my heart , power , and weapon shall faile me .

Vallia , which sawe her woman in this humour , could not forbeare to smile , howe heauie soeuer her heart was , yet setting a good face on the matter , sayde , well Alinda well , your great shewes will proue I feare but a bolde cowards bragge , as much may they do that say little , as they that fill the ayre with threatning clamours , whatsoeuer thy thoughts are of my feare , if my helpe néede , whereunto I trust it will neuer come , Alinda shall sée Vallia hath Raynolds heart , though not his apparrell .

Whilst they were thus pleasantly iesting , to the good encouraging of all the companie , whose care was most for them , the Gallies comming vp , hailed them , commanding them to strike , and the maister with the Marchants to come aboord , or without resistance to suffer them enter . The Marchants of France , passengers hearing theyr peremtory spéeches , answered . Proude and vnhallowed curs , what think ye of vs , to bée men or babes , that you dare vs so with these spéeches , knowe that before thou haue in possession the least haire of any of our heades , thou shalt déerely abye them , therefore amaine , amaine , and therewith all hauing his péece reade , fired the same , aiming at the poope , wherewith shooting at randen , by great fortune killed the Admirall of the Gallies , which done , a most sharp & bloudy fight began , and with great courage on the Christians parte maintayned , who with their ordinance slow their slaues and companies like Bées : which disaduantage the Turks séeing and féeling , fighting so farre off , borded them one on the one side , the other on the other : at this onset beganne the Spaniards to quaile , which were chéered to the fight by their passengers , who séeing theyr valour , was incouraged to sticke to that which else they had giuen ouer , especially séeing and noting how manly and without feare , the Lady Vallia and her Alinda deuoired themselues , who spying their times to worke on the aduantage , séeing their chaines full with Turks , ready to enter theyr ship , from a port with their shorte pikes , spoyled many , thrusting them ouer boord , and killing diuers , and spéeding them from that labour , two naked Turkes hauing fastned an anchor at their Shippes rother , thinking to enter in theyr stearne partes , by Vallia and Alinda were so plyed with Pottes of Powder fired , Pikes of wilde fire , and such other , as theyr whole companie giuing ouer the fight , there was very fewe or none , eyther Turkes or Christian slaues which could stand so pitifully were they spoyled , burned , and massacred , whereby they enforced them to yéeld themselues vnto the Christians mercies , of whom they tooks small pitie : but drenching them all in the sea they founde aliue , sunke one of the Gallyes , and taking all the Christians into the other that were able to serue , fréed them from their chaines , and caused the wounded to be drest , left the Gally in possession that night of a Marchant of Marceelas : which done , and all things quietly ended , the Frier which sawe how valiantly the Ladie and Alinda employed their forces , highly commended them for their forwardnesse in this action , which made Alinda in ieasting maner thus to say . That your Ladiship is become so valiant on the sudden , I do not greatly maruell , considering the fellowship you haue so lately with so honourable a knight , whose courage hath animated you to this hardinesse : if the husband bee famous for his woorth and honour gained in all places , no doubt but France and Spaine , and Italie , shall sound the Ladie Vallia her high deserued commendations , whom , if God blesse with increase of children , are likelie to proue men of high account in the worlde , if they haue the fathers courages , or the mothers stomacke which is passed by with an English heart . Vallia hearing her Maiden to ieast thus broad , cut off her speach thus .

Alinda , what motions are these , that on such sudden causeth your strings to iarre so farre beyond your custome , such maner of ieasts I brooke not , though louing thée , I straine my selfe at this time to digest them . In deliuering of which spéech , Alinda perceiuing by her vnwonted scowling of her browes , that shée was somewhat discontent at her spéech , forbare her further answeres for that time . To put her from her melancholie , the master of the ship , told her such viands as they had was readie , if shée pleases to sup : whereunto she was easily entreated , hauing gotten her a stomacke with her long fasting , and hard toyle in the fight Their discourses at table of each seuerall accident happening , I omit , to let you knowe their ensuing actions with their successe .

CHAP. VII . How the Spaniards deliuered the Gally vnto the French Marchants , and Mariners , with such vittailes as they needed , who taking with them the Lady Vallia , left them .

THe Lady with her friends discourst at supper of the dangers past , leauing nothing of worth by any one particular vnremembred , done in that action , a motion was made , that the Gally with the flaues able to labor , and vittails necessary should be giuen vnto her to bring her to her desired port , vnto which the Spaniards to requite the good done them by her whole companie , granted very willingly , for performance of which , order was presently taken , and each thing néedfully puruaide to the ladies good content . In the morning early by break of the day , the master hauing the wind faire , was loath to make longer stay then néed , haled the gally , willing them to com néere the ship , and vnto the marchant reuealed their intent , and what the whole companie had agréed vpon , which was verie well accepted of the French men , who rendred him many thanks for his fauour , for dispatch of them both : such hast was made as possible they might , which was sodenly done to the general , reioicing of these poore captiues who by this ouerthrow of the Turks , were made frée . The ladie aboord , taking their solemne farewell each of other , they shaped each one there seueral course best fitting their turne . Vallia frolike with her companie , & holy father , vnto whom with a verie thankfull mind vnto her maker for all the successe she had receiued from him , and accomplishing her hearts desire , omitted nothing worthy the recounting , to the great admiration of all the hearers , especially the Frier , whose charge she was , who calling to mind the fauor of God , in reuealing to her by vision their time of sudden departure , thought her some holy & chosen woman , & euer after in all his Masses & other ceremoniall rites according to the order of their church and blind deuotion , extolled the ladie farre beyond her expectation . Thus falling from one discourse to another , to driue the time away : after they had spent one whole wéeke at sea , they might discouer the mountains néer the old city Ceueta vecha , or old Rome , so called , & had al things so fauourable to their desire , that long before night they recouered the road , where comming to anker , was presently boorded by the officers of the citie , who had great feare they had bin Turks at their first comming in : but hauing some conference with the Frier , was certified of all their procéedings , leauing nothing vnspoken which might gaine them fame , and the ladie honour , wherfore the officers hauing knowledge , holding that truth which the frier had spoken , whilest they frolicke with the ladie , & her company , sent his guidelow a shore with one of his confederates , charging him to deliuer to the abbot & his friers what he heard , taking like order for puruaying her of lodging in the old palace of the Emperour , which he caused to be furnished with all néedfull furniture , as the shortnesse of time would permit them , with all prouision that was there to be had .

The officer who was a ioyfull man of these tidings to be the messenger , hasteneth all he might , being with child with those newes , & longing to be deliuered , wherfore as soone as he recouered the shore , staieth not vntill he came vnto the lord abbot , vnto whom he forgat nothing of his charge , which the old man hearing , blessing & crossing himself , wonderously perplexed with the strangenes of the tale deliuered , he first called his couent togither in their church , wher they praised God for them , and their safetie , and so putting on all their best masking attire , went in procession to the sea side , to receiue her a shore , where they carried with them the speciallest relicks they had .

The captaine of the towne with his band , in solemne order marching in like maner , and all the bels ringing for ioy , to welcome the holy Ladie . After all these the gouernors and councell of the towne in their order , making such a beautifull shewe as had not béene on such a sudden euer séene before .

All things ordred at point deuice , boats were sent out so richly furnished with Tapistrie , Carpets , and curious Cushions , as was a wonder to see , the shore standing full with all the people in the Towne .

The men appoynted to bring her a shore , being noble men , the one a gouernour in the towne , the other a Cardinall , who boording the Gally , on their knées solemnly kissed her handes and féet , doing her as much honour as if our Ladie had bin present , which she tooke small pleasure to haue , which done , and a generall welcome to the whole companie , the gouernour entreated her to take the comfort of the shore , to which small perswasions serued , at her going to the boat , well was hee that might set hand to helpe , & he thought himselfe most happiest , that could come nearest her , such fopperie wos not vsed aboord , but much more on the shore , where was ducking on all sides , crouching and kneeling , with such singing , drumming & gunning , that the Eccho thereof was enough to make a man sicke . The welcome giuen , this noble Ladie might not be suffered to touch the earth with her féete . But at her landing place , was spred a most sumptuous cloath of estate , and a Chaire thereon to rest her , where when she had a while reposed her selfe , and euery one of account kissed her féete and hands , foure commanders , two Priests , and two Captains , carried her in the chaire , ouer whom was borne by the Abbot , the Cardinall , and two noble men , a most rich Canapie . So marched shée vntill they came vnto the Abbey , where preparation was made for her lodging , where the Procession ending , the Cardinall and Abbot tooke leaue of the gouernours of the towne , bidding them good night .

But they which had prouided the Emperours pallace , and béene at great charge for her viands , tooke in ill part , that anie such vnkindnesse should be offered them , and in quiet maner besought them to grant them leaue to haue the guard of her , which they so scornefully answered , that the Cardinall in speaking as his cholericke nature accustomed , with his hande had like to haue giuen the Gouernour a blowe on the face , which vnkindnesse the souldiours disdaining , by violence sought to carrie the Ladie , in such maner , and with such harsh behauiour on both sides , that the Cardinall , Abbot , the Crosse , Banners , and all were layd lowe on the earth , and such a hurley burley begunne , as was neuer séene the like , striuing for the Ladies entertainment , which gréeued the good Ladie , which was then to be ruled by those of greatest power , the souldiers and commaunders of the Towne , with whom she was best pleased , for that her loue and honourable Lord , was a man of Armes and honour .

This discurtesie the Cardinall and his company tooke in such ill part , that they cursed all the Towne , and Towne inhabiters , suspending them from the holy Church for euer . But they whose care was small at that time , for any their doings cared but litle . The Lady they cheared , who wanted nothing that was fit for her honour and welfare , where let her repose her selfe a time with iollitie , the Fryers sweating in their own grease , and the Cardinall and Abbot chafing like men frantike , to shewe you what after happened .

CHAP. VIII . How the Gouernour aduertised the Emperour , of the arriuall of the Ladie Vallia , and what after chaunced her .

THe broyle ended , a great sturre was in all the Religious houses , amongst themselues , debating of the wrong offered by the people of the Towne , the Church doores were all sealed vp , and no man vpon paine of their curse to enter them .

This was considered of the Gouernours , who tooke aduise in the matter , knowing the authoritie they haue in all places where their religion taketh place . Besought the Ladie for her Letters of fauour to the Emperour , to the end this begun enmitie , might be appoased , vnto which she was easily perswaded , though sat against the minde of her Protector the Fryer .

The Ladies Letters signed , which imported her message from the Knight of the holy Crosse , and the messenger appointed , there was no detracting of time , but with all spéed that Horse could make , he applied his businesse , vntil he came vnto Rome , where comming before the Emperour , he deliuered his Letters , which were very welcome , taking great pleasure in the comming of the Lady into those confines , being Lady and wife vnto the Knight which of all men liuing he holde in most regard .

Whilest the Emperour was discoursing with the Messenger , a Cardinall came to summon him before the prefence of the Pope , presently to appeare , to answere those wronges done by his Gouernours to the Church and Patrons thereof , of all which , the Cardinall had signified his holinesse , which was held a matter most hainous .

The Cardinall gone , the Emperour called againe for the Messenger , and with him questioned of all those troubles begunne , whereof he did aduertise him in each particular , and withall , deliuered the Gouernours Letters , which he had written to that ende , doubting such a chaunce would happen , and that the Cardinall would séeke reuenge , with all extremitie he could . When the Emperour was aduertised hereof , making no stay , he came before the Pope , vnto whom as the maner was , doing reuerence , he requireth the cause of his spéedie sending for him .

The Pope whose fury was not yet ouerpast , incensed to more choler by perswasions of the rest , who hung al in a string , doubting least giuing héed to these , it might incurre a farther damage vnto them all , in their seuerall gouernment , began in loude and most harsh termes to reuile the Emperour , calling him hereticke , and subborner of heretickes , vttering against him spéech of most dishonour and disgrace . All which the Emperour like himselfe , as he was a most graue and well gouerned Magistrate , knowing by his owne perfections , other mens humors , forbare to answere what he in choller offered , but mildly leauing his presence returned to his Pallace , very highly discontent , yet gouerning his passions , betaking himselfe to his studie , he gan with great wisedome to consider of each accident , and finding his Gouernours offence to touch his reputation , albeit he had done all for his honour and credit , yet the Church carrying a hand ouer all of what estate so euer , knowing by experience their insolencie , thought it best to reconcile himselfe without farther mouing of trouble , and thereon resoluing sent presently for the Cardinall his Confessor , vnto whom he faineth , what heauinesse and griefe he conceiueth at those vnkinde dealings of his Gouernours against his holinesse , the Church , and state thereof , beséeching him , of those loues he alwayes proffered vnto him , to finde some meane to accord his holinesse and him , so that a league and peace being obtained , all wrongs might be forgotten , and his Townes men restored to the Church againe . All which his Confessour promised most faithfully to follow . And so taking leaue of the Emperour , spéedeth him to his holinesse Presence , where forgetting nothing that he had promised , omitting nothing for his better successe , declareth at large the heauinesse of the Emperour , for his abuse offered against his will and knowledge , so earnestly applyeth his sute vnto the Pope and his honorable friends , that though with much adoo , yet at last an attonement was graunted , but the Emperour and the Towne fined at ten thousand Florence for the offence : wheron concluded , a peace was made , and vnitie betwéene them , and they all restored to the Church .

This brawle ended , the Emperour not forgetting his friends Lady , bent his studies for her royall entertainment , for which taking order with all his Officers , he appointed a day to set forward to her place of abode . Till which time , we leaue them to recount vnto you the Knightes troubles , and what chaunceth him in his trauailes .

CHAP. IX . How the Knight of the holy Crosse , by the trechery of his guide , was robbed of his Horse and Armour , and what happened .

AFter the departure of the Knight with she Marchants , on the Mountaines of the Tartars , comming to a place called Sylo , where he was to imbarque himselfe , he discharged his guide , and sayled with other company to Misath , where being landed , presented himselfe with the rest of the passengers to the Bashaw , who came in person to sée the passengers bounde for Ierusalem . This Bashaw being of a proud and insolent condition , expected great reuerence , which of the common company was giuen him . But our Cauylier scorning such base fashions , could not stoupe in such maner , wherefore the Bashawe began in vile spéech to taunt him , which he better vnderstanding then the rest , though he had not his language so perfit , in Italian answered his spéeches , whereat great excepttions were taken , yet by reason of his safeconduit , he durst no quarrell or make stay of him , but amongst the rest , without fauour , had vittailes and a guide : and so mounting his horse departed , leauing the company to the common guard of the souldiers , as is the custome .

The Bashawe whom spite had moued to choller against the Knight , vnderstanding he left the ordinary passage , entended to cry quittance with him , by trechery , or as he best might , to fulfill his diuellish minde : And that night armed a hundreth of his best Iannisaries , whom he hyred to slay him , appoynting them the way to follow the Knight , whom they very hardly pursued , in such maner hastning , that they had sight of him , following by easie pace a long time , till night growing vppon them , they caused a naked Moore to ouertake him , and to keepe him company , appoynting him to take such order with his guide , that where he should rest , to robbe him both of horse and armour : And that done , to giue them notise , whome he should be sure to finde by their seuerall Fyers , which they would of purpose make . With this lesson the naked rogue left them . And ouertaking the Knight , fell in iesting with his guide , with whom he vsed such pleasaunt behauiour , that it greatly delighted the Knight , who made much of him , and willed him to stay by the Fountaine where he pitched his Tent , imparting with him such vittailes as he had : when the Knight had well refreshed himselfe , and had séene his Horse well meated with barley which he brought for him , giuing straight charge to the Moore his guide , to maintaine the Fyer which vsually they kept , for defence of the Lyons and wilde beasts kéeping the desarts , he tooke him to rest .

The Moore hauing now opportunitie to worke his companion , taking him from the Tent , beganne so to worke with him , that with showes of kindnesse being his countrey-man , loue of the souldiers where he liued , and hope of great reward , he wonne him to effect whatsoeuer he desired : which done , taking the opportunitie offered , he aduentured first to enter the Tent , and by seuerall péeces tooke the Armour , his shield being vnder his head he durst not touch , and his sword with an arming lace fastened to his arme , being well as he thought with this , they tooke each of them a Horse , and leauing both the knight and his Page to walke on foote , left them thus in their sounde sléepe .

The trayterous villaines hauing sped of their businesse , ceaseth not poasting from Fyer to Fyer , vntil they had giuen notise to all the souldiers what they had done , who gathering themselues togither , set on to find the Tent whither they were conducted by the guide and the other slaue , his companion in this practise . But he that in many perilles had deliuered our braue and endaunted Knight , preserueth him still for his Countries honour , as you shall note .

For the villaines gone , and heauy slumber oppressing him , he fell into a sound fléep , in which he dreamed , and in his dream séemed perfitly to sée an hoast of men , enuiron a fewe peaceable trauailers , which he of mere deuotion sought to rescue : in which dreame awaking , and bustling himselfe , as to helpe those distressed , sought for his armour , being neither fast a sléepe nor throughly awaked : which ensuing , he calleth his Page , and both went to séeke their horses which were likewise gone , leauing them none but the Asse and Mule which carrieth theyr vittailes .

This chaunce happening , he could not imagine what to do , nor where to séeke those miscreants which so had robbed him , yet searcheth he here and there , crying and calling for them , which were too farre off to heare him : So long they followed séeking those villaines , that they might hear the noyse of many horses , which trouping made great spéede towards the place where they kept .

Attentiuely listned the Knight , to note if he could here any voyce , and bnsily bethought him what was best to doo in this extreme , beléeuing verily that he was betrayed yet making no semblant thereof , caused the Page to bring from out his tent a case of Pistolles with his powder and shotte , which commonly the Page carryed , with those he charged the boye , if occasion serued , to doo his best seruice , and to giue him that helpe he could , which faithfully he promised to accomplish .

Scarsly had they determined what to doo , but they might discry the two Moores gallopping on their horses , which by their white Algosines they perfitly did knowe , leading the others which closely followed them , making all the haste they could .

This fight made him verily beléeue that those villaines had betrayed him , and that those Horsemen were they which entended to worke him mischiefe , for whome hée purposeth to prouide , séeking his best aduauntage to continue the fighte , sheltering himselfe close to a shrubbed Oliue Trée , which grewe thereby , distaunt from his Tent a furlong or thereabout , by which they must néedes passe that came to séeke him .

The Moores approaching , making readie to take them first , which were the Authours of this stratageme , the Page with a Pistolle killed the one , and the other whiche was his guide , with his Curtilex hée vnhorsed , dooing him no other harme . But perceiuing who hée was , thought to saue him aliue , to bee a guide for him , if hée escaped out of those Mountaines , so binding him hande and foote , hée put a gagge in his mouth , and cast him from him : which done , making readie to entertaine the rest , hée spéedeth to his chosen Trée : where long hée had not stayed , but the others gallopping came as swiftly as they could , where finding the two Horsses without men , made them stande , but to their cost , for his Pistolles being prouided , by them the foremost two lost their liues . Which done , hée armed himselfe to defence , euer annoying them as hée sawe his most aduauntage , whilest the Page with his Pistolles did his part , paying surely all those that hée made offer to hitte . A hardie broyle and daungerous fight endured this Noble English Knight , which for all their great multitudes was not dismayed at all , but in the middest of his distresse , to the encouragement of his poore Page , cryed still Lancaster , Saint George for England , neuer making any shewe of discouragement , albeit his woundes were many , which bled moste greeuously , yet stoode hée , to the great euerthrowe of them all , brauely and ioyfully encouraging himselfe with hope of theyr shamefull downe-falles . In which ayded by him whome hée zealously serued , hée brought to confusion , sometimes assayling , sometimes defending , as hée best could finde opportunitie , and greatest aduauntage , euer spéeding one or other , so that hée neuer strooke invaine .

Continuing his dole with such a kinde of deuotion , that the better part of their Army béeing slaine , and the moste of the rest lying grouelling for life , amongst them , he espyed one of the verye principallest hauing on his Armour , who being none of the best men , séeing the others haue such ill successe , was flying as fast as he could , but the Knight perceiuing him , got him to horse , and so earnestly followed him , that to his great cost he ouertooke him , in ill time , as he might well witnesse : for with such authoritie he arrested this run-away , that he had no leisure to aske at whose sute , but being an execution , pawned his life for satisfaction .

This companion hauing his pasport to the great diuell , signed and sealed by the hand of a noble English Knight , he armed him , and poasting backe amongst the rest , payde them more then he owed , by many a Turkes life .

By this time the day gaue him faire light , so that he might well sée his worke , wherfore such as could make shift for themselues , séeing the ill successe their fellowes had , stood not on any more poynts of manhood then was fit they should , but without taking leaue , made what haste they could for their safetie .

The noble Edward séeing his companions gone , and none left able to make any resistance , went to suruay them , which were all goodly fellowes , and well appointed after their fashion , amongst which , he found one Spanyard , who was newly taken in Turky , and turnde Turke : this fellowe had some knowledge of the Knight , and was abiding in Gebraltare , when by the Turkes he was betrayed to the Gouernour . And in his company two Easterlings which had bene men of value and good worth , who hearing the Spanyard craue for pittie at his handes , hauing some hope to escape with life , cryed out vnto him , beséeching him to heare them speake , who being of kinde and noble condition , commanded them to say what they wold he would heare them .

This comfort obtained , the Easterling bewayling their ill fortunes , which through the crueltie of the Turkes , were compeld to forsake their Sauiour , allured thereunto oft by threatning , and menased with gréeuous torments , and oft with promise of large possessions , so that in the ende to their great sorrow and more shame of themselues , they repented their folly and great sinne committed against God , beséeching the knight to haue mercie vpon them , who being now in his hand , might either deliuer them by death from that sting of conscience , which continually gnawed as the hungry Tyger on his prey , or graunting them life , accept them as his slaues , so that they might thorow a repentant minde , obtaine the fauour of God , whom so highly they had offended .

With this pitifull suit , the Knight whose heart was alwaies inclined to mercie ( moued with remorse of sauing their soules , whome none but he that gaue them life could pardon ) forgaue them theyr death , and the Spaniard also , and with the helpe of the Page , carried them vnto his lodging , where he played the Surgeon , binding and dressing theyr woundes : which done , with such Balmes and eyntmens of rare worth , hée trimmed his owne gréefes , giuing God thankes for his safetie in those extreames , and fréeing him from those daungers , for the ease and recure of al which , hee made his stay there , some thrée or foure dayes , releasing the Moore which lay bound , who serued to dresse theyr horses , on whose examination , and the Easterlings , he had knowledge , that his intended euill proceded from the Bashaw , who hyred the Ienesaries of purpose to slay him , for whom God continually fought .

CHAP. X. How the Knight of the Crosse-arriuing at Ioppa , through the treason of those that fled , was there imprisoned .

WHen this most famous Knight , and myrrour of honour , had reposed himselfe with those wounded people , some foure dayes , and had gotten strength to trauaile , hée puruayed him for his iourney , and set forward as his way lay to Ioppa . To this place , some of the Ienesaries which escaped from the fight , was come before , laying watch there , as alse at Rome , and other places , for stay of the Knight in his passage . At this towne , the General no sooner arriued , but by those tokens was giuen , he was well knowne , and had entertainment by the Bashawe , which sate in the gate daylie , of purpose to entertaine such trauailers as came .

When the Knight had declared what he was , and his occasion of trauaile , doing all customes that to the place appertained , deliuering his weapons , with which , no man being a stranger , is suffered to enter , hauing him naked , and at aduantage with nothing to defend himselfe , or offend them , the Bashaw suffered him to enter the Towne , appointing his lodging as the custome is to doo . But before he recouered the place , an vgly monster of men , with a face as griestie as a Beare , came vnto him , accompanied with a traine of rakeshames , which attended him , all weaponed : and laying violent hands vppon him , calling and reuiling him at his pleasure , commanding him to go with him .

The knight and his companie that saw this extremitie and wrong offered him , being now in such a place , where it was bootelesse to resist them , hoping the best , yeelded himselfe vnto theyr mercies , who caried him to a most vilde and stinking prison where the roome was scarsty able to lodge two dogs , hauing nothing but the bare earth to lodge on , neither could he be suffered to haue any , his trunkes , bedding , and such money and goods as he had , they confiscated to the Bashawes vses , who would not depart with one ospéere of his dutie .

The knight in safetie , they laide hands on the page , who being a proper yong man , they sought to haue him a Turke : But he who scorned his life , in regard of Gods fauour and loue , on which he builded , resisted all their deuises , sometimes speaking fayre , and other times , daring them to doo what they durst , respecting nothing what they could deuise to doo him harme , such was his constancie and firme hope in God .

The Spaniards and the two Easterlings , were fayne to sticke still to their olde consortes for fauour , whome they woon with such gentle spéeches , to fauour the knight , that they obtained leaue to bring him his vyands , which was so good as any they could get for their monies , euer chéering him in his extremities , vowing themselues his , so assured , that their liues should be offered for their safetie , which comfort hee tooke so kindly , as if they had done him all the good hee could himselfe desire , promising a good requitall , if God euer released him of those troubles .

Thus leaue we the noble Edward in his imprisonment , for a time : the Page to the fauour of the Bashaw , and the Easterlings employing all their best power for his deliuerance , to let you heare of the lady Vallia , & her companie , what hapned them .

CHAP. XI . Howe the Emperour with all his traine , set forwardes from Rome , to conduct the Ladie Vallia vnto Rome .

THe Emperor hauing made the atonement with the Pope for his people , omitted no time for purueying all thinges , which might any wayes tend to his honour , or please his most noble friends ladie , whom in his absence he tooke a princely care of , which ordained as he could best deuise , he dispatched two noble men of his Court , with great presents vnto her , to signifie his comming , which tooke the easier iourney , his age requiring it , commanding those nobles to sée each thing with such honour to be furnished , as if himselfe were present . With this charge the Nobles departed , desirous to sée the Ladie , of whom for her rare vertures , and most excellent graces was so much spoken of , as also for her Lordes sake , whose followers in the Emperors wars they sometimes were , delaieth no time for performance of what they intended : so as in very short time they arriued at Cenita Vecha , & were suddenly brought to the ladies presence , vnto whom doing all the reuerence they could , or as their countries vse is , they declared the great care of the Emperor for her , the ioy he conceiued of her safetie and good arriuall in his confines , and how much his desired the presence of her Lord and husband , whose welfare he wished as his own , and whose companie he more desired , then all the Princes of the world . This said , and the Lady returning heartie thanks for those Princely fauours , as also for her honorable presence , the nobles desirous to be certified of the knights safetie , beganne to question with her of many sundry matters , who were with such wisedome and honourable courtesie answered , that they admired her , giuing her the prayse of all the Ladies that euer they had séene .

The nobles delighting in her companie , neuer were satisfied with her spéech , but as times conuenient serued , with much pleasant parley and spéech of importance , as occasion was ministred , they passed the time two or thrée daies . After which tune , the Lady , who had often felt such fits as to yong women are incident , though vnaccustomed with those passions , and being acquainted with none but her Alinda , which had as small skill in such causes as her selfe , she put that off often with good countenaunce , which beganne now to increase so on her , that shée could no longer hide : all which she attributed to her trauaile , and such other cares as she endured , that to be assured of her disease , and to séeke reléefe for her , beeing in verie weake case , they acquainted the Phisitian of the cardinall with her water , who by all his skill , found the cause no other , but bréeding child , for which hauing a carefull regard ( commanded stricktly vnto it by his Lord ) he prescribed order of diet and gouernment for her , which he gaue with great charge vnto Alynda , to execute . In this carefull heauinesse of the Ladies sicknesse , a messenger arriued at the pallace , which brought tidings of the Emperors comming , who was within halfe a dayes iourney , and meant God willing to sim with them that night . At hearing of which , a great stir began in the citie , making all the preparation for his most honorable entertainment . The Cardinal with al his crew mounting themselues , with all the nobles and burgesses of the Citie , in good and most commendable order , issued the Citie to méete him , at whose comming , such a general ioy was séene in euerie place , as of long time had not beene the like .

What kind and louing embracing was betwéene the Cardinall & him , the Bishops , Abots , and all the rest , with shewes of loue and dutie , and how honourably the same was requited , I omit , bringing him to the pallace gate ; his long desired place to be : where the Lady Vallia with her Alynda , and all the Ladies of the nobilitie and honour met him , vnto whome Vallia prostrating her selfe on her knées , besought his excellent highnesse , to accept the humble seruice of her lord and husband , who rested his in all dutie , beseeching his imperiall maiestie to pardon his negligence , and lusse ofher Lords letters , by which she was commended vnto his fauourable custodie , not omitting each particular action , which chanced her and her companie , with the cause of their losse , of all which she intreated his maiestie to enquire of those marchants , and that reuerent father the Frier , to whose charge she was committed by her Lord .

The Emperour full of maiestie and honour , making great shewes of heartie welcome to her and her people , most honourably entertained them , giuing those Ladies and nobles of his countrey gracious thankes , in honouring him so much as they had done , in entertaining this welcome Lady to his countrey . These welcomes of each side giuen , the time vntil supper was ready , they pleasantly spent in discoursing of seuer all matters , the most part tending to the honour and high commendations of the knight of the Holy Crosse , of whose vallor , courtesie , and resolution , they all affirmed none could sufficiently speake . At hearing of which , suppose you Ladyes and women of what estéeme soeuer , that haue men of person , valour , and honour , endowed with many good parts , as this noble Edward , if Valia were proud yea or no , you are made iudges of her thoughts , which by your owne thoughts can best censure of hers , if she be proude , it is not her fault , for by him his countries honour thorow the world is increased .

CHAP. XII . How the Emperour taking care for the Ladie his charge , after great honour done vnto her , set forwards to Rome .

THe Emperour whose honourable thoughts was most in giuing due honour vnto the Ladie , was ioyfull in her presence , but more ioyfull in that she was with child , which he hoped should haue his beginning in the world in his dominions , for whom as for the Ladie he was not a little carefull , taking an especiall charge on himself , for her easie conuay to Rome , whither after some stay made , as well for the ease of his aged body , as for dispatch of such businesse the lady had then in hand , when by his excellent bountie at her entercession , the Marchants for their goods lost , were satisfied , and those Christian prisoners with good rewards set frée , and all things sorted to such happie euent as she desired , euerie one content , and the Emperour best pleased in his charge , hearing by generall report , her most godly behauiour , and her resolute courage , in their and her owne defence , louingly embracing her , he sayth : welcome the flower of womanhood , to thine owne Empire , where thou shalt not liue to be commaunded , but to command : whatsoeuer I possesse , in all places where I haue any command : therfore honourable Ladie , set feare and care apart , and frolicke it with those whose care is now for you and your welfare .

For whose gracious offers , Vallia rendered her most hearty thankes , beséeching God to endue her Lord with life , and safe returne to Rome , that hee might acknowledge the like .

This finished , the Emperour commaunded to prepare for their iourney , which was in all readinesse against the next morning , when with all the honour might be shewen , shee was accompanied , with all the estates of the countrey , both Ladyes and others : at whose departing the citie , great gifts were presented vnto her , which she most thankfully accepted , and the Emperour for her sake most honourably and bountifully required .

Thus leauing the citie of old Rome , by verie easie iourneyes they procéede , passing the way with all deuises might be procured , to beguile the wearinesse of the iourney , as hauking , hunting , and other pastimes and pleasing discourses , in which , the Emperour desirous to knowe of what countrey she was , for that shee spake his owne language so perfectly , required it at her hande as an especiall fauour , which Vallia with great reuerence and courtesie aunswered , discoursing bréefely vnto him the long and heartie affection shee bore him , béeing but a stranger , and how she left her fathers court , with her woman then attending on her , disguised both in mans attyre , not omitting his deliuerance from the Spanish imprisonment , with all their procéedings , vntill their marriage . Which wonderfull discourse the Emperor was neuer wearied to heare : when she had all finished , with such heartie loue and more zealous affection , if more might be , kissing her tender chéekes , which he bedewed with his teares , procéeding from the entire ioy of his most honorable hart , he saith . Thou lamp of honor , & wonder of the earth , how may thy most deserued praises be eternized as they merit ? my noble friend in so honourable a child , and thy country thrise happie is renowned wherein thou hadst thy being : blessed by the loynes from whence thou procéedest , & a world of happinesse betide those , whose tender paps gaue thée nourishment . Honorable friend duke Philip , happy father , eternally shal thy name liue , in this gracious and noble child : oh Philip , ioy of thy louing friends and kin , didst thou know thy daughter , whom long sithence it may be , thou reckonest among the dead , where liuing and so neare thee , what ioy would it bring thy drooping aged heart : Methinkes I sée thy sprites how they would skip , to heare thy Vallia liueth , which thou shalt know , with such spéede as I best may , or can giue thee notise thereof , if you gracious Ladie say Amen , to what I intend . Vallia seeing the ioy of the Emperour , for her fathers good , could not forbeare shedding teares at his kind offers : which passing ouer as she best could , prostrating her selfe , she in all humblenes , besought his Maiestie , to thinke howe much she had incurred her fathers high displeasure so to leaue him , without giuing any notice of her departure to any one , which she doubted would neuer be recouered without his speciall suit , which if by his most honourable meanes she did obtaine , how she shoulde hold her selfe blessed of God , and honoured of his highnesse , modestie caused her conceale : vewing by the honour of her husbands name , that all the fauour he could do her , was not , neither could it be so acceptable vnto her as this .

The Emperour noting her heauinesse for her fathers displeasure , comforted her all he might , assuring her on his honour , to recouer what she required . And calling for pen , ynke , and paper , wrote as followeth .

To the most gracious and noble Prince Philip , Duke of Genoway , and Naples , health , and continuall happinesse .

THrise honoured Duke , a longing desire hath mooued vs oftentimes , since our last being togither , to see your excellencie : but the consideration of your age and imbecilitie , vomeete for trauaile , hath made vs forbeare to trouble you , vntil this instant a cause of importance to our ioy , and your great comfort happily chauncing , ( at least ) if thy fatherly loue be such , to see thy supposed lost childe , the Princesse Vallia , of whom we haue certaine tidings , shee is in health and safetie , for whose pardon we haue vndertaken to become a soliciter , and hope of successe in our suite : the offence beeing the more pardonable , in that it was affection , and entire loue of that noble Gentleman , the knight of the holie Crosse your soldier , and our long-friend , whose wife , to thy comfort , and honour of your house she is , Therefore , if thou reioyce in her happinesse , as thy age , and abilitie will giue leaue , come vnto vs , who in person , will accompany you to her presence , who as we here , groneth with the pains of another , as our phisitions enforme vs . And so expecting what we desire from you , we bid you heartilie farewell . At our imperial court , signed with our royal signet .

Augustus Magnus .

These letters written , he read the contents vnto the Ladie Valya , who praying for his long life , she heartily thanked him for his gracious fauour and care of her , which done , & she there with well pleased , he signed and subscribed the same . Then calling one of his Nobles , which was graue , and of honourable account , he deliuered the same , with especiall charge , for the spéedie conuay thereof , and secret conscealing of the Ladie . Which done ( commending him to his iourney , and good performance of his charge ) hee bid him farewell , whom we leaue to his trauaile , and the Emperour and the Lady , vnto theyr pleasure , vntill her time of deliuerance , of which you shall here , as soone as the midwife hath done her office .

CHAP. XIII . How the Knight of the Crosse , by the industrie of the two easterlings and the page was freed from prison , and what chanced to them .

THe Noble Edward cloyed with his mishaps , and harsh vsage in his imprisonment , thought euery moneth a yeare , and euerie minute a moneth , vntil he was at libertie . Oftentimes perswading himselfe to great hazard in fréeing him from that captiuitie : And then by intreatie of those , one whose trust he relied his determinations ceased , attending his pleasure , which neuer left him without comfort , his poore followers dooing for him what they could . But as long looked for , comes at last , so the time of his deliuerie drawing nie , and euerie thing effected securely , his guides by whome hee was to be ruled , pretending a iourney to Sylo , obtained his horse and armour of the bashaw , for a present to their Bashaw , from whence they came , which closely they conuaied away out of the citie , to a place of seacrecie , which they in their idle walke had founde , leauing the Page in his lodging , which was in a Iewes house verie secret . For the Page they ordained Turkish attire , and him furnished very orderly , with a counterfeit mustacho , the better to disguise him for béeing known , hauing another for the knight , vnto whom before their going they had imparted their deuise , which was so slay his keeper that euening , when he came to bring him water , and in his apparrell to escape , appoynting him a place without the Citie , where they with the Page would tarrie his comming . This done , first conuaying the page in his attire , which escaped the watch without suspect : they sought the gaylour , of whome pretending to take a solemne farewell , they carryed him to a Baniard , a place where the Christian Captiues were kept , plying him so with Aqua vitae , or as they call it Rakcaye , that hée forgot himselfe , that with kindnes and shewes of loue , they procured him to the prison , to take their leaue of the knight , wherein the kéeper was no sooner entred , but the Easterlings thinking that the fittest time , gaue him the word to make him away , whilst they kept sure guarde for his safetie . By whose deuise béeing ruled , the Gaylor ended his life , with a weapon which they gaue him : which doone , long stood not our knight attyring himselfe in Cerberus apparrell , who being furnished , and disguised with a counterfeit beard , hee aduentured thorow the gate all alone , faining a manner of stumbling and réeling in the gate , and passed the ward , who seeing him in that manner drest , cryed out Buracho , which is to say drunken . This doone , his companions séeing all well effected , made no long stay , but presently followeth , and brought him vnto the taue , where the Page with the Spaniard and Moore stayed : they presently mounted themselues , and away they go , praysing God for his deliuerance . The haste was made , is not to be forgotten , who neuer ceased gallowping vntill they came farre without daunger of the Towne , where night ouertaking them , they found place fit for their purpose , where they alighting , gaue God prayse , and refreshed themselues awhile . Here the knight armed himselfe with his armour , girding his sword of great woorth close to his side , which doone , they againe mounted themselues , and taking a course as they thought , farre from sight of any theyr olde acquaintance , or keeping any readie way for feare of entercepting , they trauailed by ayme . Two dayes , and some , what more well neare was spent , since their comming from Ioppa , when they met with a Moore , borne neare Algeere , in Barbarie , who comming from Myca ( the place wher their Prophet Mahomet was buried ) was that day spoyled by a rout of Arabian theeues , which kept those mountains . Of those spoyling people , the Moore warned the knight and his company who were all dismaide at his tydings : yet by the most noble knight comforted , relying on his vallour , more then theyr owne manhood , they proceeded , trauailing all that day , yet neuer heard any newes of them . The next morning , the knight hauing taken some extraordinarie sleep , it was long before they putte forward , when they had not ridden by theyr account one league , but they espied a crewe of horsemen which were so farre from them , on the side of a huge mountaine , as they coulde well desearne . This sight caused the companie to doubt of some ensuing euill , which the knight perceiuing , againe incouraged them , so comforting those his companions with his spéeches , that they cast al feare apart , to take part with him that was not to be dared with euerie naked bug . In this mind continuing , these faint hearts looking about them often in their trauaile ( for feare they shuld be backed ) they espied another rout , which had them in chase , acquainting the knight withal , of whom he took little care , but commanded them to holde on their way easily , that if they followed them , they might ouertake them , before the formost could come to helpe them .

Long had they not ridden , following the knights directions , but one of the gallants that pursued them , was come forward with them , who viewing their strength , which he supposed was far to weake to encounter them , began in scoffing tearmes to flout them , especially the knight which he saw armed .

Edward , which brooked all offences vnwittingly committed , and curteously reconciled , séeing the peremtorie doings of this base groome , drawing néere vnto him , said . Base fugitiue , who was thy schoolmaister that learned thée no more good : here after when thou chancest to méet strangers , salute them with more curtesie . And therewith all lifting vp his Battelaxe , gaue him so sound a blow on the head , as the brains started about his horse necke . And he hauing no power to sit , forsooke his horse , falling dead vnder his feet . His companie which saw him fall , and had noted the blow he receiued , gan all at once to assaile the knight , bending their launces vpon his breast , which like a man of power , and policie , he cunningly awarded , and drawing his curtelar , which before he had bathed in the luke warme gore of many those helhounds , he so behaued himself , that in few hours he left not many of them to stand : but leauing their horses maisterlesse , exchanged such as they best fancied , and left the rest to their owne libertie . The other companie , which from the top of the mountain had feene the feats of Armes done by the knight , thinking to rescue those that liued , and to reuenge those that were slaine , came amaine vpon them , sparing not their horse sides from the spurs , to learne them a swifter pace , ( but in ill time ) to soone came they to the after reckoning : for they were faine to pay the host , who gaue them such entertainment , as they had neuer power to depart from him , so honestly did this honour of knighthood deale with them , whom he found so cruel without cause offered them . In this companie there were foure Portugall marchants , whose Camils these villaines had spoyled , taking their goods , and kept them captine , intending to sell them as slaues , to the first caualliers of that countrey . These Marchants being vnder the charge of their horse-kéepers , left far off , séeing the ill successe of the robbers , made way for themselues , recouering such weapons as the slaues had , from whom being cleare , they mainly followed the knight , crying vnto him for succor , and earnestly beséeching his fauor , which the knight perceiuing , caused the rest to stay , spurring his horse to méete them , to giue them rescue from the slaues that pursued them , from whom they fled with all the hast they could make , but with too slow spéed , for some of them were faine to stay behind their legs being too weake to carrie theyr bodies . The knight returning from spoil of those slaues , enquired of the marchants of whence they were , they answered of Portugall , and were bound for traffique , with an hundred Camils laden with spice and silke for Constantinople , of all which they had béene spoyled by these villaines , of which fraternitie , there was as many more as he had slaine . The knight which saw the heauie countenance of the poore Marchants , could not forbeare to pittie them , & commanded them to horse themselues , vpon the best of theirs which he had slaine , which done , taking care for their reléefe of vittailes , for their horses , and for themselues , they were conducted to the place , where the store of those theeues lay , where they furnished themselues with such viands as they liued with . And after taking choyse of all maner of furniture , money , spice , and iewels , so much as they pleased , they fired the rest , and departed , holding theyr iourney by the Portugals directions , who were verie well acquainted in those mountaines , applying still to recouer the holy Cittie of Ierusalem , neuer daring to enter any towne or place of force , as you shall hereafter vnderstand .

CHAP. XIIII . How the Bashaw of Ioppa missing his prisoner , pursued him , and how he escaped .

NOw the couetous Bashaw , which had the custodie of this honourable knight , was perswaded by the Easterlings his friends , that the Bashaw of Silo , would giue for his prisoner , tenne hundred thousand Duckats . In hope of which , at their earnest suites he kept him aliue , sending his horse , armour , and furniture by them , vnto their Bashaw for a present ( as before you haue heard ) but when he missed the Knight , the Page , and those Runagates , he was like in choler to haue slaine himselfe , by desperation to send his soule to the Diuell before his time , from which extremitie , no perswasion of his best and dearest friendes , might any way preuaile , but that in a furie he would mischiefe himselfe , séeing that by his too much trust , he was so deceiued of a prisoner , and a bedfellow of so much worth , as the Knight and his Page , whom he intended to yéeld to his pleasure .

The Bashaw which fared in such frantike maner , bethinking him of all the Diuelish practises could bee intended , called to minde an auncient Nigromancer , which kept in the Mountaines , betwéene Ioppa and Rama , in the way to Ierusalem . By this good fellow he thought to be reuenged , what soeuer it cost him , and so comforting himselfe in that hope , hee ceaseth his raging furie , dispatching two of his best approoued friendes in search of this diuelish practiser , who vsed such diligence in their businesse , that in short time they found him , in whom this Bashaw reposed his whole confidence for reuenge .

This diuell incarnate , they intreated with all curtesie , and best pleasing speeches they could frame , to go with them to Ioppa , to the Bashaw , promising great summes of golde for his paine . But all their intreaties or perswasions preuailed nething with him : if the Bashaw haue ought with him to do , he must be messenger himself , or surcease his businesse : which peremptorie course of this Archdiuell , vnto the Bashaw made knowne by his friends , though he were in mind grieued at his denial , yet he wisely considered , how vainly he should spend his time in séeking reuenge on him . Wherefore , without any further trouble ( accompanied with a garrison of Ienesaries , and his two friends for his guides ) he set forward froin Ioppa , and in time conuenient , came before the Caue , where the Nigromancer kept , who knowing of his comming , thought to be somewhat pleasant with him , to trie his manhood . When the Bashaw had a while attended , & saw none stirring vnto whom to speake , he commanded a souldier to knocke : which done the Cuniurer transformed into the likenesse of a monstrous diuell , breathing flames of fire from his nostrils , came out vnto them , whose vgly shape caused them all to such feare , that they wished themselues again in Ioppa , and were ready to take their héeles to be gone . But séeing their timerousnesse , hee tooke another way from them , and inuisibly returned into his caue .

Once againe making triall what was in them , tooke on him the forme of a little goate , thinking they woulde bee doing therewith , if any occasion should be offered them . To preuent therefore what danger in this disguise might insue , he annoynted his head and body with an oyntment , which so hardned his skin , that no weapon would pearce it .

This done , he issued againe amongst them , which durst not knocke anie more . And approching neare the Bashaw himselfe , began furiously to fling fire vppon him : which his companie séeing , armed them to his defence , whom the supposed goate euer assailed with fire , sometime flinging on him so furiously , as hee woulde teare him in peeces , manie times clawing him , that he enforced him to runne away , leauing his message to do for which he came .

This coniurer when he had plaids his part with him , and saw that he would be gone , thought to speake with him , to sée how he liked his entertainment , and shifting him to his wearing apparrell , met him on the way , as if he had no knowledge of his being there .

The Bashaw his kinsmen which did know him well , when first they had sight of him , shewed the Bashaw , who comming towards him , after the countrey fashion saluted him , and alighting from his horse , bréefely tolde him the cause of his comming , beseeching his fauour and helpe for recouerie of the lost knight , for which he promised to reward him to his content .

The sorcerer which saw the enuie of the Bashaw in hope of gaine , promised him to do what art could , for accomplishing his will , crauing respit of time foure or fiue dayes , that hee might finde what way he tooke , which said , and they both thervpon agréeing , they take leaue each of other , whom to their diuellish practise we leaue , returning to the Ladie Vallia .

CHAP. XV. How the Emperors message being done to the duke of Genoway , for verie ioy of his daughters life he dieth , and what else chanceth .

HEre Gentles the storie sheweth vs of the Emperours safe arriuall in Rome , where the many courtesies offered to the Ladie was such ( as well for her own sake , being daughter and haire to the noble Duke of Genoway , as for the loue and entire affection of the renowned knight of the Crosse , her honourable and beloued husband ) that the Emperour thought himselfe greatly bound vnto all his nobles and communaltie , and highly contented the ladie his charge , for whose pleasure and content so much cost was employed . The recounting of each particular I omit , leauing the Ladie to the solitarie thoughts of her best beloued Lord , and her gracious father the Duke , from whom the Emperour expected hourely the returne of the noble man , his ambassadour , who being as carefull of the charge to him committed , spareth not his hard and diligent trauail , night nor day , vntill he recouered the end of his long wished for iourney : which finished and come to the Emperours presence , prostrating him selfe on his knée , was most graciously welcomed of the Emperour , whom he questioneth of the Dukes health , and welfare of his state . The noble man which imagined how heauie the newes he had to report , would be to his highnesse , and all the hearers , humbly besought the Emperour to heare in secret what he had to deliuer , which the Emperour graunted , withdrawing himselfe of purpose , which done , he saith .

Tell me ( noble friend ) what chance hath befallen thée in this trauell of thine , and how fareth our honorable friend the duke . Gracious liege , and my deare Lord , answered this noble gentleman , to kéepe from your highnesse , what you must know in time , though with a heart full fraught with griefe , it cumbreth me greatly , to become the heauie messenger of such tragicke newes . Know ( most excellent Prince ) the duke hath left this life , to séeke the ioyes of the heauenly Hierarchie . The Emperour whose thoughts were surprised with heauinesse , hearing his long deferred answere to his questions , breathing out manie sighes at the deliuerie of the same , with sighes and bitter teares ( after he had a while lamented , with many mournefull cries , and pitifull shréekes , the Dukes death ) he straitghly chargeth the noble man , to deliuer vnto him the time of his departure from this world , and the cause : whether of any old griefe , or suddaine action : commaunding him ( all dread set a part ) to tell the truth .

The noble man ( whose heauie heart by his outward sorrowes might well appeare , thought hee could well haue sorborne the reuealing thereof , yet not daring through silence , to incurre his highnesse displeasure he fayth . Most gracious soueraigne : thus , and in this maner , fared it with the duke at my first arriuall at his princely Court , who frollicke with the best , ioyfull and pleasant to heare of your Maiesties health , as his loue might well appeare , by those welcomes I receiued from him , and his Nobles , by his commaund , of whom I was so intertained , as well might beséeme a state of great account and maiestie , reucrencing your highnesse , in those honours done me . But too soone ( dread and excellent Emperour ) was the gleaming ioyes of this courtly Nobilitie ouershadowed , with mysts of direfull sorrow , chauncing by the dukes suddaine death , who as it is supposed by his people , most in account with him , ouer ioyed at your excellent kind tydings of his supposed lost child , surprised with a simphanie of exceeding gladnesse , left his honorable life , to the great heauinesse of his subiects , as wel his Nobles as Commons , who with most bitter and grieuous complaints , spende their time in such continuall lamentation , as might moue the heart most hardest , with teares , to accompanie them .

The Nobles for the comfort of their Duke , with whome they were euerie where ( onely there reuerend duetie reserued ) companions in all exercises . The Commons hee oppressed not : the wronged , he by law iustlie restored to right : the widdow and fatherlesse , hee carefully prouided for : the maimed souldiour , most bountifully maintained . In briefe , ( most excellent , and my gracious soueraigne ) there is no state , no subiect , or any vnder his gouernment , which hath not great cause to implore the losse of this good Duke .

This dolefull discourse he finished with so déepe a sigh , as pressed teares from his ouer-grieued heart , which restraining his tongue , caused him to bée silent , and mooued the Emperour at his sorrow to shedde manie teares , which being suddenlie ouerpast , the grieuing and most gracious Emperour , raysing the Noble man from the ground , louingly imbrasing him , saide .

A tale of sorrowe , and much griefe hast thou deliuered , which mooued my heart to lament , the death of such a most honoured Prince , and to grieue for those subiects , whose losse is so great . But tell mee , who gouerneth the Dukedome ? and howe affect they the returne of the Princesse ? Most gracious Low ( answered this sorrowfull Noble man ) the state by a generall consent , is in the rule of Don Sebastian Andrea , a Noble Gentleman , of graue countenaunce , verie politique , wise , and most noblie enclined , who forced vnto it by the importunate suite of the subiects of all estates , in most honourable sort carrieth himselfe : so that by his rule , their Prince late dead , is in iustice and all other good partes before remembred , little missing , to be equall onelie , the nobilitie of his house acknowledged : so that the happinesse of the Countrey is the more , in so prouident a gouernour . The like of whom , I hartilie wish your highnesse , and all other Princes : for where such liue , which prysed honour , and the publike common weale , before their owne couetous and priuate commoditie , where lawes are not solde for Lords pleasures , nor bribes corrupt Iustices , where through the poore are oppressed , the Commons vndone , and the state impouerished , there is God honoured , and the Prince truly serued . And where such blessings be , there is loue of Subiects , and faithfull heartes to their princes . Well hast thou sayd ( quoth the Emperour ) and in thy speech hast comforted my spirites , to heare thée discourse the honours of this noble Gouernour , whom I will honour euer for thy honourable report : on which meditating , he committed the secrecie of his aunswere to the Noble man his great wisedome , loath that the suddaine newes shoulde anie way discomfort the Ladie , whose welfare he prised before his owne good . And so betaking the Emperour to his carefull studie for the Ladies quiet , and the noble Messenger to his repose amongst his friends , we returne againe to our noble Edward , who is now in the way to the holy Citie .

CHAP. XVI . How the Knight of the holy Crosse , accompanied with the Portugals , and his other companions iournied to the citie of Ierusalem , and what happened them .

WHen the noble Edward had by his prowesse , and honourable feates of Armes , by death of those miscreants , released the Portugall Marchants from theyr captiuitie , storing themselues with such needfull prouision , as they coulde conueniently carrie . They spedde themselues with all the haste they could , to end their desired businesse , and fulfill their vowes in the holie Citie , kéeping the way continually by the Mountanes , without any aduenture happening , vntill one of the Easterlings , fell into such daunger of death , that there was no way to recouer him , which the pittifull Knight perceyuing , and hoping the best for his recouerie , making his stay to sée the end , what would become of him , hée applyed himselfe by all meanes to séeke his recouerie , which was past all remedie . In which extremitie , our braue English Caualere , playing the part of a heauenly Phisitian , comforted his weake patient , in the promises of Christ Iesus , and his passion , earnestly perswading him , to remember his time euill spent in this worlde , and howe manie and grieuous sinnes hee had committed for any daunger , or hope of worldly promotions , to forsake his Sauiour , whose mercies was more to bée regarded , then a legion of liues , or all the Kingdomes of the worlde .

In which comfortable wordes the distressed Easterling taking great pleasure , when the houre came of his latest farewell to the worlde , embracing the Knight betwéene his armes , when his faltring tongue had lost the vse of spéech he shewed by signes , the hopes he had to be a copartner of the heauenly kingdome , and therwithall refined his breath , whom after the Christian manner in those mountaines , they entered as they best could , which done ( forrowing for the losse of him whom from death they coule not recall ) they procéede on their iourney , in which they had not long trauailed , but resting themselues in the desarts by a pleasant riuers side . The Moore which before hee had taken to attende their horses , discryed comming with great spéede towards them , a verie faire and beautifull woman , attired in a petticoate of crimson damaske , which was pursued by two Negroes slaues , which would violently haue abused her bodie . This strange sight in a place so vncouth , when the Moore had shewed the knight , like himselfe mooued with pittie of distressed people , especially of her sexe , presently mounted himselfe , and met her , whom he questioned of whence she was , and what moued her to flie so swiftly from those villians . The Lady whom feare had almost doomed to death , being in a gréeuous extasie , could not forbeare to shewe the sine of ioy by her iesture , albeit her heart restrained her tongue spéech , which the knight perceiuing , taking her in his armes , and brand ashing his sword , thereby shewing to reuenge her wrong , he comforted her in such wise , as taking assured hope on him , which séemed by his habite to bee a christian , she said . Honourable knight , whom God hath raysed for the comfort of a poore distressed captiue , know that I am wife vnto a noble Grecian knight , called Mathatias , gouernour of Roades , who trauailing with a small traine to performe our religious vowes in the holy Citie , now two nights past , taking our lodging in these desarts , our tents pitched , and our guard hauing fire , as wel for our vse , to dresse and make ready our viands , as to defend themselues from the wilde beasts that haunt these mountaines , a crew of cruell and most brutish heathen , that kéepe these places to disturbe the quiet of such passengers as they met , guided by the fire ( as I said ) came vnto our tents , whilst wee sléeping , dreaded neither them , nor any other euill . By those catiues was my most noble husband slaine , and such of our companie , as resisted their diuellish intents : which done , making mee their Captiue , they horsed mee , and to theyr hellish mansion lodde mee , with some of our followers , where perforce they woulde haue bereaft mée of that most precious ornament which all good Women holde in more regarde then then theyr life : yet preserued by Gods fauour , my teares and pittious cryes did so penetrate the hearts of those homicides , that they haue pardoned mée that ill , vntill theyr returne from a spoyle which they haue vndertaken , meaning to visite theyr home within thrée or foure dayes , leauing mee to the custodie of their Villaines , who with more villanie haue menaced mée to obtaine theyr pleasures , from whome hauing escaped by flight , I intreate you , that sheweth to be of gentle image , if thou bee no worse then thou séemest , eyther to preserue my chastitie from theyr rape by flaying mee , or like thy selfe , defende my innocencie , by auenging me on those accursed villaines that pursue me .

The Knight which during her long talke , had noted her gesture and modest demeanour , vttering her sadde lament , pittying her distresse sayde . Gentle Ladie , thy distresse my heart pittyeth , séeing thée in this vnfrequented place , so hardly besette with companions of base conditions , of whome feare not , for my selfe by the power of him that sent mée for thy comfort , will so reuenge thy iust cause , as well on these , as on theyr maisters , as they shall neuer take pleasure in wronging a Ladie anie more : and thereon assure you , as I am a Knight and a Christian . And without taking longer pawse , willing the Ladie to staye her there , without dread of any man , he mounted his horse , and with his Sworde pursued the villaines , who fearing him , fledde as fast as they coulde , but in an vnhappie time , for his legges beeing of more swiftnesse , hee easily ouertooke them , paying them theyr due recompence for a fact so odious , with death . Which finished , cutting off theyr heades , hee brought them with him to the Ladie , who thanking God for her deliueraunce , rendered the like to the noble knight , vnto whome prostrating her selfe , shee submitted the care of her safetie , beséeching him as hee was a knight at armes , not to dishonour her , nor to leaue her vntill hée came where Christians inhabited . Vnto which , gaging his honour , by many solemne oathes , hee tooke her from the grounde , comforting her with all kindnesse , protesting withall , that he would not leaue those desarts vnsought , vntill hee founde the dead bodie of her Lorde , to interre him with Christian rites , and reuenge his death on the robbers .

The Ladie which founde such vnexpected comfort in her distresse , after shée hadde with many kinde requitalles of friendshippe , and shewes of loue , gratified the knight , breaking her from her protestations , hée caused her to mount his horse , conducting her to his Tentes , where theyr dinner , by those that helde him in more regarde then thier owne liues , was prepared , vnto whome the Ladie was welcome , wanting nothing of theyr store which was needfull , nor such honours as to her estate required . In this better content wée leaue them a while , with sundrie discourses to beguile the time , to lette you knowe of theyr further aduentures .

CHAP. XVII . Howe the Knight of the Holy Crosse in search of the dead body of Mathatias , gouernour of Roades , found him aliue , with other aduentures .

THe remaine of that day and the night following they spent in reposing themselues , the knight after he had taken such directions for his course in search of the Gouernour , her husband , as she could giue , puruaying them of victuals for two dayes prouision , accompanied with two of the Porttugall marchants , taking leaue of the Ladie , and commending the trust of her safetie vnto the rest of his followers , he left them : posting from mountaine to mountain , prying and vewing where hee could discerne any Tent , or shew of any . So long rid he in this manner , that in the euening , about the going downe of the Sunne , hee might discrie a troupe of Camilles laden , guarded with thrée or foure naked mountenaries , to these the knight spedde him in all the haste , making such way , that hée soone ouertooke them , whome encountring , hée sayde . Tell me villaines of whence yee are , yea , and where had yée these Camilles with those marchandize in your kéeping . The villaine mounteners hearing the knight vse these spéeches , vttered with a hoarse voyce and a looke threatning death , trembling as though they were readie to receiue their iudgement and present execution of life , kissing first the grounde , and after his féete , besought him to take compassion of them , relating in what sort they hadde the Camilles , which they hadde taken from others which hadde them in charge , belonging to those Theeues which hadde spoyled the Lady of her husband .

The knight vnderstanding by theyr talke that they could giue him notice of the spoyled bodyes , questioned them further , commaunding them on paine of theyr liues , to tell him where the Christians were , that were lately maisters of those Camilles , in dooing which theyr liues should goo vntouched , or otherwise they should there finish their daies .

The villaines which would more willingly haue béene further off , when they sawe their liues was to bee saued for a matter of such small importaunce with them , sayde . The sunne hath not yet two times declined his power , since certaine Christians trauailing these mountaines , were encountred by robbers , that haue their continuall béeing not farre off , who slaying the people , left these Camilles and goods in possession of their slaues to conduct them to theyr caue , which wee haue slaine , and humbly beséech thée of pardon .

Recreants ( quoth the knight ) you shall not so escape me , but you shall likewise die , if you bring me not presently to the place where those slaughtered bodyes lie , wherefore I aduise you doo this and liue , or denying it receiue your deaths .

The villaines which sawe howe bootelesse it was to perswade , yéelded theyr consentes , and hastned with so good speede , that they shortly arriued at the place , where they founde the mangled carcases of the slain Christians , weltering in their gore .

This pittifull sight mooued the knight of the Crosse to much ruth and sorrow for their deaths , yet knowing howe bootelesse teares are to call againe the dead , dismounting himselfe , hee suruayed the bodyes , turning , and so often tossing , to search the body of the dead gouernour , that with often remouing hee founde it , and viewing his personage , noting each linament , with his countenaunce , shewing a man of prowesse , bedewing his bloudie face with his warme teares , hee might perceiue a panting breath to possesse him , vnto which taking good héede , washing his face , and clearing it from the congealed bloud , hee opened his iawes , powring into his mouth , of that wine which he brought for his prouision , and after rubbing & chafing his vytall powers , hee recouered his life : so comforting him with the heat of his hands , rubbing and other carefull handling , that his spirit waxing strong , his tongue had some vse , when looking gastly vp , as one reuiued from a new world , hée called for his Ladie , and missing her , taking good notice of the Knight , which was a straunger vnto him , he thus said . Noble Gentlemen , and my fréendes , what you are I know not , neither can I remember that euer I haue had any friendship with you , yet as you are Gentlemen , tell me of my Ladie , what is become of her , whether aliue or dead ? next , what you are , whether fréendes , or those that brought me to this miserie ?

The Knight whose heart was ouercome with suddain ioy , beholding the supposed dead to liue , and speak , answered : worthie and noble Gouernor of that most honoured Iland , know , we are Christians as you are who hearing of thy distresse , haue vndertaken to finde thy body , supposed to be slaine , by spoylers of such as passe these mountaines , and here haue their residence . Thy Lady I haue receiued from their tyrannie , and on their liues , haue reuenged the euill offered , by them vnto her , and by my maker , whose souldiour I am vowed , will not depart these desarts , vntill I be acquited , of all your wrongs , or loose my life in your causes . Therefore take comfort , and thanke God for your safetie , whom I doubt not , but will be so gracious to restore you : your wounds I will vndertake by Gods grace to recure , and deliuer in safetie your loue and Ladie : who liuing , dyeth with very sorrowe for your great mishap . The Gouernour hearing this comfort , well noating the manlike countenance and corage of the Knight , bending himselfe vnto him , rendered many heartie thankes for those kinde fauoures , and embracing the Knight as his weake arms would giue him leaue , protested by the faith and honour of armes , for euer to become a firme freende and faithful coepartner of his aduentures , so pleased him to accept of his loue and fellowship .

The Knight whome no Spaniard could match , eyther in courtesie or honour of Armes , taking his proffered loue as kindlie as they were offered , gaue him many heartie thankes . Then dressing his woundes with such comfortable Balmes as he had , and binding them safe , they horsed him , pacing easily towardes the place where his company made their stay : where by the prouidence of him , who is the strength and conduct of all those that trust in him , they arriued in safetie , though not before they were lookt for , accompanied with their tenis , camills , and their carriages , to the excéeding ioy of the Ladie , and the vnspeakable comfort of all his owne followers . Theyr fréendly embrasings , and other talke of their fortunes , passing betwéene the Gouernour and his Lady , I omit : to recount what other aduentures happened to them .

CHAP. XVIII . How the Knight of the Holy Crosse , accompanied with the Easterling and his Page , followed the robbers : with his aduenture .

FAmous Edward , the honour of his countrey , whose vallour was not not to bee matched , helde his countreyes reputation in more regarde then his life , whereon now standing , scorning the Spaniards braues , or the scandall that might ensue by his report , if hee should leaue them in such wise without reuenge , which he had promised : wherefore preferring his noble word , early in the morning , according to the directions he had giuen , taking leaue of the gouernour and his Ladie , accompanied with his Page and the Easterling , he sette forward in search of those bloudie minded reprobates , following the direction of one of the villaines he had last taken , whom he taketh for his guide , all that day riding without any aduenture hapning , yet wearied with trauaile , desirous to refresh himselfe with taking some sléepe , hee caused his Tent to bee prepared , and his viandes to bee ordained : and when hee had refreshed himselfe , not daring to committe the trust of his person , to so vile a slaue , which was not to be trusted . After theyr horses were vsed as they ought , he commaunded the slaue to be bounde , taking order with his companie that one should watch whilst the other slept , and to take diligent care of their welfares , that they were not surprised at vnawares .

This charge the carefull attendaunts faythfully kept and performed , the day appearing , they loosed the Villaine from his bondes , ordering the horses and each thing in readinesse : which done , they awaked the Knight , who séeing the morning well spent , was not long preparing , but hastning with all the spéede he might , betooke him to his intended pursuit of those homecides . So long they trauailed , that the heat of the day encreasing , they alighted , and seating them close on the banke of a pleasant riuer ( taking such viands as they had , merrily spending the time with pleasant parlie ) they might perceiue those gallants , who returning from the death of a heathen Prince , and spoyle of his people , missing their Ladie , vowed by all their gods neuer to surcease their trauaile , vntill they had recouered knowledge of her . For which , coursing like men possest with a furie in pursuite of the Ladie , the knight hath gained his desires , who requiring of the slaue what they were , mounted on such swift coursers : he recounted vnto him what they were , aduising him to regarde himselfe , and to flie while he had time , for that they were many , and men of great puissance , hauing done many great outrages , and surprised sundry troupes of gallant men , trauailing that way . Peasant ( quoth the knight ) it is not thy spéech of their valour that can daunt me , or cause me to turne my backe , vpon those diuelish companions . But as I am a Knight , and a true English man , or euer haue hope to beholde my natiue Country , were they a thousand to my selfe alone , armed as I am , in the name of my God , and hope of my rightful cause , I would assaile them . And so arming himselfe , chearing his Page , and his associates , hee mounted his horse , couching his staffe in his rest , he put forwardes to meete the companie of robbing théeues , who was no sooner espied of them , but without word speaking most furiously they all assailed him , who were all so well resisted , and so eagerly encountred of the Knight , as they had small cause to boast them of their gaines . Euerie blow , with blow , redoubled this noble Brytaine on the robbers , doing such feates of honor and chiualrie , that it amazed them to see : but more terrified they were , that must of force abide his furie , who sparing not his strength , laide on them with such courage , crying Saint George , that after many sharpe alarums on either part , many of them were sent to séeke their passeports in hell . Thus our noble knight encouraged with the hope of victorie , so behaued himselfe , that they were all well neare brought to ende . The Captaine of which route , with foure others his confederates , being men of valour , and resolution , séeing the massacre of their companie , sought to reuenge their bloods with their greatest power . And enclosing him on each side , layde about them in such manner , that the Knight was by them greatlie endaungered . In this assault was his horse slaine , when fighting a foote , espying his best aduauntage , he gored their horses as they came , and gaue them that their mothers neuer prouided for them : yet in despite of what hee coulde doo , as the mightiest manie times bee forced to yéelde , fighting on the grounde , and in the greatest daunger of life . The Page which singled himselfe from the broyle , wherein hée left the Easterling , bestirred him , whereby hee had leaue to breathe , and being somewhat refreshed , reaching violently one of the robbers by the legge , pulled him perforce from his horse , mounting himselfe thereon , and dashing out his maisters braines with his héeles .

The Knight nowe againe mounted , so bestirred him , in that the most brauest of them that liued , coulde well haue affoorded to béene further off , but they which are bounde must obey . The game was nowe vied , and they must néedes sée it . So long vied and reuied was it by the Knight , that not one was left to count the stake .

The broyle ended , and euerie act in this massacre performed , the Knight beholding those brauing hell-houndes , weltering in their blood , first thanking God for his fauour , in strengthening him in that distresse , resting himselfe after his wearie trauaile , hee disarmed himselfe , refreshing his wearie bodie for a time : which done , he hasteneth him vnto the place where they Gouernour and his Ladie remained , whom in the companie of his beloued wife was comforted , where with great ioy he was welcomed , to all his folowers , who with the Ladie , ceased not to pray for his good successe .

Thus leaue wee this frollicke companie , ioying in the good fortunes of the Knight , who reposed him selfe with those friendes , vntill the Gouernour had recouered his full strength , to trauaile , when leauing the desartes , they procéeded on theyr iourney to the Cittie of Ierusalem . In which trauaile wee leaue them , to shewe you the fortunes of the noble and vertuous Ladie Vallia , remaining with the Emperour in Rome .

CHAP. XIX . How the Lady Vallia , sorowing for the death of her father , trauelled with childe , and what then chanced her .

NOwe the time and place of the Hystorie serueth vs to leaue the noble Edwarde and his companie , to let you heare of the vertuous Ladie Vallia , who trauailing with womens ordinarie griefe , had not long to looke of her time , wherein shee expected an heyre so the woorthie knight of the Crosse : which caused the Emperour to detaine the heauie tidinges of her fathers death from her . But as nouelties haue wings , and flie with the light breath of euerie tatling tongue : so this lamentable storie came vnto the eares of Vallia , who for her recreation and pleasure , walking in a Parke adioyning to the Pallace , was encountred by a simple Souldiour , who hauing lost his limmes in seruice , awayted to impart his suite vnto the Emperour for reliefe .

With this Souldiour , the Ladie questioning what seruices hée had séene , as one that had knowledge of many honourable seruices done , but especially glad to heare of her Lord and husband , whose demaunds the Souldiour answered with much courage , not letting for his owne good to vtter all : in which his spéech , declaring the woorthie conquest of Philip her father ( where he was , ) a suddaine feare so possest him , that his tongue with griefe denied further speech : which of the Lady béeing perceiued , mooued with pittie of his sorrow , enquired diligently what mooued him on such a suddaine to stay his talke , beginning now the most delight , willing him to say on whatsoeuer he had : for sure she was , that nought but honourable should be said of her father , or her loue , who was with him in all those seruices .

This blunt companion recomforted by her honourable counsell , and good encouragement , séeing hee must vtter his hearts greefe , albeit hee had no thought or knowledge to whom he spake it , after some small pause , he said . Pardon me , gracious Ladie , for my heauie tidings , and account me no dastard for daring to speake , what is my hearts griefe , to vtter the subiect of my tragicall swonding sorrow , to all the hearers . For the losse of our noble generall , whose vntimely death hath caused such heauinesse and hearts discontent amongst all those of his gouernment , that will neuer bee blotted from theyr mindes , so long as any one breatheth that did know him . The sorrowfull Ladie hearing these dolefull tidings of her fathers losse , could not answere his talke , nor had power to speake , but as one readie to leaue this life , presently fell in a traunce to the grounde , whome her gréeued attendants Alynda , and the rest , by their carefull industrie reuiued againe , though with much extremitie . The poore souldiour which saw howe ill his talke was taken , brooked no longer stay in that place , doubting his Princes displeasure , but got him from the Cittie with all spéed .

Vallia her suddaine gréefe vrged her paines , that her Midwiues were sent for , and with great perill of life , was not long after , deliuered of two goodly Sonnes , whose sight , and other comfortable perswasions of the Emperour , and those Ladies that were about her , remooued a little her heauinesse , which shée most honourablie endured to all theyr ioyes , for this good fortune of the Ladie , solemne Processions were made , Belles were rung , and Bonefices were plentifull throughout the Citie , with all other shewes and signes of gladnesse that might be deuised . But to whom so euer these two newe borne Gentlemen was most welcome , there coulde none take more pleasure in beholding them , then the Emperour , who woulde neuer haue anie time from his affayres of state , but the Nurces were sure of his companie , to their ioy , and pleasures . In this ofspring I leaue them , to recount the accidenis happening in Genoway .

CHAP. XX. Howe Albert Duke of Millaine , hearing of the death of Philip Duke of Genoway , supposing his Daughter to bee dead , made claime to the Segnorie , and what chaunced .

WHen the high commander of men , had by death taken from his Countrey the hope and comfort of this most louing and honourable Prince , Philip Albert , Duke of Millaine , swelling with ambition , to enlarge their gouernement , supposing Vallia 〈…〉 heyre of Philip , to be 〈…〉 : first summoned the Vicegerent by his Heralde , to accept him , and the little he had , for their soueraigne , or abide the chaunces of warres , which with al the power , both of him and his friends , he would presently inflict vpon them .

This peremptorie message deliuered , the Vicegerent hauing care to his oath and promise made , summoned the Nobilitie , and gouernours of each port , within those confines , vnto whom hee recounteth the message receiued from the Millaine Duke , with all the large circumstances , declaring his title to be but vsurped , and desiring their aydes in the right of the Ladie Vallia , heyre and lawfull inheritrix of their late deceased Lorde , whome they should most highly wrong , if dastardlie they should intitle another in her right . Therefore my Lordes and louing friendes , ( quoth the Gouernour ) shewe in mainteining the honour and right of this Ladie , your loue to her father , in which you gaine more loue and honour , then to be inuested with title of great worth . For no greater blemish can be to the Noble , then to bee tearmed a cowarde , especiallie in a cause of such honour as this . Therefore , if you will ioyne with mée in full consent , estéeme his threates not woorth a pinne , and prouide to giue him such a welcome , as is fitte for an enemie .

The Nobles and all estates there assembled , hearing the honourable resolution of the Gouernour , with generall consent lawding his magnanimitie , committed themselues vnto him , promising on their honours , to maintaine with their bodies , goods , liues , and landes , whatsoeuer he resolued on .

This willingnesse with generall consent when the Gouernor had seene and heard first giuing them all hearty thanks for their honourable loue to their Princesse , and carefull regard of their common wealth , which they were all bounde by oath to the Church , as well as the figniorie to maintaine . After some other spéech , he caused the Millaine herauld to be brought before them , to whom he saith : Herauld , thy message from thy Lord so peremptorily sent , and by thée deliuered , with graue aduise of the whole state of our Prouince , we haue aduisedly considered . And finding by lawe , or natures right , hee hath no right nor iust interest in the same , wee haue determined to denie his demaunde , and with our déerest bloud will maintaine the lawfull issue of our late deceassed Duke Philip , whose honourable deserts can not bee so suddainlie worne out . Thou knowest what wee intende , if thy Lord bee friend to vs , and our state , wee will requite his loue with the like againe , if a foe , hee shall find that Philippes rightfull inheritour shall not bée wronged , so long as wee shall liue . And so finishing his spéech , the Heraulde thus replied .

Nobles of Genoway , whose grauitie is spoken of in all places , deceyue not your selues by presumption . My Lord is puissant and mightie , and not to bee dared by them of farre greater and more force then you : wherefore weighing your owne goodes , and welfare of your Countrey and state , consider with whome you are to deale , his honour , state , power , and what is to bee requyred in Maiestie , bethinking what a friend hee is to his friendes , and what a terrour to his enemies . In weighing all which I doubt not , but your grauitie and wisedome will alter these fonde resolutions , before you prouoke him to furie , least when you woulde submitte your selues , hee bee as farre of from hearing you , as you at peremptorie in refusing him . In your aunswere , consider your welfare , or subuersion . Therefore let not ouerboldnesse leade you to mischiefe : I speake as I wish , that you might preuent your owne mischiefes .

The Gouernour hearing the Herauld speake so much of submission , as though his Lordes countenaunce might terrifie and affright them , euen as Bugbeares do children , thus sayde .

Heraulde , what weenest thou wee of the state of Genoway are , that thus thou menacest vs with thy maisters high actions , power , and friends ? Is Albert become such a Bugge to feare his bordering neighbours ? No , let him dare children and fooles , with his threates . If hee come as a friend , as hee did when our good Philip liued , he shall bee welcome : if otherwise , it is neither power , friendes , nor his valour wee estéeme . Our honour wee will maintaine in despite of his Bearde , maugre all the friendes Spaine , or Italie can affoorde him . And so thou hast thy aunswere : replie no more : for what wee say , we will performe on our honours , as thy Lorde shall finde , when hee dares make triall .

The Heraulde hauing his aunswere , like a Male-content , dooing his dutie , deprated . The Noble and states of Genoway , taking carefull order for the mustering of theyr souldiers , and making force , that there enemie might not take them sléeping , but alwaies in readinesse , when occasion shoulde serue to defende themselues , and offende the enemie .

CHAP. XXI . How the Herald returning his answer from the Ienowaies , Albert puruaied his armies .

THe Millaine Duke expecting his Heralds return , with the Genowaies offer of obedience , after long looking , arriued at the Court , to whom the Duke gaue honorable welcomes , enquiring the answere to his Ambassage . To whom the Herald at large recounted the honourable resolution of the gouernour , who would not deliuer their tytle of gouernment to any stranger whatsoeuer , willing him to rest content , or abide what chance warre will alot him .

The Millaine Duke raging with furie , at this vnexpected answere : vowed by no simple oathes to reuenge him on the gouernour , whom he threatned with great afflictions , if hee preuailed : And hasting to sée the euent of his determinations , presently dispatcheth his Ambassage to Florence , the prowesse of Marcellus and Telone , and other his fréendes , for theyr ayd in this exployt , willing them to be readie by a day prefixed , at some port of his , to them best beséeming good , and most easie for their conuay . With these letters , the messengers being gon , great was the preparation made in his owne territories , of men , victualls and munition , whereof there wanted none , such as the Countrey yéeldeth . Such was the hast and care of those vnto whom the charge of those affaires were committed , that in short time , althings were prouidedin such good order as could be besired , their onely stay was , for their expected power , which accordingly was puruaide , some marching by lande , others with theyr prouision by Sea , so that in short time they are all well met , at Millaine , where they made no long staye , but euery man receiuing his charge .

The companies appointed for the land , marched forwards in thrée battailes , the foremost of which , was led by the Duke of Florence , the vauward by the gouernour of Marcellus , and the Rereward , by the Duke of Millaine , who hadde vnder his conduct , all the horsemen , with the carriage and prouision . For the Sea seruice , was appointed for to bee Admirall , Alfonce Earle of Pyemont , hauing vnder his charge of Gallyes , Bregandines and Foystes , one hundred and fiftie sayles , warlike and well appoynted , with all néedefull prouision , hauing also vnder his charge , a number apprdoued and Noble Captaines , trayned to the Sea , all carrying mindes of resolution to inuest theyr Noble Fréende the Duke of Millaine , in his challenged Dukedome .

The Genowayes , whose prouident care was to prouide for their Countries safetie , was not ydle in all these times : but making readye what power they coulde , both of theyrowne , and such other Fréendes as they could procure , relying on the Iustice of their cause , and nought at all fearing the multitudes of theyr enemies , of whose numbers they were all aduertised by theyr owne Espyalls .

The carefull regarde of the Gouernour , hadde so wrought , that all things were ordered to his content , his Fréendes , the Neapolitan Duke with his powers béeing come , and all others that they expect , theyr Gallies and shippes furnished , the conduct of each seuerall companie was appoynted to men of woorth and honourable resolution , who encamped themselues with wonderfull great pollycye without the Cittie , euen in the enemies chéefe passage .

Their power of shippes and gallies likewise appoynted at poynt deuice , a Councell was called , and the Admirall sworne in the open assemblie not to yeeld , nor in any sort to discontinue the fight , but taking all aduantage , to doo his best for theyr defence , and discomfiting of the enemie . This doone , and the shippes halled foorth , they harboured euery man being aboord , that they hadde charge of . They chéered theyr companie , exhorting them to valour and courage , not omitting often to recounte the right cause of defence , with the enemies entrucion , with all other perswasions that might tend to their encouragement , to the great comfort of al the companie , who with one voyce yéelded signes of great ioy , vowing euerie one to the other , to liue conquerours , or die tenne thousande deaths , rather then incurre the odious name of coward .

Thus chéering themselues with hope of victorie , with a ringing peale of cannons , that made the ayre rattle , and the earth to shake , they sette sayle , bidding theyr friendes a short farewell , who attending theyr enemies comming , wée leaue them houering at the sea for a time , till they méete againe .

CHAP. XXII . Howe the two armies meeting at sea , the Millaine Duke with his power was discomfited .

THese honourable Armies well appointed , both by lande and Sea , a generall expectation was made on both sides , for their méeting , wherein each one hoping for victorie , wished for to sée the euent of theyr fortunes ( long looked for commeth at the last ) and time hath brought the two fléetes in sight one of the other , which descried , all pollicie was wrought for the aduantage in the fight , wherein those gallants of Genoway shewed their best skill , keeping in despight of the Millaine armie , the winde , and in great brauerie halled the enemies with their warlike musicke , in such sort , that the skyes resounding the ecchoes of theyr noyse , which was not vnaunswered by the Millaine fléete , made as gallant a shewe as the other , where some time was spent in tryumph betwéene them , and the Gallies and shippes within shot , their prowesse with great courage was discharged , and euerie man with such weapon as he vsed did his best .

Long time and much powder was spent on both sides , with much effusion of bloud , eyther parte doubtfull of the victorie , which the Generall of the Genowayes perceiuing , halling his Viceadmirall , and the Admirall and Vice-admirall of each Squadrone , with a flagge of parley , they drewe neare vnto him to heare what hee hadde to saye , who charged them vppon their allegiance , without anie more forbearing or consuming of time , to boord withall spéede euerie man as hee coulde haue aduantage , and so to make quicke and short tryall of their fortunes .

This counsell of the generall was welcome to euerie man , who were verie gladde and ioyfull of that commaundement , which was that which they expected , for they attended but to sée him , béeing aduised to follow his deceiuers . And thereuppon forcing theyr Gallies by maine strength of Oares aboord , with great courage and vallour they gaue this onset , in which was many feates of honour and armes atchieued , where many a man of woorth left his life , others lost theyr limbes , and many spoyled and wounded to the death . The Gallies fired , and diuers sunke , all hazards that daye were with great perrill espaped , after many bloudie strokes and much other mischiefe on both sides , the houre of the victorie befell the Genowayes , who tooke their Admirall gallie , flew their chiefetaine , and burned and sunke many of the rest , such good successe followed their iust cause , that fewe of their enemies escaped without great hurt from the fight .

The fight ended , night approaching , a retreat by the Admirall was sounded , which doone , a view was taken of the prisoners , and the gentlemen and commanders of the Millenaries , sent aboord the generall , for the rest order was giuen , that they should remaine aboord their seuerall gallies , which done , a generall laude was giuen to God for their victorie , and euery one following the course of the Admirall , they made their way for Genoway , and in short time with the diligence of the Captiues , and good encouragement of the commanders of each gallie , they had sight of their port , and not long after recouered the same , where their ioies were increased by the sight of their friendes happie returne , as by their solemne shewes of gladnes was manifest , to the great encouragement of al the aduenturers , and increasing of the prisoners great gréefe , who made such sure account to tryumph in their ouerthrowes , and like Lords to command ouer them , nowe to be subiect to their enemies . Thus their heauie sighes bewraying their sorrow , the generall of the fléete moued with pittie of their care , beeing a man very debonaire and kind , with a countenance ful of pittie , his bonnet vayled , came vnto the caualleres , perswading them to comfort themselues , and to extend this vnexpected chance as one of fortunes bandies , whose inconstancie was not to bée wondered at , for ( quoth he ) they that gaine to day , may loose to morrow , the fortunes of warres are difficil , a cleare conscience and a iust cause armeth men with courage , & they that fight in right are often fortunate . Our cause God hath righted , whom your duke sought to wrong : he is the giuer of victory , to whom bee all glorie . Yet gentlemen ( quoth he ) dismay not , neyther clogge your hearts with too much care of your bad fortunes , you are fallen into the hands of a kinde and most noble enemie , who will well intreate you , and for mine owne part , which am at the Gouernours commaund , I assure you , your ransomes shall be so easie as you shall like well of .

The Milleneres captiue hearing theyr kinde enemie vse such wordes of comfort , where hee might menace with death and cruell reuenge , béeing at his mercie , with courtesie returned great thankes for his most friendly counsell and good perswasions , vowing themselues his obedient prisoners , neuer to departe , or offer any manner of discourtesie in worde or action , vntill they were lawfully licensed so to doo . Which worde the Generall accepting , each man had frée libertie within the Cittie , to goe at his or theyr pleasures .

CHAP. XXIII . How the Armies by land meeting , what happened them .

AS God sent the sea power of these Princes to trie first theyr forces , so not long after theyr armies approaching , the Millaine Duke beeing aduertised by his espialles of their readinesse , hearing of the ill succesle of his fléete , loath to putte all on hazard without some more pause and resting his people which were verie sore wearied with theyr long and hard trauaile , for which cause , as well to consult with his leaders and copartners , hée caused his Tents to bee picht , giuing good directions for sure watch to bee kept throughout the Campe : which done , and they hauing reposed themselues that night , the next day a parley by flagge was sommoned , wherein euerie man was heard , both for aduise in marshalling the Armie , as for pollicie in surprising the enemie , where in each mans opinion sayde , the Duke melancholike for his ill successe and losse of his fléete was so malcontent , that nothing might be said wherein he tooke pleasure : yet gaue he leaue to euerie one to say his mind , which humours nothing contenting his nobility and such as were drawne thither by his cause , loath that his headstrong humours should dishonour them , the Ferrara Duke , as one that might be most bold with him , sayd . Cosin of Millaine , for your sake wee haue gathered bordering neighbours , maintaining no iust cause of our owne , but your intended quarrell , wherein if wee reape any dishonour , wee haue our deserts , Ledde by your counsell wée haue béene , as shéepe to bée slaine , and now hauing hadde a little crosse , dismay you , that our people séeing your discomfort , may leaue vs héere in the middest of our enemies . It is dastardlike to feare in such a cause , and may bréede all our euerthrow : wherefore resolue eyther to maintaine your honour , and with resolution finish what you determined before our comming from our owne homes , or on mine honour , I will drawe my forces againe to theyr owne habitation , and leaue you to your best fortunes : say therefore your intent , for wee may not heere long continue , the enemie béeing strong , and in their owne confines , where wee are strangers , assured of no fauour , but what wee can purchase with the sword .

The Millaine Duke hearing his cosin of Ferrara so plaine , thought best to make shewe of good content , whatsoeuer hee thought , wherefore without longer pausing , as one that in that extremitie desired some counsell , hee sayde . Most honourable cosin , pardon mee , that haue not shewed my selfe in this action as I ought , and consider the cause I haue of discontent , which hath made mee forgette my honourable good friendes : yet good Cosin , dishonour me not so much to adiudge me of cowardize , for euer my heart hath abhorred that odious fault : but what your pleasure is to attempt , I will performe , and thereon giuing his worde of honour . The Duke consented to his will , who gaue in charge the next morning euerie man with his companie to bee marching by the breake of day , that lying neare the anemie , they might by theyr sedaine scaties see what aduantage there was to be gotten .

According to whose commaunde euerie thing was effected , and the companyes marched neare to the Cittie , within halfe a league where the Genowayes campe laie , where they strongly en scanced themselues , and hauing taken three or foure dayes respit , wherewith theyr companie was well refreshed , a Herauld was sent from the Gouernour of Genoway , to knowe the cause of their comming in armes , against the lawes of Christian Princes , to disturbe their peace , hauing no iust cause so to doo , commaunding him and his friends , confederates , and followers , either to rayse theyr campe and be gone , or prouide them to battell , and therein trie the euent of eythers fortunes .

The Millaine Duke hauing attentiuely hearkened to the Heraulds message , mooued with choller at his brauing spéech , without regarde of honour or lawe of armes , hadde like to haue beaten the Herauld , but beeing perswaded by the Duke of Ferrara from so vnhonourable a fact , he sayth . Herauld , goo tell that vsurping Gouernour of my right , that I am come to chastise his insolencie , and learne him to knowe his dutie to his leige Lorde , neyther shall any one of his rebellious companions escape the furie of my wrath , without they come presently in submissiue manner , and acknowledge their fault and great offence committed against mée , which if they refuse , by that time the sunne hath wise made her recourse about the earth , I will méete him , and those sléeping curres his companions , in the plaine that lyeth Eastward from the cittie , so God say Amen . Therefore depart , my word shall be thy safe concuct for this tune .

The Herauld hauing his answere , without long stay hastneth to the campe , where vnto the gouernour and his compeeres in armes , he recounted the Dukes resolute determination , willing him to prepare against the time appoynted to meete him , wherewith the gouernour and the rest were all well pleased , committing theyr cause to God , and relying on theyr iust Title . And thus resoluing to méete him at the time and place appoynied for the same , hee presently gaue order to dislodge his Campe , to drawe more neare the place by the Duke appoynted , sending his most expert men at armes to viewe the grounde , for theyr best aduantage , which with great care was so accomplished , that the sunne nor enemie could not greatly annoye them . The Millaine Duke and his accomplises carefull of what they hadde in hande , slept no time , but with great care and regard , procéeded with theyr companies more neare the place appoynted , where all things framed by marshall discipline and good aduise of the Captaines , they expect a happie day of tryall .

Time that finisheth all things , hath brought the appoynted day , in which the carefull leaders so busilie employed themselues , that all things were ordered in most honourable and decent manner , where no pollicie of eyther part was omitted for the aduantage : which doone , and the battailes readie to ioyne , a Herauld was sent from the Gouernour of Genoway , willing him before hee committed the iustice of his cause to the battaile , to call to minde the iustice of God , in deliuering his sea powers into their handes , wishing him not so much to dishonour his noble house and followers , to hazard all to fortune . If hee woulde accept this proffer , and confesse the wrong offered his estate and commons , hee would remit the iourney past , and giue him frée leaue to passe in quiet through his countrey , if not , and hee preuailed , hée should finde in iustice what it is to disturbe the quiet gouernment of so peaceable an estate .

This message deliuered , the Duke fretting at the Gouernours kinde and courteous motion , sware by no small power , to acquite his pride , and learne him to knowe to his great greefe , what it is to mooue his Prince to furie , and so with a short replie to his message , sent the Herald away .

Scantly had the the Herau'd recouered the Pauillion of his Lorde , but a Braueado was made by the Forara Duke , who was the first that began the sight , and was gallantly encountred with the Duke of Naples , who met him hand to hand , each knowing other by theyr colours . Betwéene those Princes began a fierce and deadlie fight , who singling themselues , both hoping of honour , so applyed theyr forces one against the other , that it was doubtfull whether should haue the glorie of the day . Both of them by their prowesse giuing courage to their followers , betwéene whome many hardie feates of armes were atchieued , the battell on both sides béeing very doubtfull . In this conflict , the two Dukes like Lyons , beare themselues , vntill the Ferara Duke , with long continuance of the fight , fell from his horse , who was presently rescued by a Band of his owne companie , that in the parting , had like to haue slaine the Duke of Naples , if the Duke his enemie had not béene more honourablye minded , that rescued from daunger by his fréendes , hée left the fielde that time . Night growing on them , a retreat was sounded on eyther part , and euery man withdrew them to theyr Tents : in which battell , was taken many Prisoners , on eyther part , which by compremise of the Gouernors of both paprts , was redeliuered . Thus for a time wée leaue them to their repose , and hopes of theyr good successe , to tell you of the Princesse Vallia .

CHAP. XXIIII . How the two children of the lady Vallia was solemnly christned , with other aduentures .

THe most renowmed and noble minded Emperor , deuising to honour the Christning of the two children , had inuited all the nobilitie and Princes néere bordering on his confines , to be witnesses of that solemnitie , appointing for that time , great tryumphes to be performed : and for that purpose , caused challenges to be set vp , against all commers , to be maintained by his champions , the winners to haue rich rewards .

The day of solemnitie béeing come , many Princes and Noble personages assembled themselues to the Tryumph , the Emperor in person , being Godfather to both the sonnes of the Knight of the holy Crosse : vnto whome , many rich presents were giuen , by sundry Princes , that honoured and loued theyr Father .

At these bankets , among many others which harkned of forrain nouelties , Alinda , busying her self to heare , & ouerheare strange tidings , heard two noble gentlemen discourse of the state of Genowaye , recounting at large , the honorable demeanor of the Gouernor thereof , & his successe , in their sea aduentures , with each particular chance , happening in these warres , which waited of Alynda , that néeded no oratour to tell her tale , her tongue carrying a heauie waight , vntill shée had opportunitie to reueale the same vnto her Ladie : which shée sought , yet could not obtaine it , vntill late in the euening , when euerye Guest had withdrawne themselues to rest : when hauing time fit to her desire , shée beganne first in pleasant motions to féele the humour of her Ladye , whether pleasantly or melancholie disposed , and finding her pleasant humour , shée saide . Madame , since the heauie tydings from Genoway , I haue not séene one pleasant motion possesse you , lette mée your olde seruant , intreat this fauour at your hands , to saye , what you coulde well frame your féeble and vnable handes to doo , in defence of your owne rightfull inheritance of Genoway ?

Alinda ( quoth the Princes ) thy fond prattle will neuer bée left , what mooueth these suddaine motions , and recounting Genoway , say , what occasions are offered in those parts , I pray thée say ?

Madame ( quoth Alinda ) your Ladiship alwaies is pleased to mistake me , and my simple meaning , what I intende héerein , is nothing , you knowe I am none of those that séeke common : wealthes benifit , but say good Madam , that I were , as I am neuer like to bée , the rightfull heyre to the Dukedome of Millaine , and should by violence séeke to vsurpe your right in your Dukedome by force , what duest you doo for defence of your selfe and your people ? Alinda ( quoth the Princesse ) séeing thou sayest thy talke begunne is in ieast , I will as héedlesly answere thy demands .

Suppose Alinda to be my enemie , and in Armes in my Countrey , spoyling my commons , and ruinating my Countrey , thou mightest well accuse mee of cowardise , if in Armes I should not méete thée , reuenging my iust cause on my enemie : for thus , and in this manner , would I chastice the Millaine Duke : laying good stroakes on the backe of her mayden , with a cudgell , which shée easily found . Which chaftisment that she could well demeane her self , turned in this maner . Madam , if to be Duke of Millaine , be so painefull , and that to a vsurper , there belong such punishment , lette them bee Dukes that list , Alinda will be her self as long as she can . Then good Duke of Millaine aunswered the Princesse , I am verye sorye that I shoulde so suddainlye vntytle your grace : but vppon some conditions , I will make your Maiestie recompence .

Madame quoth Alynda , promotion I féele is heauie , the name of Duke is imprinted I feare me in blacke and blew on my shoulders . But since they be badges of your Ladiships colours , and your gift , in hope of better I must accept these . But may it please you to let me know your conditions , that liking thereof , I may deserue your reward . I marie Alinda ( quoth the Princesse , but first sweare vnto me to answer iustly my demands , and then aske thy reward .

Alynda hearing the Princesse so pleasant , was loath to hinder her begnune myrth : but féeding her vaine , of put her from those dampes , said .

Madame , since it is your Ladiships pleasure to bring mée from a zealous prophesier , vsing no oath , but yea , yea , and nay nay , cock and pye , & such like , to rend those creatures that God hath made , say by what you will haue me sweare , and I will parforme it .

How now Alinda ( quoth the Princesse ) where blowes the winde now ? the Moone I dare gage my life is in some merrie corner , that hath brought thée to this conceited pleasures : but leauing all , tell me as thou tenderest my loue : What mooued thée to name the Duke of Millaine ? my minde presageth some vnexpected chance hath happened : my people by his meanes if they haue , and thou therewith acquainted , I sweare by that loue I beare my Lord Edward , neuer to forgiue it thée , vnlesse thou reueale thy meaning therein , and tel me the truth of what thou hast heard .

The maiden hearing her iest prooue so contrarie , loath to offend her , which she honoured aboue all the creatures on the earth , thus said . Madame , I haue often heard it amongst the learned , obserued for a principle , not to ieast with superiours , dreading the mistaking of any simple meaning , whereof I might haue taken héede , but séeing my tongue hath béene so long hanged to vtter the hearts secrets , pardon what I haue to say , and I will hide nothing to satisfie your desire . Then procéede ( quoth the Princesse ) and whatsoeuer thou sayest , I fréely forgiue it thée .

Alynda , whom all intreaties might not pardon from telling her minde , saide : This day my gracious Ladie , the banquet béeing now furnished , with many an honourable Guest , two gallaunt youthes whose names I knowe not , questioning one with the other , of the state of Genowaye , and of the Prouince thereof , comming lately from those confines , a tale of ioye , and much lamentations hee deliuered , which wroong manye teares from my heart , at hearing thereof , it caused manye excéeding ioyes to possesse mée . Yet disposed to crosse me ( quoth the Princesse ) leaue off I saye these fond delusions , and saye how both ioye and care at one entir time assayled thée .

Madame ( quoth Alynda ) when he deliuered the pride and incolencye of the Millaine Duke , seeking first by intreatie to obtaine your right in the Dukedome , by winning the regent to his will , whose trust when he could not abuse , he raised a mightie power by sea , and another huge hoast by Land , ioyning with other Princes néere adioyning , to accomplish his will . The nauy discomfited by your Captaines , and they obtaining a most honourable victorie , the Duke himselfe forageth your confines , and hath fought a most honourable battell , each side dooing theyr deuoyre , in such wise , as it was doubtfull whether hadde the best , and thus they left them : and this hath bredde both my care and great ioye .

The Princes who tendered her natiue Countrey as her owne life , premeditating on her maidens spéech , and recounting each seuerall accident , many times wished her Lord present to chastice those vsurpers : vowing to reuenge those wrongs on Millaine , and all partakers : yet this in her womanish furie , reasonable meanes shée had none to make , without acquainting the Emperour therewith , which shée was verye loath to doo : Yet beating her Braines , to finde outsome shift , to behold the manner of their dooings , shée was euer crossed by some other contrarie accident , which made her sollitarie to abandon the companie of all people , onely her trustie seruant excepted , who séeing her heauinesse , lamented her rashnesse in reuealing those tydings , which yet renewed her sorrowes .

CHAP. XXV . Howe the henourable Princesse Vallia , performing her Church duties , after her trauaile , went disguised from Rome .

THe Princesse which sought many means to attaine her desire , longing more déepely to sée the estate of her commons , then for any worldly benifite , and to yéelde them comfort in theyr distresse . The time of her Churching béeing nowe finished , shée bethought her selfe of one secret intent , which shée would assuredly put in proofe , if Alynda woulde thereunto giue her consent , denising many waies how to acquaint the maiden with her purpose , yet fearing to discouer the simple intent of her former purpose , who knowing her Alynda to bee of a most sharpe and readye witte , shee first by manye circumstances bounde her to her secrets , which doone shée said .

Alynda , in many extreames , thou hast béene my faithfull councellour , and conselor of my secretes , from whome the déepest thoughts of my heart hath neuer béene hidde , and hauing founde thyloyaitie , I doubt not the like at this time , which I will requite to thy content : to holde thée longer from what thou expectest to knowe , I haue since I hearde thée discourse the distresse of my poore subiects , vowed to GOD my Redéemer to sée them , and to lend them all such helpe as my power will stretch vnto , onely for furthering my intent héerein , aduise mee what secret course to take , in which thou shalt highlye pleasure mée : But as thou louest mee , stande not vppon any denialls , or perswasions to withdrawe mée from this determination , for whatsoeuer betide of mee , I will execute what I haue héere intended .

Alynda which sawe her earnestnesse to performe her will héerein : be sought her of pardone , her wittes béeing to simple , to giue readie aduise in a case so full of daunger . But Madame ( quoth shée ) that you shall knowe , my loue is as firme as euer it was , deuise you the mean , and I wil doo my best to enact it , kéeping your secrets if I dye for it .

Enough , my owne swéete Alinda , I take thy woorde , and on thy faith , charge thée presently to prouide mee some trustie fréende to accompanye mee , which an disguised in mans attyre , armed like a Knight of the Emperours , will trauaile , my companion knowing nothing what I am : Wherefore saye to him , whome thou shalt appoint for my guide , I am thy Brother , that for some occasions of thy Ladies , is bounde for those parts of Italye , and on thy woorde , assure him of a good rewarde for his payne , to his verye good lyking . But haste thee , for I can enioye no quiet content , vntill I haue honourblye performed my will .

Madame ( quoth Alynda ) this shift may goe as currant as heeretofore . But say good Madame , how shall I aunswere your absence when the Emperor shal enquire for you ? Marrie this my Alynda , thou shalt giue it out amongst the Ladies of the Court , as well as amongst mine owne attendaunts , that I haue made a solemne vow , to fast certaine dayes : In which time , performing my other penance for my sinnes past , I will not bee seene or spoken vnto of any but your selfe : this shift , I doubt not , but maye suffise .

Excellent my good Ladie , ( quoth Alynda , ) I sée now a willing horse néedes no spurre , God sende your Ladishippe well to prosper in your iourney : for I neuer saw your wits so sharpned before .

But now for horses , where will you speede ? Thy selfe , Alinda shall bée my credit , thy honest word shall bée enraged to the maister of the Emperours Horse , for two such as shall bée most excellent , if not , mine owne assurance shall serue with him , to doo thy owne adopted Brother anye pleasure .

Beléeue mée Madame , I like your plat well , and doubt not , but that shal be as wel performed it . I haue bethought mée of a propper Gentleman , a wooer of mine owne , in sooth hée is : whome I will coniure , of that loue hée hath so often profest , to beare my Brother companie , and to prouide him some good guide for his conduct : in meane time , I will prouide your furniture , which shall all bee bought to your owne person .

What sayest then Alinda ? wilt thou name mée in buying for mée those needefull things ? No Madame ( qooth shée ) you mistake me , leave that to my charge , and cumber you no more with these cares .

The plat béeing laide for the Princes iourney , Alynda so applieth her selfe in puruaying each néedefull thing , that manye dayes were not spent , before each necessarie was brought into the Princes lodging , and exquisitly fitted her , guide and other consorts , to her owne verye good lyking . Which béeing soone , and the doye appoieted for theyr departure , Alynda calling her Fréende before the Princesse , said .

Most gracious Ladie , lette your humble scruant intreat your Ladiship to grace this fréende a kinsman of mine , with your fauourable countenance . And séeing I haue made choise of him amongst all the gallants of this royall Court , I beséech you witnesse with mée , what trust I repose in him , that commitmine owne and onely brother to his guiding , in a iourney for my good , which hee vndertaketh . Yong hee is , and not able to endure such harde trauaile , without some good guide : and sicknesse , incident to all men , may oppresse him : of which ( my good Hortelious , for so was he named ) take thou especiall regard , for that what thou doest to him , is done to my selfe , and as great shall thy thankes be in doing him pleasure . To morrow by that time the morning shall giue light at the gate , behinde these lodgings he shall attend you , where faile not to méete him , and me : and so for this time farewell .

This kinde louer which had no thought what seruice he vndertooke , was carefull of his charge , loath to be accouncounted negligent at this first entertainment , slept not vntill he had all things in good sort readie . The Princesse minding her iourney , was all night , or the better part , in arming and prouiding her selfe , attending the comming of her trustie guard , who failed not his houre appoynted , where the Princesse accompanied with her Alynda , met him . And making small stay , taking their loath depart each of other , wee leaue them to their iourney , and Alynda to her studious thoughts , how to beguile the Emperour , in her Ladies absence , as hereafter you shall heare .

CHAP. XXXI . Howe the Emperour with great regarde of the infants good fortunes , caused a man of Arte to calculate their natiuities .

THe Emperour whose felicitie was in those noble children , of whome hee had more care than of an ordinarie friend , desirous to knowe what in their birthes was predestinate vnto them , sought manie wayes to attaine vnto his desire , and acquainted sundrie his friendes with his intent . Atter long care taking to attaine his desire , had intelligence of a reuerent Hermet , which had his being on Alpes leading from Rome to Naples , whose Art was matchlesse in the Arte Methimaticke . Vnto this hermet he sent his trustie councellor Anthonie Buscatho , entreating him , ( whom he might commaunde ) to satisfie his pleasure herein sending , by him , the houre , day , and moneth , truly set downe of their natiuities .

Such haste made this noble man , that hee came vnto the Cell of the Hermet , whom hee kindly intreated to satisfie the Emperours pleasure herein , who loath to be drawne from his heauenly motions , could not a long time be perswaded to it . In the ende , so manie were the intreaties , and importunate suites of the noble Messenger , that he graunted his good will , promising by a certaine time to fulfill the Emperours suite , and by writing to satisfie him .

Anthonie hauing what he desired , returned the Emperor his answere , who spending the time in manie thoughts of his desires , tooke no rest vntill he heard what the Hermet said . As time spendeth , so time brought the limitted time to ende , of which the Emperour was carefull , when calling his Anthonie , he caused him to spéede vnto the Hermet , where making no stay , posted about his businesse , and in happie time arriued at his Cell : where entring conference with the aged father , touching his questions , he receyued no wordes at all , whereon he might take any occasion of iudgement . But after some repast taken , he sayd .

Friendly Anthonie , whose paines hath béene such , to sée my homely Cell , thankes for your paines , to my gracious Prince heartily commend me , and vnto him deliuer these fewe lines , which shall import that small knowledge I can giue .

The noble man hauing receiued his message , woulde not make more inquirie of ought , but taking his friendly farewell , hasteneth vnto the Court , of whose comming the Emperour was glad : who calling him into his Closet , enquired the newes he had . At which drawing his packet , signed with the Hermets signet , he deliued the same vnto his Maiestie , who renting the seales , read the contents thereof following .

The Nobles borne within the stately Court , Mongst Princes great , shall beare a kingly port . The latter borne , a straunger hence shall steale , By whom great good shall chance thy common weale . In armes with many matchlesse Princes he shal fight , Yet neuer be foylde by anie humane wight . Gods glorious name by power he shall aduaunce , And shall be knowne at length by happie chaunce . Who gaue him life , of him shall life receiue , Where he tooke life , there shall he life bereaue . In trauaile shall this worthie champion bide , Vntill this lucklesse fortune to him shall betide . Marrie he shall , with a most princelie wife , And end his daies in religious kind a of life . The Elder brother like a Lion fierce , The Pagans proude his prowes shall menace . The flying birds his parents shall bewray , And raging beast , shall vnto him obay . Most strange euents by him performde shall be , Myrrour of knighthood , and of chiualrie . For ouer East to west , their honours shall be spred , And Romans through his might shall be magnified .

These darke and close couched lines , when the Emperour had read , and ouer-read many times , and could not conceiue the meaning therof , he was more troubled in spirit then before . But when hee was warned , that the yonger should be borne from him by a stranger , he tooke order that their nurces should bee in one of the chiefest fortresses about the Cittie , where hee vsually visited them : in whome hee tooke more delight , then in anie thing , especiallie in Constantine the yoonger , which bare his name , of whome his feare was most . The elder whom had to name Nartelions , hee was not so watchfull of , yet had he a fatherly care of both . In this great regard , and héedful care , these princes were seuen yeres within the fortresse of the Cittie nourished . What after happened them , the Historie shall shew you as it commeth .

CHAP. XXVI . Howe the Princesse Vallia arriued at Genoway , and what happened her .

LOng and wearie trauaile hath brought the Ladie in sight of Genoway . Before she could recouer the Cittie , she was encountred by the Ambuscadoes of the Millaine Duke , who tooke her prisoner , and brought her to the Dukes Pauillion . The Duke séeing so fayre and beautifull a face , questioned him ( for so we must teame her nowe ) of whence hee was , and what affayres ledde him thither , whether hée came as a friend or an enemie . Vallia , whose sexe are not to séeke of readie answeres , séeing her selfe in the handes of him that woulde not willingly part with her , if he had knowledge of her , dissembling ( as well she could ) what she was , sayd . Noble Prince , the desire I haue to make triall of my manhood , hath brought me to thée , for that I haue heard thy honours spoken of amongst many . A Gentleman I am , desirous to sée the manner of warre : and if thou vouchsafe it , the price of my seruice shall be imployed for thee .

The Duke which noted her beautifull face , her kinde spéech , and affable countenance , held her for nloesse then shee séemed . And without vsing any circumstances , gaue her entertainment : appointing her a place néere his owne person : which kindnesse she verie gratefull accepted , returning many thankes for his honourable acceptance .

Not long had our yong warriour remained in the campe , whom in her attire we name Philipo , but a scallie was made by the Citizens , whose vittailes waring scant , woulde gladlie séeke all possible meanes to be quit of their enemies .

The larum in the campe giuen , all armed and in aray , Philipo was not last , but mounted , in very comely and braue maner demeaned hir selfe , ventering so farre in pursute of the enemie to the gates , that shée was with her guide taken prisoner , which the Millaine Duke seeing , commending the forwardnesse of his new entertained souldiour , sought to rescue hir . But his ayde came too late . No sooner was the Ladie within the Citie , but carrying the shew of a Cauelere , she had good entertainement , and well intreated . That night the Gouernour with his commaunders being pleasantly delighted at supper , and euerie man recounting what seruice they had séene and done that day , the captaine whose prisoner she was , acquainted the Gouernour what a prize he had that day gotten , leauing nothing vnremembered that might honour her , whome he made reckoning would purchase him store of crownes .

The Gouernour on this report of the Captaine , was verie desirous to sée this prisoner , yet for that night made little reckoning of it , in the morning early , his mind deuising of his nights resolution , accompanied with his best friendes , tooke his occasion to walke by the house of signiour Vincencio , where shee remained , with whom he questioned of sundrie occasions . After some friuilous spéech , he enquired for the prisoner , who was presently brought before him , whome he saluted verie kindly , requiring him to say of what countrey he was , and what name and parentage . Sir quoth Philipo , for so lette her be remembred , what you are I know not , neither desire I to know , but haue heard that lawes of armes allow not euerie man to examine , especially a gentleman . Therefore pardon me , for without the gouernour or his speciall authoritie , I will not acquaint any with my estate , and so good sir quoth she rest satisfied . Syr quoth the gouernour , your peremptorie spéech sheweth some great mind , which I pray God proue so happie for your hostes sake . If then I can entreate the gouernour to come or send for you , wil you vouchsafe to acquaint him with what I haue required ? True sir ( quoth Philipo ) you construe my minde right , for which I am beholding vnto you . You are verie pleasant gentle , man ( quoth the Gouernor ) which I wish to continue , & would gladly craue this fauour , that I might on mine owne authoritie demaund whether you know the gouernour , which you would sée . Sir answered Philipo , the honourable gentleman yet I neuer saw , but in regard of his vertues and honourable commendations , I both loue and honour him .

Thankes ( quoth the Gouernour ) for your good opinion and report of him which you hold an enemy , but happily may proue otherwise , for which , if any haue any thing to say , either in secret or otherwise , speake as a friend , I am the man , vnworthie though I be of so honourable a place , wherefore if thou haue ought to speake , say boldly thy minde , for by the honour of that seate which I do now possesse , I will fréely heare thée , and pardon whatsoeuer .

Philipo which saw how harshly she had demeaned her selfe , with a blushing countenance which might wel haue bewrayed what she was , humbly besought him of pardon for her vnwilling offence protesting by the honour of a souldiour , she had no knowledge of him , which the honourable gouernour beléeuing and forgiuing , she sayde . Noble minded Gouernour , hearing of the wrongs offered you and your people , I craued pardon and leaue of my soueraigne the Emperour , to be partaker of your seruice , as well to right your iniurie offered you , as for the loue and dutie I owe this countrey where I had my béeing first , and iourneying hither , intending what I say , was sodainly surprised by the Ambassadours of the Millaine Duke , who taking me at aduantage , there was small resistance , but yéelding me their prisoner , had entertainement of the Duke , who vsed mee most kindly , yet not content with his fauour , béeing enemie to your state , and heire of my late deceased Lorde Duke Phillip , in the last seruice I willingly aduensured my selfe in that manner to come vnto you , and in signe of my loyaltie and faith , though I be young and a straunger , whose credite yet is not requisite you should trust too farre in a time so daungerous , yet as I am a Gentleman ( which title with my life I will for euer maintaine ) bee ruled by mée , and doubt not the suddaine remoouing of your vsurping enemie .

The Gouernour listning to her long discourse , noted her modest countenance and courage in deliuering the same , yet holding it wisedome to haue better knowledge of any man , whom he should trust in a cause of such importance , thanked him for his proffer , crauing respit for his resolution therein . And so after some other courteous spéeches , giuing his word to his host for his libertie , hee inuited him to his lodging , where hee was feasted with great welcome , the gouernour delighting much in his companie and pleasaunt parley , which in their secret discourses , was for matters of state , touching the weale of her people , though the gouernours least suspect was of her , whose right hee gouerned . To her delight , being now in place of her most chéefest delight , we leaue her a time .

CHAP. XXVII . How Alinda taking care to keepe secret her Ladies absence , demeaned her selfe .

ALynda the trust of her Ladie , and the faithfull secret kéeper of her mistresse , after shee hadde carefully prouided all things , and séene her horsed to her iourney , beganne nowe to deuise in what a laborinth of daunger shee had wrapt her her selfe , if ought should betide her Lady , but well to auoyde her owne danger , and to frée her Ladie of suspect , her subtile pate was not free from carefull studie , which way shee might best keepe her secrets close , imagining sometime one way , sometine another : at length a more better presents it selfe to her memorie . But standing in an extafie , holding it wisedome not to be prouided if occasion should serue , she gaue it out , that her Ladie vowing a long fast and secret , would not be séene or spoken to of her Alynda .

This plotte working effectually , Alinda orderly as she was accustomed , went to visite the children , from whence she returning , she puruaid with her owne hand her diet , as for her Ladies seruice , and then attyring her selfe in her Ladies attyre , would shew her selfe . In this manner continued shee without suspect of her Ladies absence , vntill the Emperour pittying the Lady , doubting least her long solitarinesse should moue her to melancholy , and thereby some dangerous sicknesse might ensue , when hee hadde often solicited her by her sernant Alinda for the same , and receiued such answeres by her as hée liked not , mooued with a kinde desire to sée her , hée vowed that if ●he left not her chamber by a time limitted , passing the bondes of honour , he would violently breake the doores vppon her .

This wind of furie made Alyndaes heart cold , fearing her Mistresses honour should not by absence bee questioned of , and her selfe without confession of her beeing where shee might not bee knowne , in daunger of the Emperours displeasure , and losse of credite and life : to anoyde all which , many wayes shee deuised , yet none safe inough , as shee thought : but as women haue alwayes some shift , if it were to deceiue the Diuell , so Alynda deuised this meane , vnto her Ladyes confessour . In a morning earlye shee went , where after her , many pretie questions and aunsweres passed betweene them , Alynda to trye the constancie of this holy father , charged him on his holy orders , and by the reuerent zeale hee bore to religion , to say what hee would doo for her Ladie , in maintaining her honour and reputation .

The Frier who thought on no such matter as the subtile Alinda , willing to make a shewe of zeale and dutie , protested by all holy vowes , that whatsoeuer rested within his power , he would gladly effect for her Ladiship , if the losse ●● life and credite depended thereon . This geare wrought fitte for Alyndaes purpose , which she thus answered . Holye Father , well haue you said , in vowing your selfe the fauouret of so noble a Ladie whose reputation and honor dependeth in your secrecie : which seeing your holie vowes ought to bee helde in regarde , both with God , and the worlde , I will reueale a matter most rare and straunge vnto you , and craue your counsaile in the same .

My Ladie ( holy Father ) hearing of the wrong offered the Gouernour and state of Genoway , whose right the Dukedome is , inspired with courage , sprung from the loynes if a noble souldiour , and possessing the spirit of her louelie Lord , the knight of the holy Crosse determning to trie her fortune in those warres , bound me by oath to her secrete intent , neuer for forture of death , or whatsoeuer punishment , to reueale her will , and noble determination therein : which done , and my vowe past , she inioyned me to prouide horse and armour for her with a guide . And so decking herselfe in the attyre of a man , onelie accompanied with a Gentleman of the Court , who knowing her but for my brother , are gone for Genoway , since whose departure , my care béeing great to kéepe her credite , haue giuen it out , as well to the Emperour , as to all other , that my Ladie hath made a holy vowe , and obserueth a fast for certaine wéekes , in which time shee will haue no conference , or be séene of anie , but my selfe . But the Emperour dreading thorowe her solitarinesse , some melancholike infirmitie , shoulde ensue , hath sworne , if shee come not abroade in a certaine time , to drawe her perforce into his companie .

To salue all which , let me intreat you , by shat promise you haue made , to morrow morning by that houre the Emperour doth vsually walke about his priuie garden , to come vnto the Court , where I wil attend you , and be your guide to her chamber , where my selfe disguised in my Ladies apparell , will with you feigning great conference , shewe vs at the windowe where we may bee both seene of his excellencie . By which meanes ; and your further perswasions to his Maiestie , in telling him what vengeance he shall incurre of God , in frustrating the holie vowes of anie religiously made , he may bee drawne from a déede so farre vnseeming his honour , and die charitabley

Gentlewomen , ( quoth she confessour ) thy faith to thy Ladie , I admire ( as well I may ) for as rare a matter is it to see a woman of such secrecie , as a million of blacke swannes . Thy woordes hath woonne mée to execute thy will , what thou hast deuised I will ( God willing ) performe . And I pray that our devises haue as good effect for thy Ladies honour , as thine heart wishes . In the morning expect mee , when God saying Amen , I will visit thée , vntill that time farewell .

Alynda seeing her worke haue effect to her wish , returned him many thankes for his courtesies , promising large rewardes for his friendship : which done , committing him to his deuout seruices , shée spéedeth to her lodging , about her ordinarie affaires . Where we leaue her till fitter occasion of the Historie serueth .

CHAP. XXVIII . Howe the feigned Philipo by good gouernment and behauiour , obtained the good wil of the Gouernour , and what chanced her in the fight .

PHilipo hauing a care of finishing her intended businesse , ought by all meanes to gaine the good will of the Gouernour : so that leauing no occasion which was offered , he alwayes tooke oppostunitie to mooue the Gouernour , by battell to trie the euent of their fortunes But the Gouernour hauing lost manie of his companie , expecting some ayde from his friends , detracted the time , in such manner , as Philipo wearied with their lingring , and respecting her promise with Alynda , finding opportunitie , hauing the Gouerneur at conueinent time and place to speake , thus she said .

Noble Gouernour if I might without suspect of villanie , or incurring your displeasure , boldly speake , I woulde then make offer of my simple seruice to your honour , and your peoples great good . The Gouernour whome affection had woonne to like him , willed him to say what he would fréelie , he woulde heare him , and further his honest suites to his best power . Thankes , ( noble Gentleman , quoth Phillipo ) seeing you vouchsafe me this fauour , I sée and note the great disiresse of your people , and pitie them , for whose reliefe from this captiuitie , and fréedome from these enemies , I will adventure my bodie in single combate , to trie my fortune with the best man at armes in that usurper's ●●●ps , if you dare on the goodnesse of your first quarrell , aduenture your right : or if to this , you , or that proude enemie will not condiscend , by battell to ende the warres in this sort , giue me leaue to trie by policie , what affect God which 〈◊〉 the iust actions of men will do .

The Gouernour musing at the resolution of Philipo , whose smooth face argued his yong yeares , and 〈◊〉 knowledge in marshall discipline , would not disable his 〈◊〉 . But thanking him for his friendly proffer , recounted 〈◊〉 him , the experience of warres the eneme had , 〈…〉 Souldious amongest them , so that his 〈◊〉 waining strength , was insufficient to incounter the woorst of many hundreds , and their pollicie not too presented . Yet Gentleman , ( quoth he , ) that I may not shewe any vngreatfulnesse to you , whose care and offer is such for our good , let mee heate your deuice , and as I like , we will accept or refuse it . Philipo deriding her ill successe in her suite , besought the Gouernour of yardon , vnlesse of his honour hée vouchsafed to graunt him his suite .

The Gouernor séeing his willingnesse , and what discontent he had at his deuiall , and dispairing of his good hap , hoping on God , which by the power of Dauid , discomfited a more huge armie , graunted his request . Whose wordes no sooner vttered , but hee might perceiue her hearts content by her chéerefull countenance . After a small stay , little néeding long premeditation she sayd : Know ( my good Lord ) that during the time I remained in fielde with the Duke , hauing an intent to do you and yours , what good I best could , I gaue my studie to search the secrets of his campe , noting his whole order and maner in euerie thing , watching by night to sée their obseruation , and warding the day , to know their customes . In which times , I sawe how carelessely they demeaned themselues , wishing at some times your honour were acquainted with my thoughts : so with a small power might they haue béene furprised . In hope of which ( good my Lord ) giue me leaue to chuse vnto me , those whose yeares require honour by their deserts , such Gentlemen as I can intreate to accompanie mee , my selfe will giue the attempt , entering first the campe , like a fugetiue , hauing stollen from the Citie , pretending honourable loue to the duke , whom I will with my feigned talke so besot , as vntill heauie sléepe oppresse him , he shall neuer be wearie to heare me : which done , and euerie one in the dead of their sléepe , binding them safe , I will with his Signet , commaunde the Officers of the watch to giue me the worde , pretending the Dukes meaning to visit euerie watch secretly that night . These things falling so out by shewing a flaming Torch , I will giue notice to my companie , whom I will méet , and vnto them deliuer the word , which by small companies shall passe the courts of garde , vntill we 〈…〉 the Dukes owne lodging , where hauing some strength , my selfe ( on my life ) will vndertake to bring the Duke prisoner , and 〈…〉 ( by your helpe , and Gods assistance ) your enemies .

Philipo , deuise ( quoth the Gouernour ) if it be as well performed , which God graunt , to thy industris ( noble minded Gentleman ) I comment this seruice , and will my selfe reposing ouer thy loyaltie : be readie at giuing the signe , with fiue hundred of my trustiest fréendes to ayde thée , the honor whereof , shall be Philippoes , if we preuaile , then procéed when thou shalt best please .

Philippo , hauing his desire , and the gouerners good consent , attyred like a common souldiour , at setting the watch , issued the Cittie , commending the successe of his seruice to GOD : far had he not gone from the Cittie , but taken by the enemies Espyalls , he craued accesse to the Duke , vnto whom after they had rifeled him , they brought him . No sooner came hée to the presence of the Duke , but prostrating himselfs at his féete , hee sayth . Most noble Lord , and my dread soueraigne , pardon thy humble seruant , who by my ouerboldnesse , desirous to gaine your gracious loue , so farre aduentured in pursuit of thy enemies : That béeing past rescew , and the enemies number lesse , my strength fayling mée , with the losse of much bloud issuing from my woundes , I was in haplesse time , taken Prysoner , where I haue there euer since remayned , vntill this time : I then slaying my kéeper , taking his apparell and furniture , I thus escaped theyr furye , who for my harsh spéeches , vsed in defending your noble reputation , was doomed to bée shot to death by the souldiours . The Duke glad to sée his safe returne with life , for whome he had great care , giuing him heartie thankes for his good loue , and daungerous aduenturing for him , and in his seruice , gaue him a chayne of golde from his necke : commanding his Maister of the wardrop , to sute him presentlye in a rich sute which hee appointed : which done , seating him by his side , accompanied with the chéefest of his men at Armes , and nobilitie , hee discoursed vnto him much matter to theyr lyking : touching the miserie of the towne , assuring them on his life , before manye daies were ended , the commons in despite of the Gouernor wold yéelde themselues , if in time he and his accomplices sought not his highnesse fauour . With these pleasing speeches , & often carrowsing betwéene them , at finishing of each storie , the night was well spent , Philippo for his welcome , was lodged on a Pallet in the Dukes Tent : which done , and euery man at his quiet , the Court of guarde about the Tent , being halfe a sléepe , as one that reguarded his honour with the gouernor , séeing all sound , serched the Dukes pocket , where finding the signet , he issued out the Tent , commaunding the Captaine of his guard to send him the word , for that disguised , hee would walke that night about the Campe .

The Captaines séeing the Dukes signet , gaue him the word , which obtained , about his other businesse he goeth , effecting all things as he wished . The Duke being fast , thrusting out his torche at the Tent dore , as though the Duke intended to visit the Ferrara Duke , which lay not farre off , he fained spéeche with the guarde , vntill he thought the Gouernors espyalls had séene the signe : When making no longer stay , with a Holbart on his neck , taking his way towards the Citie , he past with the word without any molesting . The Gouernor which had hope in his champion , slept not his time , but with his horse , and many other a foote , attended the comming of Philippo , to direct them , which made all possible haste , and in good time to all their comforts , met the Gouernour : Vnto whom he briefly deliuered what was done , beséeching him to let his footemen passe , by small companies , to a place by him assigned , whither he would conduct them , and at the allarome giuen , to make hast with his horsemen to their reschew . The Gouernour hauing good hope of successe , commending his pollicie and resolution , appointed his men by him to be led , straightly charging them to be gouerned by him , who giuing them the worde , marched on to a side of a small hill , close on the backe side : the Dukes tent where they stayed , vntill theyr guide Philippo had appointed them what to doo .

Philippo , applying his businesses , bringing the companye close to the Tent , hauing the Duke fast bound , wrapped him in his night gowne , accompanied with two or thrée good followes more of his crewe , with theyr weapons drawne , drewe him from his naked bed : with which awaking , and perceiuing them straungers which were about him , he would haue cryed out for helpe , which Philippo perceiuing , thrust his gloues into his mouth , swearing by all holinesse , that if hée spake anye worde , he should presently haue his pasport , to hell , which was the habitation of such vsurpers : Therefore willed him , as hée tendered his life , to bee silent , and his bodye should haue no harme , which to doo , hée was enforced : Taking what they woulde with patience , hauing him within theyr power , they cutte the coardes of the Tent , and pulled him out vnderneath , bestowing him at theyr owne pleasures : that done , leauing him in safe kéeping , they gaue the allarome , killing and slaying without mercie . To whose ayde , came the watchfull Gouernour , who with his power , did such feates of Armes , that the whole Armie was discomfited , some fledde , but most plaine . The Dukes with the principall were taken Prisoners , with many others , which were deliuered presently . But the Duke with his complices , hée sent vnto the Cittie , to take better assurance of his loyaltie .

Thus the pollitie of Philippo preuayling , and those Lordes of theyr riches and prouision , which they hoped to haue made theyr Captiues , the Gouernour sent vnto the Towne , the happie successe of theyr seruices , marching himselfe by easie paces , dooing Philippo all the honour hée coulde . Who being mounted on a beautifull Ienet of Spaine , led the two Dukes his prisoners .

The happie tydings of this honourable victorye suddainlye spread throughout the Cittie : great was the tryumphing they made , where no solemnitie was left there vneffected for honour of the same , euery one lauding the pollicie of Philippo , and dooing him all the honour that might bee deuised .

To the excéeding gréefe and heartes discontent of the Dukes , who blaming theyr light credence of a straunger , whome they neuer sawe before in their liues , woulde on his wordes , vttered of purpose to serue his owne turne , admitte him to such fauour and trust : but after warnings comes too late . They are nowe to bee vsed at the pleasure of the Gouernour , vnto whom Philippo became an earnest sutor , for theyr courteous entertainement , and honorable vsage .

The Gouernour , whose honour was increased by the industry of Philippo , imbrasing him in his Armes , committed the whole estate of those Princes and Nobles , vnto his direction : by whom he solemnely vowed to be gouerned , for which , as one that could demeane himselfe to all estates like himselfe , hée returned many heartie thankes , and accepted his kind proffer .

CHAP. XXIX . How Philippo gaue thesentence on the vsurping dukes , and the honour done at his departure .

PHilipo , praysing God for his prosperous successe , reioyseth nowe to bee with her Alinda , whome shée greatly feared might encurre some daunger , by her long absence : to auoide which , shee besought the gouernour of lysence to departe : pretending businesses of great importaunce . To whose sute , although willingly he would haue condiscended , yet with earnest intreatie and loue hee bare him , he besought him to staye with him , promising on the fayth and honour of a Gentleman , as himselfe , hee shoulde participate in all liuing Land and goods , which hee had , or should euer haue . For which Philippo rendered many heartie thankes , but might not bee intreated : for which the gouernor , as well as many other his followers , and fréendes , were heartily sorie , surceasing theyr bootelesse sutes , least theyr importunitie might bréed offence , yet they besought him , to accept the raunsome of the prisoners which were to bée disposed by him .

When Philippo saw the honorable minds of those his friends , which hee had good cause to loue , for maintaining his right , and euerie way discharging the honourable parte of a trustie subiect , loath that so great fauours should go vnrecompenced , hee first on their alleagance to the rightfull heire of the Dukddome , charged them streightly to fulfill what he should giue in charge , being no disparagement to their honours and estate , to which they willingly agréed , confirming by oath what he had set downe , and then saide . In performance of the words you haue giuen , this shall you do , before thée moneth is fully expired , you shall in person repaire vnto Rome , where before the imperiall maiestie of my soueraigne Lord the Emperour , you shall present these Dukes your prisoners , where I will recount your honourable deserts , and deserued commendations , that your Princesse Vallia may reward your honourable seruice . Till when , honourable Gouernour , weare this ring , by which you shall finde me , if you forget the name of Philippo . Which said , and the ring deliuered , the gouernour wondering at the grauitie and noble minde of the resolute gentleman , ouercome with his noble proffer , could not fell what way to recompence the least of his deserts , but rendering him many thankes , besought him in the most humble manner , to acknowledge their duties to their soueraigne Ladie Vallia , whose seruadts thee vowed them in all loyaltie . These conditions agréed vppon , and euerie thing with consent finished , the time appointed for Philippos departure , a band of souldiours were appointed for his conuay to Rome , the captaine of which companie , hauing great charge for his honourable vsage , vnto whom ten thousand crownes was deliuered at their leaue taking of him . The time of his departure being come , Philippo taking a solemne farewell of the Dukes of Millaine and Ferrara , with the other noble prisoners , the gouernour with the most noblest of the countrey , conducted him on his iourney , of whom when they took their leaues , many teares were shed : such was the sorrow for his departure . whome they had no knowledge of . Whom after many loth farewels , wee leaue to his iourney , accompanied with his guard and the gouernours , to manie honourable thoughts of this noble stranger .

CHAP. XXX . How Philippo arriued in Rome , and what chanced Alinda .

THe Gouernour hauing lost our noble Philippo , there néeded none to hasten him , whose thoughts was of his Alinda , whom he had engaged for his returne . As time worketh many effects , so long trauell hath brought this noble ladie within one dayes iourney of the Citie , her long desired place of rest , when calling the captain and his companions , hee discharged them from their further trauaile , largely rewarding them for their paines : where the Captaine was loath to leaue her , before hée had séene her in safetie in the Cittie : but when no perswasions might serue but they must needes leaue her , the Captaine making readie the gold , presented it vnto her , desiring her to accept it as the gift of his louing friends of Genoway .

Philippo wondering at the bountie of the Gouernour , gaue them many thankes , but no entreatie might cause him to touch one penny , the Captaine on his part loth to offende the , Gouernour againe to returne it , protested by his honour in armes , and faith of a souldiour , to leaue it to his disposition . Which oathes Philippo was not willing he should violate , but measuring his honourable minde , receiued the Golde , the one halfe of which , he fréely imparted amongst the Souldiours , who accepted it without deniall , with many thankes , the other halfe betwéene the Captaine and his guide he equally shared , vnto whom yeelding many thankes for his bountie , taking their leaues , they left him on his way for Rome , and they returned for Genoway .

The time of her expected returne was now neare expired , wherein Alynda was to prooue her wittes yet againe as shée had doone : whose cunning by the good helpe of the Frier , tooke such effect , that the Emperour by his godly counsell was reclaimed from his intended purpose , although the Princesses absence wrought his great disquiet , yet patienting himselfe , hée was content with hearing of her good health , for which hee diligently enquired euerie day of Alynda , whome to quiet from further care or discontent , Vallia arriued at Rome , and taking her lodging in an Offria , sent her guyde to the court in secret , to giue notise to Alynda of her returne , willing her in the euening to méete her at the place where they last parted .

This tydings to Alynda was welcome , who was not a little comforted with that newes of her Ladyes good successe , for which giuing GOD thankes for his fauour , and kéeping and preseruing her in her iourney , shée awaighted with diligence the good howre of her Ladyes home returne , where giuing her attendance , shée hadde not long stayed before shee hadde sight of her , the most welcome of the worlde . What ioy at theyr méeting there was , with theyr sundrie discourses , I omitte , vntill in quiet content shee was placed in her lodging , from whence after shee hadde discharged her guide , shee was not long absent , where beeing with her secret Alynda all alone , shee questioned her of all the chaunces that hadde happened since her departure from thence . Which aunswered , Alynda forgatte not to tell her the perplexed estate wherein shes was at the Emperours woordes , menacing her to sée her Ladye , no occasions whatsoeuer so preuent him : with the pollicie shee vsed , and ayde of her confessour . At which discourse the Princesse might not forbeare heartily to laugh . What other prattle happened , magine you Gentlemen , that are acquainted with woers merrie méetings , to let you heare more of Edward and his companie , what in their iourney happened them .

CHAP. XXVII . Howe Edward accompanied with the Gouernour of the Rodes , and his Ladie hauing performed their ryttes in the holy land , returned home , and what chanced .

YOu haue heard gentiles of the recouerie of the gouernour of the Rodes , by the noble knight of the Crosse , who gathering strength and some ease of his wounds , by the knight his good recure , arriued at the holy Citie , where they made their stay , doing such religious ceremonies , as to vowed trauailers appertaineth : where their welcome was great for the knights loue , whose honour they wished for the seruice done , in defence of the holy Citie . After the gouernour was well recouered , and all things to their content finished , the knight desirous to sée his Ladie whom hee neuer heard off since their parting , causing their companie to be ready to depart , and their attendants to puruay them of victuals , for prouision passing the mountaines : which done , taking theyr leaue of the high priests , and the chéefe of all the citie , who conducted them on theyr way , they trauailed without any aduenture , vntill they came to the Cittie of Aleppo , where they stayed to refresh themselues . In this Citie , there was resident certaine Spanish marchants , who enuying the good countenaunce of the knight , and the loue was made him by the viceroy there , moued with reuenge of his counte generall , slaine by the Knight of the Crosse , after their returne from the wars , séeking many wayes to intrappe him , and finding no cause or meane to accuse him of any ill , whereby to procure his trouble , hee consorted with his Ianesaries , who were appointed to wait on him by some pollicie to do him to death , promising great rewardes for his paines . Thy fact being committed , these hell-hounds whom no conscience mooued to remorse , in hope of gaine , vndertooke the action . And vnder shewe of kindnesse and zeale to him that was a knight at Armes , intruded themselues into his companie , admitting him to many bankets , the better to worke their willes on him , séeking opportunitie to slay him , taking their occasion to quarrell for pledging a carrous : which the Knight refusing , a sturre began betwéene them , where he receiued many iniuries , and some woundes , before hee offered any offence : when the multitude growing about him , and he vnarmed , winding his Mantle about his arme , he reft from one of the Turks his semitarie , with which he made such way , that they helde themselues most happiest , that were farthest off .

The rumour of which broyle , was noysed thorow the Citie , that thither they came from al parts , to take parts , and to be beholders of the fight . In which , after many déepe wounds giuen , and many of the vngouerned Ianesaries sent to hell , when he could make no more resistance , compelled by the heat of the place , and wearinesse of the fight , he yéelded himselfe vnto the handes of the Iwae , chiefe Iudge of the Citie , who promised him to bee his warrant from all men , that no daunger should betide him : on which promise he deliuerd his weapon . The Spanish Marchant , whom they called Guido , standing on his house top to beholde this tumult , hoped well that the Knight had bin slaine , but it proued contrarie , at which he stormed greatly , but more gréeued to pay his promised summes , which for his life hee durst not denie , fearing the Ianesaries should haue slaine himselfe . Which seconde gréefe , caused the traiterous Spaniard to séeke his further trouble , vrging these Ienesaries , to lay vnto the Knights charge , matters of treason in the state of the Cittie , thereby to cut him off by lawe , which hee , nor the best Cauileres of his Countrey , durst out looke in the face , in anie sort to attempt ought against him of force .

These Ianesaries suborned by large gifts , wrought others to take part with them , who were néere the Viceroy , and the Gawr , which vppon their reports summoned the Knight to their iudgement hall , from the prison where hee lay chayned , vnto whome matter of great vntruth was obiected , concerning the state , which hee stoutlie denied . But those Curres , which had solde his life for money , storming that hee had fauour to speake , offered to sweare by theyr holie Alcaron , that he with the rest of his confederates , viewing the Citie in theyr secrete walkes , had taken notice of theyr forces , inquyring by circumstaunces , of such as they accompanied wich , what numbers of men they had , and howe with vittailes they were relieued . These accusations so vehemently vttered agaynst him , the Viceroy coulde not but examine : and finding him guiltie of the same by theyr false iudgement , sentence of death shoulde with all seueritie passe agaynst him .

The Knight séeing his cause daungerous , putting his hope on him that neuer left him comfortlesse , with a bolde vndaunted spirite , and as one that feared not their threates , knowing death was the woorst , thus sayd . Reuerend fathers , Iudges of mens causes , you haue here by your lawes condemned an innocent man to death , for no cause iustly offered , but falsely and vntrulie by enuie , and of your owne imaginations , wrought agaynst me . First , by force they pretending loue vnto mee , in that place where they gaue mée vittailes , they sought to take my life from mee . Their intended purposes that way failing , standing on mine one safetie and defence , they haue here falsely accused mee of matter neuer thought on by me . But say ( patrones of iustice and honour ) that I should haue viewed your forces , what may one naked man do , where are thousands of braue and gallant souldiours ? If your wisedome would but in iustice sift the cause , you should then find the wrong offered mee , that am here a straunger amongest you : from whom I appeale to the Grand Seigniorie for iustice , or being a souldiour and a man at Armes , in your Citie , which are most men at Armes , let mée in combat trie mine innocencie . If to neither of these my lawfull suites you do agrée , the worlde which heares of your vniust dealing with mee , will scorne your lawes , and to your greate reproofe , to report your wrongs done a gentleman and a souldier .

The King which was a Runnagatho , an Easterling borne , and was not to learne the Christian lawes , and good nuriture , hearing his resonable request , saide hee spake reason , and called before his accusers , vnto whom he said . Countrimen and fellowes , you haue here on your wordes , brought a Christian and souldier to iudgement , whom our lawes hath condemned by your reports , whether of truth , or in reuenge of some of those who lost their liues in the broile begun by you a-amongst your selues , we cannot say : but as I am appointed your gouernour , and expresly charged by his Emperiall maiestie , whose authoritie I beare , to vse iustice to all men without fauor : in which , I hope I haue hitherto borne an equall hande , neither sparing my friends , nor fauoring my enemies : so in this case , you must vse what law of Armes requireth . Therfore this is my sentence , which if you be souldiers , and your cause iust , you may not denie , that you two his accusers , shall in single combat ( according to the lawes of our land ) maintain your accusation by fight : for which , appoint your selues agaynst to morrow , or reuoke your words before the whole assemblie .

The Ianesaries , who least looked for this fauor to be shewed a Christian , mooued some other of their friends to vrge against him the slaughter of those souldiers by him murthered , & iustice to procéed for breaking the peace in their citie , being the principall fort of the land , against the law of Armes : which the knight thus answered . Your grace hath heard the malice of those people , whose intent , if they may haue their wils , is my life , of which if your grace consider , that what I did was in mine own defence and safetie of my life , hauing receiued sundry woundes , which are yet to be seene , before I offred any one a blow : if a worme hauing no fence , will turne being troden on , worthy of blame may not that man be , which will defende his life , who once lost can neuer be recalled .

The king interrupting his spéech , turning him to the accusers , said : You are to maintaine your euidence , attend your limited time , or confesse your accusation false : which saide , hee committed the gard of the prisoner vnto a Captaine , to sée him forth comming at the time appointed .

CHAP. XXXII . How the Ianesaries loath to maintaine the fight , laboured the Spaniard to buy his libertie .

THe faint-hearted Villaines , who had séene the feates of Armes done by the Knight , doubting their force , which was farre vnable to encounter a man of such woorth and experience in Armes , fearing by theyr foyle euer to bee dishonoured , perswaded the Spanish Guido , in friendship to make offer of loue vnto the Knight , who béeing a Christian , for a summe of money might deliuer him , threatning him , if hée wrought not some meanes for to free them from the combatte , they would discouer his pretended euill , and cause him for his treason loose his heade . The Spaniard vexed at the heart , to sée his businesse take no better effect , perswaded himselfe of two euils to choose the least : without any more pause taking , accompanied with others of his confederates in the action , sléeping no time , came to the Knight of the holy Crosse , whom with great show of kindnesse , and many curtesies he saluted , feining great sorow for the wrong offered , perswading him to patience , for that there was no right to bee expected , from them , who sold their lawes , liues , and whatsoeuer for money . And ( quoth the traiterous Spaniard ) where such gouernment is , accursed is the land , but more accursed the people : wherefore ( quoth he ) if you will be ruled by me , that am a Christian , and bound in conscience to relieue euery man professing God , much more a man of such estéeme as your self , which with your life hath maintained his honour in many places , doing good to all people in distresse . Stand not on any thought of your being , or what you haue bin , but considering where you are , rather yéeld your self vnto their fauour for money : without further triall or danger , I will vndertake to buy your libertie . Then ( noble English man ) prefer not mony before your life : for being here , if you preuaile against your accusers , yet shall you euer go in danger of secret enemies which will not bee satisfied before they haue your life . I speake as a friend , whose welfare I estéeme . Therefore with wisdome censure of your good , by being counselled , or your peril by being too headstrong : if you accept of my profer , I will take order for your libertie , without any charge of yours : which don , you shal presently be transported to Valencia , a famous citie of Spaine , my ship being readie fraughted for that place , attending but a fayre wind . When the knight which during his long preambulation , had considered of his speech , he was perswaded that he spake but truth , yet could not iudge his secret intent , which made him that hee thought not of any euill to bee pretended by him that professed conscience and christianitie , making this account , that he were better howsoeuer , to be with Christians , then in the hands of such reprobates , being but a money matter , which by his friends , wheresoeuer he became , might shortly be prouided . Wherfore , with many kind courtesies returning hartie thanks to his traiterous friend , he sayd . Kind friend , whose friendship offered I knowe not howe to merit , albéeit my conscience perswadeth me I shall prosper well in the combatte , assuring my selfe on God , who protecteth his people , yet in regarde of these my followers heere present , as for my libertie , I accept your offer , which I will requite , causing the mightiest Prince of Christendome to rewarde thee with thankes , and my selfe with large summes , to satisfie thy debt : wherefore if you intende what you say , spéede about it , that I may know to what euent our friendship will sort .

The Spaniard glad to heare his purposed determination grow to so good a passe , imbracing him , like a seconde Iudas , whom he sought to betray , besought him , not to dismay in any thing , for all the goodes he had were at his disposing . And so for that time taking his solemne farewell , he left the Knight to manie conceited thoughts of his newe professed friend , himselfe spéeding to finde the traiterous Ianesaries , who were as faine of his good successe in his businesse , longing to heare what would become of it , whether the Knight cetermined to trie the cause by fight , or otherwise by friendship ende it , as the next Chapter shall shew you .

CHAP. XXXIII . How the traiterous Spaniard Guido , compounded with the Bashaw for the Knights libertie , with his departure towards Spaine , and what then chanced .

NEuer was the tidings of pardon more welcome to the condemned prisoner , expecting death , then this good consent of Edward to Guido , who trauailing in care as the painefull woman labouring with childe byrth , was in a moment freed from that painfull extacie where with ioy neare ouercome , his tongue bewraying his hearts content , making small stay , but Iudas like ( as a Spaniard practising treason ) taking his farewell , hee looketh not behinde him , vntill hee came to the lodging of the Ianesaries , vnto whome he came not before he was long looked for : who resting in a quandarie , was as fearefull to trie their accusation by fight , as the Spaniard to abide the hazarde thereof , who noting Guidoes guilfull countenance , their guiltie mindes gan presage some good euent Beeing mette , as you heare , imagine Gentiles , whether there were anie questions left vndemaunded of the Spaniard , touching his late accomplished businesse , which might tend to their welfare , or that the knight intended ought which might bréede their discredite . Of all which , when the Spaniard had at large resolued them , recounting from poynt to poynt each seuerall accident chauncing betwéene the knight and him , with what curtefie he offered peace and friendship vnto him , whose death he most desired , cloking his villainie with such shewes of loue and friendship of Christianitie , they all laughing for great ioy at the Knights simplicitie , and the traitours knauerie , spent the time froliking together , vntill the next morning , where in their quaffing & drunken discourses , a matter of more perill for the Knight was plotted betwéene them : whose heart being frée from all guile , had not the least suspect of what was intended agaynst him , as you shall heare hereafter , where the Historie recounteth it , and returne nowe to the Ianesaries : who drunke with delight of their glad tydings , wished long for the sight of that ioyfull day to ende all their doubts , which no sooner appeared , but the Ianesaries loath to be preuented in what they intended , spéedeth them first vnto their commander the Gaw , and vnto him deliuered the Spaniards suite , and the Bashaw which was for the deliuerance of the Knight for raunsome , beguiling the simplicitie of the Gaw , with the earnest suit of the Spaniard for him . And offering their good consents , so that therewith contented , omitting nothing which might giue liking , or gaine the good will of those they sought , to theyr wish . All which reportes of them made , was so soothed by Gindo , that the Gaw , mooued partly with pitie of the knight , and more with gaine of the Crownes offered for his fréedome and libertie , calling for his companie , speedeth vnto the Bashaw , whome he found preparing himselfe with all his brauerie to beholde the euent of those Combatters , who seeing the spéedie comming of the Gaw , thought verily that they had béene alreadie attending for his presence , and beganne earnestlie to enquire the cause of his suddaine comming so earlie .

The Gaw which was wise and experienced , as be fitted his authority , be sought the Bashaw to withdraw him from the companie when he would deliuer what he had to say . Which done , and they all alone , Gaw deliuered each particular which the Iauesaries and Spaniards had mooued him with all , with his opinion in the same , al tending to that those traitours desired : and the knights libertie , of all which when they had aduisedly considered , although they could well haue giuen their consent to haue ended all matters , yet for fashion sake , they called the rest of their councell , who hearing the matter , stood not long on tearmes , but called for the Spaniard , demanding whether the motion wer made by the knight , or of any other of good wil towards him : which Guydo affirmed to come from the knight , and besought him of fauour therein , vndertaking to pay the raunsome , whatsoeuer they would inflict vpon him .

At hearing of the Spaniards large proffer , silence was againe proclaimed , and the Spaniard dismissed , betwéene them agréeing on the summe , and dayes of payment which they rated him : but howsoeuer the Spaniard must not forsake his word , least hee pay the price of the raunsome with his head .

This done , and the articles by them setdowne , which the Spaniard must confirme , hee was againe called , vnto whom the Bashaw sayde . Signior Guydo , those goods parts and discréete carriage of your selfe euer since your comming amongst vs , we haue diligently noted , as your selfe in all your businesse haue founde more then all other strangers , and as tofore , so nowe in this motion you haue made for the reléese of this Christian , whome although our lawes haue condemned for a fact not to bee tollerated in anie , yet at thy earnest request , and motion of those his aduersaries , it is concluded , that for his libertie you pay tenne thousand crownes , the one halfe instantly , and the other at your next returne of shipping from your countrey : which doone , and hee deliuered , you shall awarrant his departure with his companions : the first fayre winde to carrie your shipping hence , or otherwise on his longer stay to be again apprehended , and iudged as before , to endure the penaltie of death , as alreadie without further triall . To these conditions if thou agrée , prepare thy money , and stay the Combat , which must otherwise presently procéede . The Spaniard which had all that hée exspected , hauing his life and possession of him whom he hated decay , humbly thanking the Bashaw for their fauour , thought the prise was high which he was for his pretended treasons was inioyned to paye , setting a counterfeit ioy on his gréeued heart , he departed to his lodging , where , by his owne store , and his Countrey mens ayde , he furnished the same : which he presently paide , and had the Prisoner deliuered , whom he most kindly intreated , feasting and ioying with him , so long as he remained with him , how vile soeuer he intended hee shoulde bee vsed at his departure . In which time , came the ship , as I haue alreadie tolde you , stayed of purpose for his deliuerance , to carrie him from thence . Whereof , how glad soeuer the Knight and his company was to bee freed from the daungers of those helhoundes , yet was his exchaunge little amended , as you shall héereafter knowe further . Onelye nowe héere resteth to shewe you his embarquing from thence , what successe his hadde , and of his Trayterous vsage at Sea , by Guydoes commaund , you must a while pardon , to heare of the Arriuall of the Gouernour of Genowaye , with the rest of his Nobilitie at Rome .

CHAP. XXXIIII . How the Gouernor of Genoway holding his word with the counterfeit Knight arriued in Rome , and of theyr entertainment .

IT is here remembred , that Vallia in her Knights attyre , after she had by her pollicy and valour freed her commons and countrey from the tyrannie of the Dukes of Florence , as you haue heard , inioyned by solemne oath , the Gouernor and the pheres of the Countrey , to appeare before the Emperour , who in the behalfe of the Princesse Vallia should requite their faithfull trust .

The Gouernour regarding his honour , but more his oath , when he had setled all things in good sort , he paide his owne Souldiours , and richly rewarded his forraine fréendes , with the spoyle of his enemies , to euery mans good content , hauing puruaied a rich and most sumptuous trayne to accompanie him : taking good order for the state and welfare of his commons , attended with the chéefest Lords and gentles of the countrey , he left the Cittie and by easie iournies , passed on the way to Rome beguiling the wearinesse of theyr iourney with sundry pastimes and sports , vntill they came by long and diligent trauaile to drawe towards the Cittie , when by theyr messengers , they aduertised the Emperour of theyr comming : vnto whome they all were most heartilye welcome , as was manifest by the fauourable and kinde entertainment of theyr tydings bringer : Whome the Emperour most honourablye feasted , dooing him all the honour that coulde bee deuised . With this newes , the Emperour could not bee quiet vntill hee hadde aduertised the Princesse Vallia with the same : Who knowing better then the Emperour , the onely cause of theyr comming , setled a shewe of much gladnesse at the hearing thereof : then questioning the occasions that brought them thither , wherewith the Emperour was nothing acquainted .

The Emperour when he had emparted his newes to the Princesse , summoning his state , and principall of his most honourable counsell , gaue straight charge , for the royall entertainment of those states , in the most honourable and best sort that might bée deuised : taking the like order , that all things with such company as hee appointed should bee ready . The next morning by rising of the Sunne , they were horsed to méete those noble straungers on the way , which accordinglye was done in the most gallauntest order that euer coulde be deuised .

This done , sending theyr curreres before to giue notice of theyr neare approching , they left the Cittie , ryding neere , vntill the sonne had brought the mid day to an ende . At which time , the first intelligencer gaue worde , they had discryed them within tenne miles : and so as on their iourney they drewe neere , they were euer aduertised , as time bringeth the matters of most moment to ende , so these states had ende of theyr desires , time and trauails bringeth both companies , in viewe one of the other , to their great delights : at which enter-viewe a pleasure it was to beholde the youthfull troupe of nobles and gentles , how gallantly they demeane themselues , dooing many braue and commendable feates on their horses , on both sides deseruing such praise as was admirable . In this sort dooing theyr kinde courtesies they passe by eyther companye , vntill the gouernour méete the Emperour : When prostrating himselfe on his knee , hee drewe neere the Emperour offering to kisse his styrrope : which in no wise the most courteous Emperour woulde suffer , but taking him with great loue and honour from the grounde , bid him oftentimes heartilie welcome to these confines , which shewes of loue , the Gouernour and his people very well accepted , in such manner , as the ioy thereof enforced them to shedde many teares .

This done , and euery Nobleman and Gentleman haue don the like , enquiring the principall of the Gouernours trayne they equally matched themselues , and passed on theyr way , discoursing very louingly of many pleasant matters , vntill they came to a Castle of the Emperours , called Forte Vencencio : Where that night they were most royally feasted , with all delicacye . The next daye , after theyr repast taken for theyr breakfast , they left that place , procéeding on to the ende of their wearie iourney , ryding so long , and with such pleasure , that they had sight of that Cittie . The situation whereof , they admyred to behold , with the beautie of Churches , and state of the houses , of honour : but that which most pleased theyr delights , was to beholde the most beautifull Riuer Tybres from whose flowing streames , so many pleasant Creekes were filled , and whereon floated so many huge ships , of enestimable woorth , and whereon shewed the Emperours fléete of Gallyes , who séeming to bée enuironed with the assayling enimies , most pleasantly , and full of warlike pollicies , laye battering one the other , with their ordinaunces , and as the aduantage was offered , here they entred , and tooke , them others they fired : and the Conquerours tryumphing , brought the others awaye Captiue , after the manner of the Sea .

No sooner hadde this pleasaunt fight left theyr labour , wherein euerie one tooke great pleasure , passing on thereof discoursing , euery man speaking his opinion of the honourable fight , and commending the manner of the same , and good performance of the leaders , when suddainlye Ambushed on a greenes side , where they were assayled by a companie of souldiors , which came to giue them welcome in like sort : from this Ambuscado , discharged they their ordinance , and after issued , brauelie assailing the horsemen , who sodainly were encountred by another companie , which in like manner first played on them with their field ordinance , and after spent some time in shewing their agilitie and nimblenesse in discharging their shots , doing many notable and commendable feates of armes , to the great ioy and chéering of their wearied spirits . That pastime in liste manner ended , the soylers casting themselues by their captaines commandement into warlike rings , marching close to the stirrup of the Emperour , and the Gouernour , discharging their péeces in their march with great cunning , they bidde the strangers all heartily welcome , who with great content and courtesie , returned them all most heartie thanks .

This shewe with excellent commendations of all beholders performed , the souldiors marching with their colours displaid , conducted the Emperor and his troupe to the citie , where with other solemne shewes they were by the senate and states , as well abbots as other of authoritie , both spirituall and temporal , as for the vulgar fort , whose cryes and voyces of ioy might wel perswade those strangers for whose sake they were assembled , to be all welcome to them , as to their soueraigne . In this content they arriued at the royall court of the Emperour , where their Princesse Vallia accompanied with a traine of beautifull Ladyes , gaue them many heartie welcomes : vnto whom in all humble acknowledging their loues and duties , by their shewes of obedience , they were all conducted to their seuerall lodgings , royally feasted by the Emperour and his nobilitie , during their stay in the cittie , of which you shall heare more as it shall be required : leauing them to their pastimes & seuerall discourses of their common weale , and state of their countreyes , with the princes : to tell you further of the knight , and his hard entertainment at the sea .

CHAP. XXXV . Howe the Master of the shippe , by the commandement of Guydo their Marchant , chained and imprisoned the knight , and what chanced him .

ALso it hath beene in the former history declared of the knights departure to the sea , where they had not long béene , and they from the shore scantly loosing sight of the shippe , but the master which had his lesson before , calling vppe his companie together , willed them to follow him into the cabine , and there to chaine the knight , which hee sayde hee must doo for his and their securitie . The companie , whose loue the knights courtesie hadde generally gained , hearing this intended euill against him , who wished them all well , beganne to perswade the master from this intent , which would not heare them , but prosecuted his will , although to his great cost , as it after happened , for the maister whome no perswasions might enduce from his rigour , hauing the chaine in his hand , entred the cabine , with him other officers of the shippe , and without saying any word vnto him , violently layde handes vppon him .

The knight wondering to sée this vnexpected wrong offered him , who suspected no such matter , and not knowing their pretence , force perforce grasped with the Maister , and wringing his chaine out of his hands , gaue him so sore a blow on the head , as his braine was therewith besprinckled , and hee lay gaping for that which hee neuer more obtained . The boate-swayne and some others of the cheefe , who who were acquainted with the treason , seeing theyr Maister slaine , assaulted the knight , entending with great tyranny to reuenge his death , and to make him fast as they hadde promised : but too easie a reckoning made they , for he was more of account then millions of the slaues , as with theyr limbes they were compelled to witnesse , for when the knight who tooke them all for friendes , sawe their intents of euill , and could imagine no cause , defending himselfe , hee so manfully bare him , that to the diuell hee sent them all to accompanie him .

When hée had made way in the cabine , and cleared him selfe of those that there assailed him , taking one of their weapons , hee rushed violently out vppon the rest , who fledde like shéepe from a dogge : such was the power of an Englishman in multitudes of Spaniards .

By this time the Page and the knight of the Roades who by trecherie was clapped vppe in a cabine , hadde made way for themselues , and with such weapons as they coulde gette , was come vnto him , who noting the timorousnesse of the base villaines , sayde . Vnfaithfull Spaniards , more bruit then beasts , more cruell to Christianitie then the enemies of Christ : what wrong haue I offered you , that thus you goo about to bereaue mee of life , whome I loued so dearely : But séeing you base gromes ( quoth hee ) thus haue without cause mooued my patience , I will not leaue one mothers sonne of you all aliue , to declare your hapleste tragedyes , vnlesse you acknowledge your guiltinesse , and timely recount vnto mee the originall of this mischiefe , which doo , and saue your liues , or otherwise prepare your selues to follow those traytours that lie before you .

The poore Marriners which were as sorie for the wrong which was offered as himselfe , greeued , humbling themselues at his feete , besought him of pardon , and not to impute the blame of theyr Maisters crime vnto them , for quoth they , wée are his hirelings , vnacquainted with anie intended euill against you whom we all honor and was glad of , if our master had any such charge by the Marchants , or otherwise had any motion of his owne frée will to offende you , that is altogether vnknowne . To shew our innocencie herein , behold his sonne that lately commanded vs , him before your eies will we with all crueltie intreate , thereby to find the occasion if we can . And then taking the boy they stripped him , and tying him to the breech of a péece , with cords , whipped him , to make him confesse what the cause was of the wrong offered by his father to the knight . But for any crueltie they could shewe , he would not confesse neither his fathers intent in the action , or where the Marchants letters were bestowed , wherewith the knight was satisfied , and commanded them to rest satisfied : but they which were well vsed to the boyes subtiltie , threatned him with death , without hee confessed what they had required , which obstinately he euer refused , vntill a bold and mercilesse villaine , which in despight of the boy , more then of trust to the knight , heating oyle boyloing hot , bedropped his naked skinne therewith , which torment the poore boy no longer able to endure , kneeling , cryed out for mercie to the knight , and hée would not onely deliuer the letters , but his armour and weapons , so that his life might be saued . At which words , the knight commanded them to cease their crueltie , promising on his word of honour , that no man should doo him wrong , but hee would protect him , so that he performed what he had promised , and thereon ceasing their punishment at the knights commandement , they expected now to be satisfied from him , what should cleare them from all iealous doubts , wherein the knight helde them , for his harsh and bad entertainement , which made them hasten the boy to his businesse , vrging him to that taske which he was verie loth to be drawne vnto , but perforce compelled vnto it , he caused the knight to defende the holde of the ship , where inclosed in a huge drifat , he found his armor & all other his abiliments , and furniture for his bodies defence , in which a packet of letters was inclosed , directed to an honourable person , neare alyed to the Spaniard slaine long before , and master to this Guydo , his last hatefull enemie . The sight of al which so mooued the Knight to pleasure , that forgetting all other occasions , or minding his Packet , he ioyed onely in possessing his armes , causing the boy to be fréed from his bondes , and with good store of crownes rewarded him .

Now Gentles is to bee remembred , the carefull loue of the Knights Page , who séeing his maisters small regard of those Letters , closely conueyed them into his Pocket , without acquainting any man with them , longing to knowe the contents , yet loath to make theyr secretes knowen to anie man .

In this Laborinth of discontent rested the Page two dayes , and more , being verie desirous to knowe the effect of those lines . At last fit oportunitie béeing offered by one of the companie , who in the watch singling the Page , which was euer wakefull for his Knights welfare , he besought the Page of fauour in commending an earnest suite hee had to his maister , which himselfe durst not vtter . To which the Page willingly agréed , on such conditions as hée bound him vnto . One of the Articles of which was , that hée should faythfullie reade , and interprete vnto him truely , either in Italian or French , which the boy best vnderstoode , the true effect of those Letters : And hauing read them faithfullie , with great secrecie to conceale them without reuealing the least worde , sillable , or letter therein contained .

This done , and his solemne oath for performaunce made by all holy rites that Spaniards vse to sweare , hée brake the seales , and read the contents of the chiefest , touching our matter , and the knights occasion of further trouble .

To the mightie and most honoured Knight Don Philiberto , Duke of Medina , Lord high commaunder of the forces of the most Catholike King of Spaine , in all his warres , kingdomes , Ilands , and al other his territories , and one of the knights of the holie Citie of Rhodes .

MOst mightie Prince , carrying a longing desire to doo your highnesse seruice , and many waies bending my studious affairs for some matter of acceptance , to your excellencie . It happened in this citie of Alexandria , to arriue this English homicide , a fugitiue from his Country , who making no conscience of murther , killed that most renowmed Generall your Nephew at Rome , after the last warres of the Christian Princes against the Souldan Don Whose death , to my harts great griefe I write , I haue often seene your highnesse with teares to lament , and our most famous king bewaile , of whose blood none could euer yet sufficiently be reuenged , albeit , there hath sundry attempts bin giuen : whereof with aduice and good regard , considreing , finding him in the Cirte of the Turks , where I now remaine , as well to requite the wrongs done to that noble Prince by him slaine , as to shewe my duetie to your excellencie , I first practised with large expence of crownes to accuse him of treason to the state here , and by suborning two periured Ianesaries , maintained the actions , for which hee had iudgement of death by their lawes : yet by the Bashaw , and other chiefe ministers , he had grant of combat against the Ianesaries , in triall of his innocencie , wherein the Ianesaries quailed in courage , though I offered great summes for their performance : but they dreading the euent , or stricken with feare of his puissance , who shewed himselfe at the time of his apprehension , more like a diuell then a man , dooing manie to death , would not by anie offers of Crownes be woonne to continie what they had begunne , but enforced mee with threates , in such manner , that fearing mine owne life , if my pretence should haue beene knowne , I faigned a shewe of most kinde Christian loue vnto the English churle , and woonne him by my protestations , to become a sutor to the Bashaw , for raunsome to redeeme him , aduising him as a friend that wished him well , how deepely so euer in my heart ( for the causes aboue remembred ) I hated him deadly : all which my faigned friendships he accepted for currant , and I gained his good liking to compound for his ransome which I haue paid , amounting to the sum of ten thousand crownes . And for proofe of my loialtie to your excellencie , and dutie to your noble house , make him my present vnto your highnesse , with his page and other associates , his armor , weapons , and what he else here had , not doubting but your excellency will acquit your roiall blood by him traitor like shed , or sa isfie you and them by his death , in most extremitie , or in his wretched endlesse slauerie , which all the race of your noble house heartily required . And so resting a faithfull suppliant to your familie , and whole alie , and a hatefull ememie to all of that diuelish nation , of which he is discended , I commit your excellencie to your honorable wil , and cruel torment of this hatefull English wretch . From Alexandria in Assyria ,

Your highnesse in all truth and loyaltie : Guydo Fredericano .

The Page , whose heart burned with extreame griefe to heare these conspiracies against his Lord , and was assured hereby , that all their troubles procéeded from that canker of humanitie , & traiterous Spaniard , their most supposed friend , powring forth teares like riuers , which restrained his tongues libertie of spéech , after hee had a while be thought him on this wretched Guydo , enuying agaynst that Vyper , and his Nation , he sayde .

Treacherous and most execrable homicide , scorne of men , and monster of Christianitie , which vnder shewe of trueth hast hatched such damnable treason , Villaine that thou art , in place , where all them that professe God is hated , and where loue of Christ and Christians should bée most holilie regarded , there to conspire the death , defame , and subucrsion of a man so honourable and famous as this most noble and well deferuing Knight : for which ( periured wretch as thou art ) Gods vengeance shall sufficiently requite it , and all those thy abbettors and fauourits in this stratagem , false and dissembling Spaniard . And thou my most renowmed maister , princely Lord Edward , howe simple wast thou in crediting so lightly aslaue of no more worth then this vilde misereant , harbouring in thy simple breast the serpent that sought thy life , not like a man in anie valorous manner , but like a Spaniard , by treason and subornation of periurie , for money , buying and selling him , whose woorth is more woorth then Spaine , and all whatsoeuer is resident within the terrifories of that accursed Nation . But why spende I time exclaiming on thée and them that sought my Lordes life ; and acquaint not his honour with those practises of this slaue borne Spaniard , this Iudas that betrayed the life of this so renowmed Knight , that hee knowing the treasons conspired agaynst him , may first on these Villaines of that crewe and cursed fellowship , bee extreamely reuenged , and after on all those Vipers , till hee hath rooted from the earth all such as carrie but the name of Spaniardes : so shoulde the broode and spring of treason bee pulled vppe by the roote , and those aspiring enemies , which séeke by treacherie to inuade Kingdomes , and by coyne to drawe subiertes duties from theyr Soueraignes , buying Kinges , and Countreyes for money , be layde open to their cursed and diuelish practises : from whose deceytes , fayre promises , and high conspiring treasons , God kéepe euerie English heart , confounde in his wrath all those practises they intende agaynst the state , and commons of my blessed and peaceable Countrey England . Whilest he was in his inuertiue agaynst Spaine and Spaniards , the Knight whome regarde of his welfare kept from sléepe , hearing all quiet abroad , and the night calme and fayre , left his loathsome Cabin to take the ayre , and comming vnawares by the Page , heard the conclusion of his long perambulation : with which he desired to be acquainted . But the Page on the suddaine being taken , though he would , could not colour with any shew those Practises . But drawing those letters , whose contents he so lately had knowledge off , besought his Lord with very earnest sute to peruse them , and as he found , so to take héede how he or any Englishman hereafter , trust any trayterous Spaniard . The Knight musing what mooued the Page to these humours , retyred againe to his Cabine , calling for a light : read their contents , which moued his patience , and cloyed him with melancholie , to which we leaue him .

CHAP. XXXVI . How the Gouernour and Nobles of Genoway , in tryumph before the Emperour had knowledge of their Champion Don Philippo , and what chanced .

IT hath béen recounted , of the honourable enterfainment of the gouernour and his company , with the honours done them by the Emperor , who in fauour of the Princesse Alinda , graced them with all the kindnesse and honor that might extend to strangers and the subiects of his beloued friend : These noble strangers renowmed in the Court , passing the time with all honourable pastimes , night and day , which could be deuised . Many waies by their own fauourers and followers , they diligently enquired of their champion Philippo , as well to thanke him for his seruice , imployed for their good , and fréeing them from their enemies , as to grace him with the Emperour , by their good reports of his deserts , which albeit they had often acquainted the Emperour with all , yet was not that sufficient recompence as they thought , for a man of such worth , and his desert , This strangenesse of the knight caused many doubts to arise among them , for that hee had ioyned them on their honours to make theyr apperance before his Emperiall maiestie , and he absent , whom they with such louing desire wished to see . But if they grew perplexed thereat , iudge the Emperours discontent , who measuring all honourable actions , especially the forward aduenturing souldiour , was more mooued at his silence and concealing himselfe then the rest , and the more for that his seruice in a time of such daunger and hazard of the whole seignorie , hadde for his friends benefit and good of the whole Dukedome , béene so employed , that amongst his cogitations and thoughts of discontent , ioyed in hearing the honourable aduentures of the knight , so largely recounted .

Resting thus in an extasie , often moued to melancholie , through the knights absence , whom he more desired to know , then to enioy great riches , the nobles and hee in their secret conference many wayes deuised howe they might attaine what they so earnestly wished , in the ende , after manie imaginations howe to effect their purpose , the Emperour béeing verily perswaded hée was not of his Court , that hadde for honour of his excellencie fauoured him with Title of one of his Knights , for that by their discription hee coulde enquire none such , to bee resident in the Cittie , or might for any enquirie finde any hope of , neuer knowing him , yet as the desirous minde louing to effect his purpose , leaueth no way vnsearched , howe hard or vnlikely soeuer .

The Emperour bethought him to proclaims a generall challenge at armes , appoynting great prises for them that best deserued them , beléeuing verily that if hee were eyther in his Court or his regiment , hee coulde not beeing a man at Armes , holde himselfe in secret from a place where honour was to bee gayned : Hereof the whole estate concluding , Heraulds were dispatched to all Cities within the empire , proclaiming very diligently the triumph which was to be holden before the Emperour , at tilt , turney and barriers , with their seuerall prises .

Alinda which had often conference with the nobles of her countrey , tooke great pleasure to heare them discourse the honour of the knight , which although she could better acquaint them with , yet to shewe a minde of honour , shee wished to know him , to the ende she might reward him : but all in vaine , the time was not come vntill shee pleased to reueale her selfe .

The time spending limited by proclamation , for those that intended to shewe their forces , and gaine honour , brought from all places Princes and Nobles of great account , euerie one like themselues , desiring the Emperours grace , spared no charge , as well in sumptuous furnishing theyr retinew , as in their excellent deuises , and shewe of rare and incomparable wealth , which greatly pleased the Emperour to beholde , who longed for the day wherein hée might sée the issue of this deuise , and ende of his hope in knowing the knight .

The princesse Vallia , whose head was not idle , deuising what shee might best do for her honour , and satisfying the Emperour and those nobles who loued and honoured her in her melancholy dumps , called vnto her Alynda her trustie seruant , and to her disclosed the great desire of the nobles and the Emperour to méete the knight , which had with such honor behaued him in their wars , earnestly intreating her , as before in many exigents , now she would bethinke her how she might in the assemblie shew her selfe , and escape vnknowne . Alinda which was not vnacquainted with the princesses conditions , felt her presently , and bethinking howe desirous shee was to shewe the noblenesse of her minde , tooke that charge vppon her , assuring the Princesse that if shée would bée ruled by her , shée woulde nowe satisfie her minde heerein , and against the time , though it were but short , furnish her with all things necessarie to her content : at which consent of her Alynda , without whome she was not her selfe , embracing her , and after for ioy kissng her chéekes , shee gaue her manie thankes , and many bountiful promises of reward , which was as much as Ailnda required , whose care was wholly to winne and maintaine the Princesses loue vnto her , as by her dutifull loue and seruice was euer shewen .

CHAP. XXXVII . How the Princesse , by Alindaes helpe , was furnished like : Knight at armes .

NOw followeth ( gentles ) that I recount vnto you , the care and great regard of Alinda for the Princesse , who vsed such diligence , that against the prefixed time of turney , the princesse was puruaide of al néedfull things , horse , armour , launce , and curreler , fitting the most accomplished knight in those confines .

The princesse séeing all thing so exquisite puruaide , highly in her heart commended her trustie seruaunt , whose kindnesse and loue shee valued of more estéeme then all the treasures the earth can affoord , contemplating some time on the woorthinesse of a faithfull friende , and the deliuerance of a seruaunt : shee called sodainely her Alynda vnto her , vnto whom she said . Alinda , faithfull and kind Alinda , in many experiments and great occasions I haue found thy loyaltie and trust such , that my studies are wholly how to requite thée , wherefore my trust ( quoth the princesse ) and therewithall embracing her in her armes of tender loue , bedewing her chéekes with teares , willed her to aske whatsoeuer was in her power to giue , & she shuld haue it . Alinda which saw her Lady in this humor , thought she looked for no lesse then was then offered , rendering thanks for her gracious opinion , with prety conceited parley put off their talke for that time , beséeching her to make triall of those things which she had promised , whereunto the princesse agréed .

Alynda first opening her Trunke , suted her first in a doublet and hose : that done , arming her in all poynts , shée séemed second to none , but a knight of as great woorth as any . What seuerall spéeches of commendations passed at her arming , I omitte , lette Ladyes which for recreation sometimes amongst themselues vse like merriment , censure of the rest , onely I shall recount vnto you Alinda her forgetfulnesse , that hauing all other things beséeming what she had vndertaken , wanted a shield with some deuise to present his imperiall maiestie , as the manner of men at armes is . This forgetfulnesse Alinda in her selfe greatly blamed , that prettily excused her selfe to anoyde blame , which the princesse with a pretie iest put off , laying both their heads together for performance of their want , and fitting their deuise answerable , first setting downe one thing , then another , all séeming good and verie effectuall , yet euerie seuerall counsell surpassing other , they were doubtfull which to except , Standing thus astonied , Alinda , which was euer at the dead lift most sharpest witted , thus sayd . Madame , your grace hath many times carried good and gracious opinions of me , which I desire may euer be continued towards me , if now my credit may be such with you , referre this charge vnto me , and doubt not but it shal be effected to your content . Inough Alinda quoth the princesse , I take thy word , and on thy care relie , be it as shou wi lt: so disarming her selfe , and attyring her in her owne attyre , accompanied with her ladies and Gentlewomen of honour , entred the presence , where shee found the Emperor and those nobles of Genoway , vnto whom she was most heartily welcome : whom to their pleasant discourses we leaue , to tel you further of Alynda , and her carefull regard of her promise to the princesse .

CHAP. XXXVIII . How Alinda against the prefixed time of trumph , presented her Lady in the appoynted place of triumph , and what chanced .

YOu haue heard gentles in the former chapter of the princesse fortunate meeting with the nobles in presence of the Empeorrour , wherein was many discourses as occasion was offered , but among al , whether serious matters for the state , or idle toying prattle to beguile time , the remembraunce of Philippo , the knight so much of the Genoway nobles applauded and honoured was neuer forgotten , for whome they oftentimes with teares , distaining their tender cheekes , bewayled his want of company , and more greeued for that they all doubted of his welfare , by reason of his breach of promise with them , not shewing himselfe to them , which came onely of purpose to méete him there . But to our matter .

As time nor tyde stayeth not , so the long desired day is come , wherein those noble personages , whereof the numbers was great , that from al princes courts where they there assembled , must trie their forces , amongst which there wanted nothing , which to honour and armes appertained , each thing with such cost and diuersitie of deuises , as not onely the rarenesse of the shewes delighted , but the cost and excéeding richnesse was more admired , so that a generall plauditie was giuen the Emperour for his bountie , curtesie , & exceeding cost .

These things ordered & all other néedful matters befitting the time and the place . The princesse which were before appointed to bee principall beholders of these pastimes , could not deuise with what cunning deuise to bring her desires to effect , for which she grew so melancholike , that her nearest attendants durst not come neare her , fearing to offende her . These passions Alinda well noted , and sought many wayes in her subtile shifting head , to disburthen her Lady of those great greeses : so long deuising , that shée thought no way so sufficient as to cause her cunningly to counterfeit some distemperature of her bodie , and hereon resoluing , without acquainting the Princesse therewith , shee presently sent worde by the Princesse Squire to the Emperour , of the ill distemperature of the Princesse , whome shee willed further to say as occasions were offered and questions demaunded , of the manner of her agonie , to tell him , that about the middest of the night , all being in their dead sléep , sodainely the princesse started out of her bedde , running about the chamber like one lumatike , crying nothing but on her Lorde , Edward , Edward , of England , bitterly crying and exclaiming her Lord Edward was slaine , that she would come to auenge her on those miscreants that had murthered him .

With this message the gentleman being parted , hasteneth to the Court , and came so earlie , as none of the priuie chamber were stirring , yet made such meanes as hee best coulde to deliuer his message , which no sooner the Emperour heard , with the manner and straunge efficacie of her maladie , but nearely touched with the vnhappie hearing thereof , hée called for his apparrell , and sending for his learnedest phisitians , hée questioned of the occasion of the princesse gréefe and vnaccustoined agonyes , wherewith they were all astonied , yet taking aduise amongst themselues , diuersly censuring the occasion , they deliuered theyr opinions thus , that the princesse often meditating on her Lorde in his absence by some fearefull dreame , might bee in her sléepe combred , and doubted not after some quiet rest , but shee shoulde recouer her health againe . This comforted the Emperour , who more regarded her health then all the worlde , of such tender affection was his loue to the Princesse planted .

Now Alynda that had platted her deuise vnknowne to the princesse , when she had sent her messenger away , came vnto the Princesse , and vnto her deliuered the discourse of her intention , which somewhat astonished the princesse , and put her to an nonplus , that not knowing how a matter so beganne , should be so cunningly effected , but some likelihood of dissembling would appeare , she exclaimed on Alinda , rattling and reuiling her for her presumption in attempting a matter so nearely touching her honour , without acquainting her therewith .

Alinda which hadde endured more showers and greater thunder cracks then the princesse could now rattle , quietly disgested her extremitie of spéech , but no sooner gan the winde to ouerblow , and the heate of her rage allayed : but Alynda which held her credite great , and carefully héeding her Ladies good , submitting her selfe to the princesse , she besought her to regard all their goods , who had done this for her Ladiships good , and to colour all which , and well effect her desires , faine some long sléep , that if the Emperor shuld send to sée her , they which shuld come might haue no spéech with her . To this counsel of her old suresby the princesse listned , & promised to performe what she directed . Scantly had they questioned of effecting what they wished , but one knocking easily at the chamber doore , brought word that the Emperor with his phisitians were come to visit the princesse : to whom Alinda returned this answere with out aduisement , that she was lately fallen asléepe , and besought his highnesse to pardon her a while , and forbeare to comber her , whom they all hoped would be well amended by her rest . The Emperor whose carefull doubts of her health , might not so be satisfied , would haue no deniall , but taking with him two phisitions , entred her chamber , so easily as might not awake her : all which demeanour of theirs , the princesse listned héedefully vnto , and with great delight noted the lamentable discourse of Alinda , relating the meane of her disease , which made the Princesse smile to her selfe , and oftentimes to frame her fittes accordingly , to the great admiration of the Emperour and all the beholders , which more gréeued them , especially the emperor , for that the time of pastime was so néer , which they might not with honor recall . This dispairing of the Princes health , when the Emperor had bin an eie witnesse of , what was reported , loath to awake her whom he thought slept soundly : as quietly without any noise making as he could , hee left her to her rest , calling a councell amongst his nobilitie what was best to be done , either for proroging the appointed pastimes , or performing them , according as they were expected . On which they had with diuersitie of counsaile , and sundrie opinions debated , it was generally concluded , the triumphs to begin and hold , wheron a trumpet sounded at the court gate , to giue euerie combattant notice thereof , whereat the Princes and Alynda ioyed much . The Emperor , though his care was great , and sorrow more for the Princes sicknes , yet shewed himselfe froilike , the better to welcome the Princes strangers , whom he wold not willingly discontent . But framing himself to mirth , as he best could , not without some touch of heauinesse , he bad them almost hartily welcome , passing the time of dinner which they made shorter , by reason of their great businesse , whom to their preparations we leaue , to returne to the princesse and Alynda , who not idle , but busily imployed about their affayres : after the Princesse by Alynda had giuen straight charge , that none shuld be so hardy to come néere her lodging , she armed herselfe , and at the time appointed was fully furnished as she could desire , Alynda being likewise suited , in rich attyre , be fitting more the gallantest Courtier , then a Ladie . After she had prepared all things and their horses orderly brought to the place by her appoynted , the princes attending to heare of the Emperors comming to the place of triumph , worde was brought Alynda , by her trustie messenger , which was no sooner heard , but Alynda mounting herselfe on her hackney with a horne richly bawderickt about her necke , posted towards the Emperor . By which time the tilters were ready to ioyne . But hearing Alinda wind her horne ( as the vsuall maner of pastimes is ) they made stay of their courses , and discharged their staues . The Emperor and all the Nobles hearing this sudden approch of a post , sent presently a herauld to know the meaning , and what hee was that entred the place in such manner , by whom she was brought to the Emperors presence , where doing her dutie as shee that could well demeane her selfe , she said . Muse not ( magnificent and mightie Prince ) at this suddaine comming of a stranger : the simple messenger of a Knight aduenturous , who on some vrgent occasions hath made longer stay , then either he desired , or his dutie would allow : yet not willing to loose this oportunitie of shewing his loue vnto your excellencie , is now , though too too late , arriued in this citie , and by me craueth to bee accepted into this noble assembly , to shew his forces in honour of your highnesse , amongst those honoured Princes and estates . The Emperour , and all the assembly attentiuely listning to the messenger , commended highly the audacious demeanor of the supposed young man , thinking his maister to be no other but as the messenger reported , and loath to refuse his proffer , without enquirie from whence he was , or of what degree , they willing with a generall voice sayde , he should be most heartilie welcome , causing a herauld to commaund the company to stay vntill the Knights comming . Alynda hauing made this intermedium to their purpose , made no tarrying , but with al possible haste returned where she left the Princesse , who being alreadie mounted , attending her Alynda , who no sooner had the Emperours aunswere , but setting forwards , guided by her trustie Page Alynda , they arriued shortly at the place of triumph , into which entring , bowing her selfe vnto her horse necke , vnto those she first met , she passed her horse by the tilt , with such a countenan e , and maiestical grace , that euery one admired , both her person , and good demeanour , euery one censuring of her , yet none knowing what he should be : comming néer vnto the place where the Emperour was , in like maner with thrée lowly and courtlike courtesies , shee saluted him : where staying , Alynda deliuered her shéeld , vnto his princely hands wheron was portraied her own pioure aruied , holding in chaines thrée princes , which subiected themselues to her , swearing their loyaltie vnto her : her woorde , kéepe faith with thy friende . The sheelde deliuered , among all the 〈…〉 many times reuiewed , as this , 〈…〉 which he much admired , crauing of those 〈…〉 of the same , & desirous to knowe ( if they 〈…〉 knight was : The knights hauing al their companie 〈…〉 the stranger knight , desiring him to make choise of 〈…〉 run against , desiring the king of heralds which there waited , to read the names of the the Tilters vnto him , which he had in a Catalogue . The princesss humbly thanking them for their loue and fauor calling Alynda vnto her , commanded her to go the Emperor , and to craue at his hands , to trie against all comers , his 〈◊〉 , for that by oath he was so enioyned , by the Ladie he most honoured , beseeching the princes and royall companie not to take in any ill part this request of his , which was ready to kisse 〈…〉 humblenesse . The Emperour which saw this 〈◊〉 sh●w of bodie in armor , was loath to hazarde him to any great 〈◊〉 or by his too hastie licence , to graunt that he might After report knowing the toyle , and perill incedent to such assayres : yet considering his vowe made , as his messenger deliuered , and not knowing what sufficiencie the knight found in himself , craued him in his behalfe , the company would accept him , whereon they stood not long , put granted : at which the Princesse was most ioyfull : so preparing her selfe , with such courage shee discharged on the Polonian Prince that first mette her , as shee bare him violently to the ground , with such force , that had not helpe béene neare , he had beene spoyled of his limmes , so that wearied with this first bad fortune , and dishonour in the action , hee gaue ouer that dayes tryumph , in whose place met her Armedes of Tusran , a noble Duke , which she likewise foyled : at which such admiration grewe , that there was no spéech , but of the white Knight , so called by his Armes , being not other-wise knowne . Let it suffice , the honour of the day by generall consent was giuen vnto her , whome the Emperour and all the rest , desired to knowe , inuited her to lodge within his Court , which shee humblie denyed , returning manie great thankes 〈…〉 herselfe in such sort , as the 〈…〉 to recount his courtesies , but 〈…〉 gallant courage of him selfe in armes . 〈…〉 by the Emperour to depart , wee leaue the 〈…〉 her pleasure , ioying in her good fortunes , and 〈…〉 herselfe , and the Emperor to his imaginations 〈…〉 knights , what sundry speeches at supper passed in court , of her honours gained , I omit , let it suffice all persons , as well that receyued foyle , as others , gaue the honour and commendations to her . What other occasions happened her , with the Emperors knowledge of this feigned Knight , I omit : for that the Hystorie leaues them so . The third and last part shall shew Prince Edward his successe in all his troubles happening in his trauailes : the méeting of the Princesse with her noble husband , and honours of the two yong Lords , Nartellion , and Constantine , with their conquest : which shall bring thée more delight , if so thou accept this ▪ Till when , and euer , I craue your pardons and good opinions , to be censured of this , which shall encourage me to finish the rest , and euer be at your deuotion .

FINIS .