CHAP. I.

THe time being then come , that Belcarin king Frisols sonne should receiue the order ofknighthood , hee humblie besought the Emperour to knight him with his owne hand : the like request made yong Tiraquell , sonne to duke Eustace , of Micene , who desired likewise the honor of the same order : which the good Prince graciously graunted , foreséeing how worthily on them knighthood would be employed . Therfore after obseruation of the Uigill , as the vse was , on the Monday morning next after Easter day , hée armed them both knights with great magnificence , beséeching God of his goodnesse , to make them of that valour which should neuer degenerate from their auncesters : Belcarin especially , to whom with a louing kisse on his chéek he began thus . Deare nephew , I pray our Soueraigne aboue , to accomplish in you the perfection of all noble vertues , that euerie one may say , you are sonne to the good knight Frisol , no lesse hardie and valerous , then anie whosoeuer bore Armes in his time .

The ceremonie being ended , they all returned to the Palace , where the new knights , as soone as they could be disarmed , attired themselues in most rich and sumptuous robes for the more honour of the feast , which for their sakes was solemnised with verie great pompe throughout all the Court . But Belcarin made no tariance to behold the iolitie of that assemblie : his mind was rather occupied in the high intended thought of his future glorie , then in the excesse of a feast : which made him begin thus to debate with himself . Belcarin , thou hast now no more idle time to spend , hauing taken vpon thée the honourable degrée of knighthood , and art therewith inuested by the hand of thine vncle the Emperour , one of the best knights whom euer the diuine prouidence hath adorned and made illustrious through many laudable vertues : which neuer wanted thy father also , in any thing that might bée requisite to a man perfectly accomplished in armes : if thou hast liued hitherto in delights and pleasures , yet now it is high time for thée to trauaile the world , to shew wherein thou resemblest thine ancestors , treading in their steps , who with great paine wandered before thée , and purchased therby that famous renowne , the memorie whereofshall euer remaine immortall : the which if thou wilt not blemish , thou must hasten thy departure from hence , and looke out to séeke some strange aduentures as they did .

After manie cogitations which perplexed his mind not a little , he resolued in as secret maner as might be , to depart with one onely Squire to attend vpon his person , purposing to take his voyage directly into Macedon , there to make his first assay of Armes in the aduenture of Celestina the Faire , who was at that time enchaunted within a castell of the Ile of Carderie : for at that season there was no other talke euery where but of the great number of knights who dayly flocked thither , enterprising to win her by the sword , being to haue her in mariage afterward , with the kingdome of Thessalie for her dowrie : so great should be the recompence and guerdon of him , who could deliuer her out of the inchanted dungeon . But as yet had no knight been séene there , who could set foote within the castell to set frée this yong Princesse . Now were Belcarins eares oftentimes tickled with the fame of this aduenture , which euerie one reputed so strange , that he determined to goe thither , to trie what he could doe , with an incredible desire to performe it : for besides he should thereby purchase great honour , and a generall commendation of the world , he might yet thinke himself most fortunat , making his , so rich and faire a Damosell , and that by dint of sword . So that being excéeding glad through the hope which he had conceiued to atchieue his desired purpose , hee did onely but thrée daies honor this solemne feast with his presence , and the fourth day endossed verie early in the morning a rich armour burnisht greene , which he had caused very priuily to be made , and commaunded to paint on his shield in a siluer field a castell of Gewles , representing a Iasper stone in verdure for his deuise . Departing thus the citie without knowledge of any person , hee tooke his voyage towards the kingdome of Macedon .

The Emperour who heard afterward of his secret departure , was passing glad of this enterprise , and in presence of many knights began thus in his fauour : Now as God mee helpe , I haue an opinion , nay , a confident hope , Belcarin will be haue himselfe so valiantly in feates of armes , that all ye will be glad in heart to heare me make the discourse therof . God graunt it may be so , and may he fortunatly direct him in his courses , and so well prosper the generous forwardnesse , that all men may beholde shining in him , that hée maie winne thereby honour and aduauncement , such as his heart desireth .

Surely this act of Belcarin did well please them except Tiraquel , who was greatly offended , because he imparted to him no part of his entent : for he would gladly haue kept him companie , so that he resolued immediatly to put himselfe in quest after him , as soone after it fell out .

In the mean time Belcarin made such expedition in his iournies , that without any let by the way , he got out of the bonds of the Empire in a small time : and being entered the frontiers of the kingdome of Macedonie , he lodged the first night , in an old knights castle , who very affable and courteous , séeing him passe before his gate , ( because it was alreadie late ) gently desired him to take his rest that night with him : which offer he willingly accepted at the instant request of the venerable old father , who tooke great pleasure in beholding Belcarin , after he had disarmed himself , as well for his goodly stature and proportion of members , as for his eloquence and affability wherewith he much enriched and graced his language , which was occasion that they conferred long time together : and falling from one matter into another , in the end the old man discouered that this knight was one of the chiefest fauorites of the Emperour Cleodomyr .

But the Gentleman had three sonnes very vngratious impes and of a wicked nature , who were very much offended at the courtesie and liberall hospetallitie their father vsed toward strangers : wherefore he who knew well their mallice , went to méet them in the way homeward ( for at that present they were hunting abroad ) to admonish them how they should welcome and entreat this new guest : Know my children , quoth hee , we haue this night in our house a knight descended of the Emperours house , whose physiognomie bewraieth him to come ofsome great and high linage : for which cause I pray you do him all the honor you can in the best sort deuise , and feasting him with all chéere and gladnesse , speake nothing before him , which may not beseeme his honourable estate . Father answered they , we shall doe all your commandements : But assoone as he was gone , they conspired to assaile this knight on the morrow at the entraunce into a forrest not farre distant from the castle , to proue if he were so braue a man , as their father had signified vnto them . Therefore came not they to supper as they promised , but on the morrow morning betime salied out of the castle all three wel mounted and in armes . The honourable and good knight séeing the ingratitude and disobedience of his childeren did his best to do all the honour he could to Belcarin , who returning him many thanks , the next day departed , and tooke his leaue of him , to put himselfe againe into his way , wherein hee had rode little more then two miles , but he met the thrée brethren lying in ambush for him at the side of a wood : the eldest hauing his launce vanced vpon his thigh , stept before him and thus began to play the champion :

Faire knight you must ioust with me , otherwise you can passe no further : for now I will try whether you be so hardie and valiant as your report is , or no. Belcarin who doubted a greater ambuscado , tooke a lance out of his esquiers hand , and speaking very courteously made him this answer : Knight ye offer great wrong to assaile thus the Emperours gentlemen , perhaps you may quickly find one , who will giue you both your hands full , and little leisure to repent your hast . Trouble not your self therfore ( replied the eldest brother ) haue don , and prepare your selfe to breake a launce . This said , they retired from ech other the length of a good carrier , then setting spurs to their horses they came to encounter with such a violent fury , that the assailants staffe flying in shiuers could not stir neuer so little Belcarin out of the saddle : who on the other side ( for that he was strong and puissant ) hit him so soundly with the first blow of his launce , that piercing his shield and armour he ran him more then a foot and halfe thorow the body with his sword : so that there was no néed to send for a Chirurgion to cure his wound : The two other brethren which beheld this piteous spectacle supposing truely their elder brother had his deaths wound , came in a great rage galloping towards him , & called to him aloud : Ha knight in a cursed hour didst thou strike that blow , for thou shalt presently receiue thy death . So they can both full at him : but the one misd his blow , and the other lighted vpon his flanke , where he made a little wound , wherof when Belcarin felt the smart , he began to stir himselfe couragiously in his owne defence . And albeit these two brethren did trouble him sore , yet the bickering lasted but a while : for this yong prince being very resolute and expert in armes , did deliuer such a full blow vpon the massard of one of them , that hée set him tumbling to the ground to beare his brother companie . And to make briefe , with his falchion doubled his blowes so thicke against the other , that hee was faine to fall from his horse al amased to the earth : where he lest them all three thus vanquished , and betooke himselfe to his voiage againe .

The squier who came with the brethren , hauing séene the end of the skirmish , rode backe presently towards the castle , and finding their father in his chamber , certified him of this heauie news . Alas sir quoth he , man vnlucky houre did you lodge yesternight the strange knight , who euen now hath made an end of slaieng your three sonnes : Then he began to rehearse the whole discourse of the combat , whose sorrowfull issue drew vp the fludgates of a stream of tears which distilled from the miserable fathers eies , who bewailing their so great disaster called them many times fellonious and prowd children .

His vassals vnderstanding afterward the occasion of his gréeuous lamentation , went incontinent to the place , where their young lords were discomfited , Two wherof they found stone dead , and the third in danger of his life , if he had not present succour . Whom they put into a litter , and the other two they laid vpon a Béere couered ouer with dolefull black , and so did they conuey them with much sorrow and mourning into the castle , where was their wéeping mother powring forth a sea of salt teares , wringing her hands with pittifull and lamentable complaints , screeching vp to the heauens with continuall yelling and crying , that you would haue iudged her rather to haue resembled some senceles thing then a woman in any thing partaking humaine wit and reason . The like did her daughter also , who after she came againe to her best senses , did protest and déepely sweare before her mother , that her hart should neuer rest at ease , before she had caused this murtherer to die a cruell death , wherefore as soone as the two dead corpses were enterred , she departed against her fathers will , accompanied only with two squiers to séeke out Belcarin , with full intention to be reuenged of him by hooke or by crooke , whensoeuer or howsoeuer .

CHAP. II. How Belcarin came vnknowne into Macedon where he caried away the price of the Tourney that king Florendos caused to be held at the nuptials of the Infant Denise , discouering himselfe onely to Alderine daughter to the duke of Pontus and Durace .

BElcarin roode two daies iourney in great diligence , kéeping on still his way towards the Isle of Carderie , and the third day following , for that it was so extreame sultrie and hot , which hée could not well endure in his armour , he alighted about noone of the day hard by a cleare fountaine to refresh himselfe a little , but he had not ben long there when he perceiued comming along by a little way which crost in to the very place where he was , a great traine of knights and ladies which came riding amaine . It was the duke of Pontus and of Durace , who was going into Macedon to the wedding which king Florendos did make of his daughter Denise , with the king of Thrace , nephew to the wife of Caniam . This duke of Pontus had riding along with him his Spouse Laurena , with a very faire daughter of theirs also called Alderine , who roode formost of al the troupe , deuising in matters of parly with her Damsels , not without a ful enter to stay somewhile to solace themselues at the foūtain : and there she was ariued before Belcarin had setled his helmet on his head againe , so that the princesse by a glaunce had a perfect view of him , and discrying him to be of a beautiful visage , richly armed , and without any company but of one onely Squire , as she was sage and well aduised , saluted him with a comely grace : whereof Belcarin was much astonished , supposing she had knowen him : but he chaunged quickely his opinion : for supposing that to procéed rather of her gentle nature and curtesie than otherwise , thought shée must néeds come of some great house : therfore making a low obeysance in signe of reuerence , he very curteously resaluted her . Soone after perceiued he the traine of this ladie , and for that he feared to be discouered by some of the companie , caused his horse to be brought him , and mounted , he tooke againe into the way wherein he was going before , whereat Alderine somewhat displeased , for she would verie faine haue knowne who he was , boorded him thus .

Sir knight , stay here boldly at your ease , and forsake not this swéet and delectable place for our comming : for considering the great heate of the day , it is yet no time for you to trauell on your way . And if you go peraduenture to the tourney which is held in Macedon , you may come thither in good time with the Duke my father , who shall bée verie glad of your companie , & I much more , who met you here by chance first of all .

Belcarin humblie thanking her for this curtesie , made his excuse that he could not go into Macedon , because he had many other more vrgent affairs in another quarter , whether he did pretend his voiage , therefore once more he tooke leaue of her againe , and spurred his horse that way which séemed fittest for his purpose : onely to get himselfe as farre as hée could from this companie : and méeting a Squire who came after the traine and carriages , he demaunded of him , if hée knew not the Lord who rode before with so great a traine ? the Squire answered him , it was the Duke of Pontus , who was going into Macedone to the feast which king Florendos celebrated for the mariage of the infant Denise , and that he had in companie with him his daughter Alderine , to sée the iustes & tournaments which they were there preparing .

So soone as Belcarin vnderstood this newes he began to think that the ladie which came first to the fountain should be the dukes daughter , of whom he had many times heard talke before . By meanes whereof he purposed to go sée this assembly , in as secret maner as he might possibly , for he should haue time enough afterward to perform his voiage . Thus did Belcarin forsake the way towardes the Isle of Carderie to take that of Macedon , which was little more than thrée daies iourney from thence . On the third day , being come néere the citie , he met with two knights armed , who went to this tourney , and after enterchange of salutations , the two knights asked him if hee came not thither to iust . I go thither ( quoth Belcarin ) to behold the braue men at arms , who wil appeare within the lists . Let vs go then togither in companie , if it please you , said they , because we are for the same effect departed from our countries . So they road on their waies talking of many matters toward Macedon , where being ariued , they found a large plain couered with tents of the nobilitie which were already come to sée the solemnitie . Therfore they two knights commanded their squires to set vp a faire and rich Pauilion , which they caused to be brought thither expresly for the same cause , requesting Belcarin very louingly that he would there stay with them : whervnto ( for that he would not enter into the citie ) he most willingly condiscended , fearing also not to find any lodging so fit for his purpose .

On the morrow morning arriued there the duke of Pontus , before whom came the king Florendos , accompanied with his new son in law for to entertaine & welcome him . But Alderine who went formost with a passing comly grace , shewed her selfe faire in perfection : yet something sad & pensiue for the desire shee had to know who was that knight of the Fountaine , whom she could neuer cancel out other thoughts since : When Belcarin beheld her come arme in arme with the king of Thrace , trickt vp in her finest attire , she séemed farre more faire to him then when he sawe her at the Fountaine . Insomuch that he purposed , if peraduenture he could not 〈…〉 aduenture of Celestina , to act such things with 〈…〉 , that hée might purchace the loue of this Ladie . But the Queene , wife to King Florendos , 〈…〉 the Dutch●●● Laurena honourablie , and the 〈…〉 taking Alderine with her , would not part 〈…〉 the euening of her mariage day : whose solem●● 〈◊〉 was great and magnificent in all things .

The next day folowing the King , the Queene , and their sonne and daughter newly espoused , went forth into the large field , to behold the Elites which were alreadie in a readinesse : where as soone as they were mounted vpon the scaffolds , richly hanged and prouided for them , and manie other Ladies and Gentlewomen of estate , they began to bestirre themselues to the encounter of armes . In the which of the one side , and of the other , there were seene a great number of braue knights , and especially of the Emrours court , for that he himselfe , who could not be present at his sisters feast , had sent thither many of his knights to honour it the more . The great feates of armes that were exploited in this conflict , surpassed truelie the most maruailous that had béene séene before : and amongst the rest , the Dukes of Ancmen , and of Mense , behaued themselues valiantly , who were vpon the point to haue woon the honour of the first assault , if Belcarin had not come in : who standing still a little to behold the skirmish , with intention to succour the weaker part , began at last to rowse himself , when he said to his companions : Follow me , brethren , to helpe the vanquished . Then setting spurres to his horse , came with such a fierce sallie , with his Launce charged against Bellaquin , sonne to Mosla ; vpon him whom he saw doe greatest domage to the aduersarie partie : and such was the encounter , that he dismounted him , and sent him like a feather to the ground . Quickly set hand to his courtelare , and began to strike so furiously all those that fought against him , that within a little while he put force and courage againe into the side which was reputed before for vanquished .

Whereat the Duke Anemon , who saw his side put to the woorse , was in a great rage against them : and as hée perceiued all this to procéede from the comming in of Belcarin , he began presently to gather in towards him , and to salute him with a great blowe of his swoorde vppon his helmet , of whome by and by he receiued quicke paiment : for that Belcarin lifting himselfe vppon his Stirrops , reached him a full blow so right on his Beauer , that he set him packing in a maze vnder his horse heeles . Then passing further , made way thorow the presse , and bore downe to the ground all that euer he met , in such manner that king Florendos , and the other Nobles who did accompanie him , were in a great woonder , and none could discrie , nor giue anie knowledge who hée should bée , except Alderine , who then sitting there hard by Quéene Denise , coulde not holde her tongue , but must prattle of him thus .

Madame , how thinke you of the knight in the gréene armour ? What I thinke ? ( quoth she ) I neuer saw man at Armes who might compare with him , séeing that alone hée hath done more in this Tourney , then the rest , put all together : and I should bée verie glad to knowe whether hee bee of so noble bloud , as he is valiant and skilfull in the exercise of Armes .

Madame , replied Alderine , I beléeue hee cannot be but a great personage , séeing that he kéepeth himselfe so close , and will not bee discouered of anie : Moreouer , shee tolde her , howe shée found him at the Fountaine bare headed , his Murrion lying by him . And knowe ye ( quoth she ) procéeding further , that if hee bee valiant at Armes , as you sée yet he wanteth no liuely & rare beautie of face , nor a verie comely grace and gesture to accompanie it . Now I haue a great desire ( quoth Quéene Denise ) to know who he is , so that I thinke best to send a messenger to him for the same effect . Then ( quoth Alderine interrupting her ) Madame , I pray you that the messenger may be one of my pages , who shall wait for him at the going out of the Tylt , to coniure him on your behalfe to declare his name : and if he desire not to be knowne , we will conceale it so secretly that no man shall knowe it by our meane . Your opinion liketh me best of all other ( quoth the newe Bride ) but I would that this errand were done from you : for he calling to minde the little acquaintance you had ofhim at the Fountaine , will make him selfe knowne peraduenture more willingly to you onely , than to any other .

Alderine then called one of her Pages , named Gratian , and instructed him what hée had to say to the Knight in the gréene armour , to whome shee sent him expreslie , with instant request , ioyned with a singular desire to knowe who he was . In the meane time , Belcarin did such admirable things in his Iustes , and with such his insupportable dexteritie and martiall prowesse did so canuasse his aduersaries , that being no longer able to stand before him , they got away , and departed out of the lists , where he remained alone victorious . Then the two knightes with whom he soiourned , who had beene rather occupied all this while to beholde his prowesses , than to Iust and Tilt , béeing woonderfull glad of the honour he did them , in winning the honour of this day , set him in the middest betwéene them , and so tooke their way towardes their Tent : whither they were followed by the Page of Alderine , who neuer lost sight of them , but finding a fit place for the purpose , tooke Belcarins Horse by the Bridle , and bowing downe with a low reuerence , began thus : Faire Knight , may you please to heare two woordes of a message which I haue to doe vnto you : He , who was most courteous and affable , withdrew himselfe presently from his companions , when Gracian procéeded in this maner .

My lord to your selfe doth Alderine daughter to the duke of Pontus and Durace send me now , to let you vnderstand the cause she hath to grieue and complaine of you for euer : séeing that comming to these iustes you disdained the offer of her companie . Neuertheles if you will condescend to one thing which she sendeth me to entreat at your hands , laying aside all this anger and sorrow , shée shall haue no cause to complaine of you hereafter .

My brother , answered Belcarin , it should be some difficult , nay impossible thing , if I did not vndertake it to finde pardon at so high a ladies hands as your mistres is : albeit if I haue made an offence towards her excellencie , it was onely through mine ignorance , who knew her not . And when I left her at the fountain , it was not truly mine entent to be present at this tilting , as afterwards I was constrained . So that mine excuses could nothing preuaile against the importunitie which hath countermaunded me .

Then the page replied : Séeing that it is your pleasure to accomplish that which my ladie Alderine would entreat you , know she hath an extreame desire to know who you are , and wherfore you keepe your selfe so close & secret : for considering your valour and chiualry , she esteemeth you aboue all others , of whom as yet she had euer any knowledge : promising you also by the faith ofsuch a lady as shée is , not to make it manifest to any creature , if so be your pleasure . I may thinke my selfe very happie quoth Belcarin then , if so noble and perfect a princesse taketh paine to be inquisitiue of my déed , and when I should haue concluded with my selfe to conceale it from al the world , yet would I not from her : wherefore brother , you shall tell her that my name is Belcarin , I am nephew to the emperour of Constantinople : and the cause why I am not willing yet to be knowne , is that I am but lately knighted , and hauing not as yet performed any thing which may so much b●● on my name , that it may be registred in the number of the valiant , I resolued not to publish it but with very good testimoniall . Further you shall assure her from me , that I offer my selfe from henceforth to serue her as her most humble knight , hoping vnder the fauour of her famous name , to win so great reputation , that I and my posteritie shall for euer remaine her bounden seruaunts . And then when I haue done those thinges , whereby I may merite honour and commendation , I will come vnto her my selfe to make her the offer of my heart , which féeleth it selfe so much affectioned to obey her , that it shall not attempt any thing hereafter , which may not be to her liking and pleasure . So much she shall know in commanding me , for I haue so readie a will to employ my selfe in her seruice that notwithstanding the hazard of my life did depend vpon doing it , I will not spare any of my best forces : Beséeching her moreouer not to disclose my name to any one for that I would at this present visit the king Florendos and the Quéene my grandfather and grandame .

With this answere returned Gracian to his mistres , who staied for him in so great deuotion , that so soone as shée saw him come a farre of , she could not containe , but must néeds aske him what successe had followed the exploit of his ambassage . Well Madame answered the page , but you must kéepe it secret , for so is his humble request . That shal wée doe most willingly quoth they , and then hée recounted to them all that hée had vnderstoode of him , saying that hée was Belcarin the king of Hungaries sonne . What is it he ? Quoth Quéene Denise , scréeking alowd for ioy , why hée is then my nephew : and what so great iniury haue we done him that he vouchsafeth not to visit vs ? Truely I should bée verie glad to see him , for I loue him entirely , for that from our infancie wée were brought vp together . And well can I assure you Madame Alderine , that he hath béene alwaies verie courteous and gentle from a youth , wherefore I reioice greatly , that his valour in arms doth so wel second his courtesy and mildnes . Neuertheles séeing he wil be so secret , he shall not be disclosed for vs .

We néed not demaund whether Alderine were ioifull when she heard say that Belcarin was descended of so noble and famous bloud séeing also he proffered himselfe alreadie very cordially to be her knight : wherefore from that very instant hour she began to loue him without measure , and to imprint so well his remembrance in her spirit , that shée could neuer blot it out , but euery houre more then other did she multiplie in her heart the amourous passion that Cupid , who was then in ambush , had before brewed for her at the Fountaine .

CHAP. III. How Belcarin fearing to be discouered , departed secretly out of Macedon to fal again into his way , in which he met a knight , whom he afterward vanquished , and how hee had a fierce combat with him who guarded the bridge where Celestina was enchanted .

AS soon as Belcarin had dispatched away Alderines gentleman , he resolued to depart that court , doubting the king Florendos would send to séeke him all about , as soone after fell out , for he desired greatly to know who was the knight that was the vanquisher . But he found himselfe frustrate of his attempt , for that Belcarin got him quickly away : which the king could hardly haue beleeued , had he not perceiued it in his second iusting , which he ordained for the nonst , the which séemed to him but a sport of little children , in comparison of the former tourney , where this vnknown knight shewed such incredible acts of chiualry : and albeit quéen Denise and the princesse Alderine , heard them speaking hereof many times , yet would they neuer open any other thing , but that hee should be some one of best account in the emperours court .

Belcarin then after that he had in most courteous maner thanked the two knights , for their great humanity & courtesie towards him , tooke of them honestly his leaue , faining he was constrained to be gone in all hast for some affairs of importance which he was to manage in another place : whereat the two knights shewing themselues greatly displeased of this suddain departure , offered to kéepe him companie : but he thanked them againe , saying as then he had no néed thereof . So hée put himselfe againe into the way which he left before to sée Alderine , and road that day little more then thrée mile , onely to dislodge himselfe from the court . It chaunced he tooke vp his lodging all that night in a faire gréene meddow , where ( for that there was no house-roome néere ) he purposed to rest , and to passe that night away as well as he might : But euen as he thought to close his eies , and to take a nappe , a déepe thought of the surpassing beautie of Alderine troubled his spirit : During which he entred this combat with himselfe . Truly , Belcarin , thou maiest by good right be noted of ingratitude and discourtesie , hauing shewed so little ciuility towards so noble a princesse as is the duke of Pontus daughter : Ah , Thou must amend this fault , and shew her in effect that the innocent mistaking of dutie is nothing , where repentance and satisfaction for the offence committed presently ensue . After many amorous discourses he resolued himselfe ( if he could not atchieue the aduenture of Celestina ) to accept her with all his heart for wife : And in this point of his thought , a swéet sléepe fell into his eies , which continued without waking till the morrow morning , when séeing it cleare day , he mounted on horsbacke . But he had not gone farre , ere hée met a knight armed at all points who asked him whether he came from Macedon , and whether the marriage of the kings daughter were solemnized ? whereunto he answered , affirming that they were : notwithstanding if he went to the Tourney , he should come thether time enough to be set a worke .

The knight bidding him farewel , without further talke road on his way . And if you will know-what newes with him : he was Sergin the sonne of Cardin , he who departed from Constantinople with Colmelie , to follow the damsel who came to do the hastie embassage to the emperor Cleodomyr , as you vnderstood in the last chapter of his hystorie . And albeit they had raunged ouer many countreis to finde her , yet could they neuer heare any newes for that she was retired verie quicklie within the castell of Carderie , from whence the Fairie sent her away in haste to the Court , for the dispatch ofthat businesse , which tended to the greater glorie and renowme of the future prowesse of Marcomyr , sonne to the Quéene of Tharsus , and the Emperour Cleodomyr . To the end that this knight comming one day to vndoe the enchantment of Celestina , hée might be enterned with greater honour and magnificence . Now had Sergin made his assay in this aduenture , but being not able to goe anie further in it than others , hauing vnderstoode of the solemnitie and open Court helde in Macedon , went thither in a great perplexitie to bée present at the Tourney at that time when Belcarin gaue him certaine newes thereof . These two knights could not haue ridden farre more than halfe a mile the one from the other , when Sergin met the Damsell , sister to the two brethren whom Belcarin slue at the wood side : who hauing pursued him as far as king Florendos Court , was aduertised by one of her squires whom she sent after him in post , that hee had woon the honour of the triumph : from the which withdrawing himselfe verie secretly , afterwardes he tooke right the high way of Carderie , into which way she made such hast after him , that she met with Sergin soone after Belcarin had left him , and thus to him gan she say :

Gentleman , I pray you shew mee whether you met not before a knight who carried a gréene armour vpon his backe , the most traiterous and disloial man who liuith this day in the whole world . For my father hauing done him al the hon●●● that he could deuise one 〈…〉 him in his Castell , and the 〈…〉 him the more , commaunded three brethren I had to accompanie him on his way . The ingratefull and fellon wretch without anie other occasion cruelly did two of them to death , and lest the third in danger to go quickly to kéepe them companie : so that I now go after him , in hope to find some valerous man at Armes , who abhorring the iniquitie and crueltie of 〈◊〉 , may haue some compassion to auenge me of this outrage . Full well knew this t●●●teresse to colour her speeches , and by this meane finely to frame and lay together a causelous Prosopopoia , that she imprinted in Sergius hart , a desire of reuenging so foule an iniurie . Wherefore he made her this answere , Faire damsel , if it be so as you say , the knight cannot excuse himself , but he is in 〈◊〉 a traitor , & a fellon , and you shal sée that God aboue will not permit him to liue long in this world vnpunished . The damsel began to sweare execrably it was troth which she had said , praying him very instantly hée would helpe her in this distresse , if his opportunitie might serue : most willingly , answered Sergiu , 〈◊〉 I doe my best endeuour to make him pay deare for this his villanie ; for I am a capitall enemie of vile murtherers .

Then turned they bridle incontinently to follow after Belcarin , but they could not ouertake him all that day , nor the morrow , because he road a very round pace . The third day afterward , being newly gon out of a litle place where he had lodged all night , they discouered him a farre off vpon the top of a little hill , wherof the damsel was very glad , and then againe she praie Sergin to employ all his best force to take reuenge on this tyrant . The knight promising still so to do , spurd liuely his courser to ouertake Belcarin the sooner . To whom he called aloud a far off , speaking in a great brauado , 〈◊〉 , stay , thou traitour and caitife Knight , to receiue of my hand the guerdon for murthering so cowardly those who had entertained thée with all humanitie into 〈…〉 who heard himselfe thus reuiled , was moued to great choler : then furiously turning bridle towardes him who did vrge this disloyaltie wrongfully to him , made this stout answere : Euill for thy profite commest thou now to publish in this Countrey to foule a lie . At the instant downe with his beauer , and by and by vayling his Launce , ranne with a most violent furie agaynst him , the like did Sergin brauely for his part , who breaking his staffe vpon the enemie , pearced his harnesse quite thorow vnder his pouldrons , and scarde his flesh a little as the blade passed . But Belcarin charged him with so great force that he him neate out of the Saddle : being thus smitten , he full downe vnder his horse héeles , and by no meane was able to recouer his feete , wherefore séeing him lie thus without moouing arme or foote , hee proceeded on his way .

The damsel who was arriued by this time , séeing Sergin in that 〈…〉 from her palfrey very sorrowfull and angrie , and wrapping vp his wounds as well as shée could with her Squires , determined to carrie him into some place to cure his wounds , making the greatest lamentation that might be for so strange an accident . Alas , good God , quoth she , how giue you power to the wicked thus to wrong the good and iust ? Suffer not , I beséech you , this traitour to doe any further hurt , but hastening the houre of his death giue your consent , that he may quickly bee trust vp , or come to some vnhappie end . The two squires who had alreadie lifted him on horsebacke , returning the verie way they came , conducted him to the lame lodging , where Belcarin had soiourned the night before . There vnderstood they oftheir host , how that he went to trie himselfe in the aduenture of Celestina , whither the Damsell had willinglie followed him : but loth to leaue Sergin in so euident daunger , shée tarried three dayes with him , seruing him in the best manner she could , because for her loue he had incurred this perill .

So we wil leaue them there togither to returne to Belcarin , who road so hard , that at last hee arriued at a castell standing within half a daies iourney of the Ile where Celestina was . This fortresse did belong to a gentlewoman being a widow , who had two faire daughters , and one son knighted not long before , no lesse valiant in feates of Armes , then learned and prompt in manie other disciplines . In this place hée was maruailous well entertained , for the Ladie of the Castell was a verie honourable woman , and her daughters verie courteous Gentlewomen , and of comely grace : Supper time come , he was serued in good sort , with manie fine dishes : resection taken , he began to discourse with them , and entering in talke of diuerse matters , hée enquired of the déedes of knights who did make the aduenture of the Isle , wherevnto the Gentlewomans sonne called Lipes , made this aunswere :

Truely , Gentlman , I should hold him for ill aduised , who wil enterprise to goe thither to labour in that matter , séeing it is but a while since a knight arriued there , and is returned but with dishonour , forasmuch as the deuise of this enchantment ( as well haue the thrée Fairies knowne to doe it ) hath béene of such efficacie , that he who shall exploite the vndoing of it , had néed bee of singular prowesse and valour .

But can you tell me , replied then Belcarin , the condition of this aduenture , and wherin consisteth the greatest difficultie ? for yet haue I neuer found any who could tell it me truely : nor satisfie the great desire I had to learne it . Better then any man liuing can I now discourse it to you , quoth Lipes , because I haue beene there oftentimes to accompanie Knightes who came to this place , as you doe , and I haue seene manie of them combat with him who gardeth the entraunce of the Bridge , albeit to their disaduauntage . Knowe you then , sir , that the Isle of Carderie is by diameter of great extendue , & inuironed with the sea on the one side , on the other side washeth and watereth it a floud , which dischargeth it selfe in the salt water very néere the castle , at the foot whereof is built a bridge by meruellous architecture whilome accessible to all wandering knights : But since Celestina was there shut vp and enclosed within the great dungeon , no stranger might euer enter in there : those of the Isle only doe goe and come , all other not . Upon this bridge are placed thrée litle turrets , one in the middest , the other two at both the ends . In the first is a knight surpassing the common measure and proportion of men , so fierce , hardy , and valiant , that since the beginning of this enchauntment , hath not any one looked him in face who could euer take any aduantage vpon his Prowesse , except onely the lord of the Isle Liquie , his sonne whom the emperour Marcomyr vanquished at the Iust , when he conquered the Sagittarie . He being called Linedes by name , was so magnanimious and laborous , that hée fought against the knight of the bridge from morning to night : and albeit the battell were rough and cruell , yet was there neuer perceiued any want of courage or fear at all in him , which happened not to him of the bridge , for that the bloud which he lost , did make him so féeble , that his heart began to faile him . But a crumpshouldered and ilfauoured dwarfe who stood sentinell in the top of the first towre to discouer the knights who came a farre off along the fields , winding then swéetly his enchanted horn which he weareth at his necke in a skarfe , did so restore him all his force , that he séemed euen then to haue entred fresh into the combat . In this manner held he out till the sun setting , when Linedes his enemie beganne to be weakened in his strength : by meanes whereof , before the dwarfe returned to sound his horne , he gaue the knight of the towre such a girde , that he made him saue himselfe on the ground with his hands : Then running swiftly along the bridge , got quickly to the middle turret , the gates wherof standing before wide open , shut themselues at his comming , with so fearefull creaking and trembling of the whole building , that Linedes fell to ground in a sound : yet for all that hee was quickly vp againe . A good part of the night was already slipt away , before he came to himself out of his sound , whereby his Squiers ( thinking verily he was dead ) did make the most gréeuous complaints that might be , & when he was come again to his former senses he found himselfe so giddy and frushed , that he remained more then foure houres before he could recouer his spéech . In the meane while he was borne into a bed which his squiers had set vp for him in a tent , where he soiorned thrée daies and neuer went abroad , the fourth day féeling himselfe strong inough to endure horseback ( for that he saw there was no way for him to returne once more to proue this aduenture ) hée departed thence sad and in great choller . And I tell you Sir , for a certaine that when the dwarfe who stood sentinell in the top of the first turret saw the knight of the bridge waxe faint , and to haue the worst of the battell , sounding but his horn , he put him again into his former strength : whereby it commeth to passe that no man can stand out long time against him : séeing then such an enterprise bringeth great danger and sometimes death with it , mine aduise should be , that no man henceforward would come to aduenture it any more .

You count me meruelous things then quoth Belcarin : sure the Fairies were very wel learned that deuised this enchantment : wherefore I thinke they haue not shut in the damsel there without great occasion , being assured some Knight must exploit this aduenture : towards the which euery one presuming a little of himself may march couragiously with a hope that it is he for whom it hath ben reserued . Wherevpon I do not wonder if many fall into this errour , séeing that for my part I wil not refuse to go , for any thing whatsoeuer may befall me . If peraduenture I die in the conflict , I shall augment only the number of those who cannot attaine the purpose of their enterprises , without receiuing any other dishonour thereby .

Lipes intreated him of all loues to forbear the voiage , and so did his sisters in like maner , in the swéet acquaintance & good fauor of whom he was entred very far already , especially of the yonger , very faire and courteous aboue the other : but little auailed them al their persuasiue reasons propounded to turne him , for that Belcarin being come expresly from a far country , would not for any thing in the world haue failed to make some assay of his prowesse and valour in that so famous aduenture .

When Lipes saw him so resolute in his opinion , he offred to bear him company , were it but to shew him the way , which courtesy Belcarin accepted most willingly : by this good occasion getting to horsebacke the morrow morning very early , they were in the isle about noon . For that day the yong prince pleased to rest himselfe a little within a rich tent which thrée squiers had already reared there , who were sent thether before by Lipes sisters with necessary prouisions for such a purpose so soon as they vnderstood the resolution . When it grew late , Belcarin went to vew the isle , and beholding the towre wherein Celestina was , he praied vnto God in his mind , to giue him so much force , that he might deliuer her out of that place , and purchase aboue al others the honour to haue happily atchieued such an aduenture . So déepely was his mind occupied in that thought : that of all the night hée could not put it away , but said often in himselfe :

Ah Belcarin , God forbid thou shouldest suffer thy heart to abase it selfe , delay not to plonge thy selfe manly in the execution of this enterprise , for albeit courage and strength fit for so worthie Prowesse should faile thée , yet ought onely to pricke thée forward , the renowne and generositie of thine auncestors , being the sonne of one of the best knights , who is this day vnder the Zodiake , and nephew to that great Emperour , with whom none can euer make compare . Thus discoursed hée in his mind , ouercome with amourous fancie , t●●l the bre●●e of day , when he began to arme himselfe leisurely at all points , then went he towards the bridge , where in a little place right before the first Turret , waited for him the knight of ●he guard , so huge and fierce , that although Belcarin were hardie and valiant , he was notwithstanding somewhat afraid , albeit he shewed no signe thereof outwardly , but couering himselfe brauely with his sheild , hardie past wonder marched on forward to enter the bridge , when the garder , came to debar him , saying very proudly : Stand backe , knight , if you will not haue the combat against me , for this step I forbid all those that are like you . For none other end am I come hether , quoth Belcarin , but to ●ight with thée , and to passe the bridge , if it be in my power : with that word he tooke him such a rap with his sword , that he started the fire from his eies vnder his helmet : but the knight was quit with him presently , for he payd Belcarin two for one , so well set on with his club wherewith he fought , that he taught him the way where he might goe fet the like ●s often as he would . Neuerthelesse by his dexterity and skil in managing his armes , hée did beat by afterwards almost all the rest of his blowes , and did reach his enemie some sound knocks very often . In this maner continued they about thrée houres hacking and hewing one another , till Lipes , who commended Belcarin greatly ( and muc● more then he did before ) spake aloud a word of courage , that hée had neuer in his life séene knight , who quitted himselfe so well , kéeping his weapons in his hand .

These words did so animate and prouoke the courage of Belcarin , that perceiuing the knight of the bridge somewhat wearie , he would haue done that which he heard say Linedes did : but the guard which stood a little on the left hand , lent him such a villanous polte , which hit him on the shoulder , that Belcarin was faine to kisse the ground with one knée .

Then did the dwarfe sound his horne so swéetely , that al Those which heard it , were verie ioyfull and pleased , except the Prince , who felt a great ●ea●e and a●●king in his heart : neuerthelesse , as a man not●ing but heart and valour , he dissembled it . The knight th●n r●sto●●d to his former force by the sound of the horne , 〈◊〉 the assault more ●uriouslie than hée did at first , in the which Belcarin behaued himselfe alwayes so brauely , that he helde him shrewde tugge : and one thing comforted him aboue all other , it was , that none of all the blowes that his enemie lighted vpon him , had giuen him a bléeding wound , but did onlie bruise the flesh vnder his armour , and therefore could hée fight verie well at his ease . Thrise blewe the watch which was aboue at the sentinell his horne to fortifie his champion to the battell : which continued so long that in the end Belcarin felt himselfe a little wearied , by reason he had not rested himselfe all that day . Neuerthelesse hée imagined with himselfe , that shewing no other valour then that which he vsed in this skirmish , in vaine had hée taken so great paine to come thither : which hée would haue counted a great shame , if the Emperour had béene aduertised thereof .

Being in this imagination , his stomacke began to encrease in him maruellously , wherefore he gathered néere his enemie , thinking to lay him along on the ground : but the knight of the bridge was too warie for him to be taken at that disaduauntage , for stepping a little aside , he deliuered him so sound a blowe on his crest , that he cleft it in two péeces . When Belcarin saw himselfe in this daunger , hée threw with a mightie violence the two péeces at his aduersarie , and by great chaunce hit him so full ouer the shinnes , that the knight fell backeward , and turned round twice or thrice in the place .

Then the Prince séeing that hee might easilie get the bridge without resistance of any , ranne verie swi●tlie to the middest Turret , the gates whereof closed at the instant with so great impetuositie , that hee sell from his height downe to the ground all amazed , and without any féeling at all .

Now L●pe● who was verie glad to sée him runne along the bridge , chaunged his ioy into sadnesse when he perceyued him halfe dead , neuerthelesse lifting him vp betwéene his armes , with the helpe of his two Squires , carried him presently vpon his bed : where disarming him straight , and sprinckling Uinegar , and cold water on his face , they vsed so good remedies that he came quickly to himselfe againe . But he had no sooner recouered his spirits , when he began to lament in straunge manner , as well for his misfortune and disgrace , as for the murthering blowes which his enemie had giuen him , whereof bore witnesse his armour , thrust thorow and pierced in manie places .

While he thus complained and lamented so grieuously , Lipes begun in most courteous manner to comfort him againe : Sir , quoth he , bée of good cheare , take a good heart to passe ouer and let slip this anguish of minde , assuring your selfe without doubt , that it is more than eight yéeres since euer Knight came into this Isle , ( onelie Linedes excepted ) who hath woonne so great honour , as you haue done now : so that you haue farre greater cause to reioyce , than to complaine as you doe . Alas , my brother , answered Belcarin , a sorrowfull man may I be , who haue not atchiued my purpose pretended : but séeing I sée none other remedie , I must take in patience the disaster that hath so shamefully put me to this foyle . For of things so diuelishly enchaunted , neuer succéedeth any good : Accursed be the Fairies , with all their infernall charmes and sorceries , which make poore wandering Knights suffer so many mischiefs and diseases for their pleasures .