CHAP. I. How Don Bellaneo Emperour of Constantinople was married to the Princess Clarinda , Daughter to the King of Spain , of the birth of Don Bellianis , and how being a hunting he par●ed from his Father by a strange adventure , and how the Emperour went in search of his Son .

THe great City of Constantinople , whose Foundation was laid , and stately buildings erected by the Emperor Constamine , who made it the Metropolis of the Grecian Empire , had not enjoyed many Emperors before that Imperial Crown and Scep●er was swayed by one named Don Bellaneo , and such an Emperor he was , both for strength of body , and all other Princely Endowments as was hardly equaled by any of his Predecessors , and was excelled by none . The death of his Parents had put him into possession of his Empire when but young , and he being desirous of novelty , left the Government thereof to travel about the World , and s●ek out strange and hard Adventures , and in this employment he exercised himself so long , that he thereby gained I●●ort●l Renown , and being thus full fraughted with th● Honor of his Worthy and Heroical Atchievements , he at length returned to his own City of Constantinople . He was so well and de●rly beloved by his Subjects , that their joy for his return was Vniversally great , and that they might still enjoy the blessing of his presence , they propounded a Marriage to him , which he so well approved of , that in short time after , the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Macedon ( both were Relations to the Emperor ) with many other Princely Personages were sent Ambassadors to Toloj●n King of Spain to desire the beautiful Princess Clarinda his Daughter in Marriage with the Emperor ; And so good success they had in their Embassay , that they were not only royally welcomed by the Spanish King in his City of Hasp●lis , but by a full and free consent of him and his Parliament , had the fair Princess delivered to them , who being conducted by them to the Emperor , was joyfully and lovingly received of him , and solemnly married to him .

By this Marriage was produced thrée Valiant Princes , who were thus called , Don Bellianis of Greece , Don Clarineo of Spain , and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly , Sons to the Emperor who were educated in his Court , in the Company of Don Brianel Son to the Prince of Macedon , and Don Arsileo Son to the King of Hungaria , all these Princes were bred up in the exercise of Arms , and in the knowledge of Arts , especially that of M●sick , in which the Prince Don Bellianis was excellent , but when this Prince arrived to the Age of twelve years , he wholly applyed himself to his Sword and Lance , that he became an excellent proficient in all feats of Chivalry , and he had not practised Arms above two years , before he had occasion to make use of them in an Adventure that then befel him : For one day attending his Father and Mother and being accompanied by the Princes Arsileo , and Don Bria●el his Cousins , with many other Knights and Ladyes , they rode some Miles from the City on hunting , but their intended sport was spoiled , by the arival of a furious Lyon and ●●ngly Bear . The Lyon run strait to Don Bel●ianis , who drawing his Sword defended himself but not so well but that the Lyon sorely wounded him , but in the end was vanquis●ed by the Prince , who Weary as he was , looked after the Bear , who he saw had not only overthrown his Cousin the Prince Arsileo , but did then drag him over the adjacent Mountains . Our Couragious Prince was so concerned in this spec●●c●e that notwithstanding his Mothers cryes , his own Wounds , and the perswasions of all he pursued the bear , not only over the Mountains but through a most dismal Grove , where for s●me time he lost the sight of the Bear and his Cosin , and thereupon being possessed with a déep Melancholly , he sat him down , but long had he not rested , before he again saw both the Bear and his Cousin ; the Bear did then leave his Cousin to assault him , but he being sensible of the Devilish fury of that mon●●ruous Creature , let him pass by and saw him enter into an adjoyning Cave . Although the Prince was joyful at the sight of his Cosin , yet he could not be perswaded from entring into the Cave to see what became of the Bear , and therefore being accompanied by his Cousin Arsileo , he entred the same but although he with much difficulty entred , his Cousin was in spight of all his strength violently cast out , and our Valiant Prince met with mighty opposition in his passage , but at length passing through that dark Cave , he arrived at a fair Hall , where he saw a large Pillar with some Arabian Characters , which he going to read , was hindred by a most furious and monstruous Gyant , who was accompanyed by the forementioned Bear , who both at once assaulted him , and although he drawing his Sword gave them both many and mighty blows , yet he was not at all advantaged , for he could not Wound or hurt them , but was so Wounded by them , that he fled to the Pillar to defend and rescue himself , and there by good fortune he saw an excellent Sword fixed , which he laying hands to , soon drew out , and thereupon was a most horrible noise , and great Earthquake , and now being Master of so good a Sword , he again assaulted the Gyant and Bear , but with better success then before , for he soon overcame and flew them both . and now his Cousin attempting to enter the Cave did it with much ease , and coming into the Hall and finding him , was very ●oyful for his Victory , and so they both going to the Pillar , read as followeth .

A Prophesie .

The fearful Keepers of my Cave being slain by the couragious Lyons , and the Sword won shall occasion the loss of the living and finding of the dead , who shall be then restored .

Both the Princes were amazed at what they had read and séen , but the Prince Arsileo was much troubled at his Cousins wounds which were many , great and , dangerous , however he supported them with much chearfulness and whilst he and his Cousin were in discourse about the wonders of the place , they beheld coming towards them a most beautiful Lady , who was supported by two grave Knights , and attended by twelve Damsels , who all coming near the Prince knéeled on the ground ▪ he seeing that action did the like , and desired them to rise ; but the Lady refused so to do , untill he granted her demand : the which he soon agreed to do ; and then she arising took him by the hand , and conducted him into the Chamber from whence she came , which when he was entred , he found it to be one of the fairest and most magnificent Chamber in the world ; some time being spent in discoursing about the rarities thereof , the Lady desired the Prince to permit one of the Ladies who was well skilled in surgery to dress his wounds , he at first refused her offer , but id the end being impartuned by her and the Prince his Cousin he consdnted , rnd being undressed , he was lald in a most sumptuous Bed , and his wounds being dressed most skilfully , he was left to his rest , where we will leave him , and return to the Empress .

At the departure of Don Bellianis after the Bear , the Emp●ess made so many outcryes , that caused many Knights to follow in our suit of him , but although they could trace him by the blood he lost , especially where he had sate down ; yet none of them could discover the mouth of the Cave , and thereby find which way he had taken , so that much doubting and fearing his loss they returned , to the great sorrow of the Empress his Mother , but her sorrow was much more augmented when she understood that the Emperor her Husband had armed himself at all points , and being attended and accompanied by none but a Squire , and Don Brianell had likewise left her to séek her Son . fully determined not to see her till he had found him ; she understanding of this his resolution , caused all the Knights present , not only to spend all the day time in séeking for them both , but night being come and they returned , she commanded them with lighted Torches to renew their search , but all in vain , so that as sorrowfull as she was , she was forced to be content and with much sorrow to return to the City without them .

CHAP. II. How the Emperor in search of his Son happened on a strange and dangerous adventure . How Don Bellianis and his Cousin Arsileo left the Cave and went with the Lady , and how they were both Knighted , and of a brave and dangerous fight between the Knights of the Castle and the two Princes .

THe Emperor in the mean time took much pains to find the lost Princes , so that riding hard all the day Don-brianell was at night so weary that he was glad to disarm and rest himself in the fields , where he had not lain long , but he was disturbed by a noise which he heard at some distance , whereupon he again armed himself . and mounting on Horseback rode on towards the place , from whence he supposed the noise came , till at length he arrived near to a Castle , and going to the gate he perceived the noise came from thence ; whereupon he knocked loudly , but none answered , so that he searched round about the Castle , but found no place to enter in , only he saw a Rope hanging from the Castle walls , and hearing the voice of people and fighting within , and considering that he might ascend the Castle by the Rope , he disarmed himself , and although Don Brianell did all he could to diswade him , yet he soon by help of that Rope climbed to the Castle walls , and that without any other arms but his Sword and Shield , he intended to have drawn up his armour to him , but was prevented , for he saw ten Knights pursued by two f●ere● and mighty Gyants , and therefore calling to the Knights to free about and leave flying , he opposed himself to both the Gyants , who seeing a single Knight unarmed oppose them , were mightily enraged , and fell both upon him , so that they 〈◊〉 this Shield in two , and wounded him in the head ; he understanding of the danger he was in , gave one of the Gyants so great a blew that he cleft his head to his eyes , and soon after closing and strugling with the other he threw him over the Castle wall to Don Brianell , who by his command cut off his head : The second Gyant being dispatched , he looked for the Knights who were still engaged in fight , and were worsted by the valour of one Knight , which he séeing took one of the dead Gyants Shields , and went to eppose him , where although he was wounded in the Thigh by that Knight , yet in the end he vanquished him , as the other Knights had also overcome the rest of their enemies , and now they all received him with great joy and thanks desiring him to take care of his wounds , but he would not permit them to be dressed , untill his Squite and Don Brianell were let into the Castle , who were joyfull to see him in so good condition . His wounds being dressed , and he laid in bed , the Knights desired Don Brianell to acquaint them who the Emperour was , but he made hem no other answer , but that he was called the Unknown Knight . So soon as he had rested and taken some case , the Emperour enquired of the Knights the occasion of this fight in the Castle , to which they replyed , that being desired by these Knights their enemies to entertain them that night as strangers in their Castle , they consented thereto but they were no sooner entred , but they so set upon them as he had found them : The Emperour being dissatisfied with this answer , enquired for the Knight with Azure armor and understanding that he was alive , but wounded and in Prison . he ordered him to be looked to , and his wounds dressed , which was done accordingly , and in ten dayes the Emperour being cured , went to this Knight , and enquired of him who he was , to this he would not answer , unless the Emperour would also agree to tell him who he was . to this the Emperour consenting told him that he was named Don Bellaneo Emperour of Greece , and that an adventure extraordinary had brought him thither , the other Knight hearing this , much wondring cryed out that then he found his attempts would be in vain , and that the Souldan who had employed him would be disappointed . for said he , Most Mighty Sir know that I came into this Country at the instigation of the Souldan of Persia , who is your very great enemy , and does so much abhor and hate you , that he is wil●ing to purchase your head at the price of half his Empire : and therefore that he might accomplish his purpose , he did declare that if any would undertake your death and perform it , that he should as a reward have his fair Daughter to wife with half of his dominions ; now know Sir ( said the Knight to the Emperour ) that I Don Gallaneo who am Prince of Antioch , and have great love to the Princess , did undertake this exploit , and therefore being accompanied with five hundred Knights , and thirty Gyants am purposely come into these parts to perform our enterprize , and by taking you at some advantage , to carry you dead or alive to our Lord the Souldan ; and to the end that I might the more easily accomplish my design , we attempted to surprise this Castle . But ( continued he ) I now believe it much harder to perform our enterprise then I expected , since I find you possessed with so great vallor . The Emperour at this recitall was much surprised , and blameing Don Gallaneo for his wicked undertaking , only ordered him to be secured in the Castle ; but he told the Emperour , that although he were secured , yet he were best to take care of his own safety : for that the forces which he had brought with him would endeavour to endanger him ; to this the Emperour replyed he would provide against them , and so departed in Company of Don Brianel , who desiring the Emperor to dub him a Knight was put off till another time more convenient .

And now leaving them , we return to Don Bellianis , who remaining ten days in the Damsels Cave , and being cured of his wounds was desirous of departing , and therefore he requested the Lady to let him know what service she would command him , she finding the time convenient thus related her story . I was Daughter to Pompeiane King of Antioch named Aurora , but being nere kin to the most beautifull Princess Florisbilla Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon , I was in that Court bred up with her , and there I continued so long , that a very valiant Knight arrived there , who was called the Knight of the three Images : This Knight was not only very couragious but he was also very amorous of the Princess my Cousin , and seeing me to be very familiar with her , he courted me to intercede with her in his behalf , I thus became his confident , and acted for him with all integrity ; but to little purpose , for the Princess Florisbilla would not accept him , but he still importuning her and me , she was desired to acquaint the Souldan her Father with his suit , who not only disallowed of it , but caused him to depart his Empire ; which action so angred the Knight , that he departing , went unto the King my Fathers Country . and resolving to be revenged on me ; slew my Father , gained possession of the Kingdom , and gave it to a Prince of his Kindred , named Don Gallaneo ; And I intending to return to my own Country , was diswaded therefrom , by a wise woman , named Bellona , who caused me and these my companions to be brought hither , telling me that e're long I should be delivered by the Prince of Greece , and the Hungarian Prince his Cousin , whose words I have found true hitherto , and therefore said she , I am in good hopes of recovering my Kingdom by your hands . ; To this Discourse Don Bellianis replyed that he was ready in all things to obey and serve her and not only in person but with a sufficient Army to execute so great an enterprize . The Princess answered that only his Company and his Cousins would be sufficient , and that in order to their business , there was Armor left by the Sage Bellona for them both , which being brought forth , that was of an Orange Taw●y colour with a large Wave of the Sea . and on the Shield was painted a Knight kneeling to a beautifull Lady , who turned away her face , with this inscription . For your discourteous leaving me when I first saw you , now be gon , dispair and dye . On the Prince Arsileo's Shield was painted a Dragon and Griffon fighting , parted by a Damsel . These armes did not only please , but very well fit the Princes , who putting them on and mounting their Horses they left the Cave , being thus accompanied with the Princess and her Damsels , who put on their Masks , and thus rode on , but not far had they gone when they perceived two Knights to come out of a Castle , and with them a third unarmed like a Prisoner , one of the Kinghts was armed in an azure armor with imperiall Crowns , and on his Shield the God Mars was figured ; the other had a white armor : our Knights were desirous of knowing who these were that they met , and would gladly have forced them to have delivered him , whom they supposed was a Prisoner , but could not , because they had not as yet received the order of Knighthood ; On the other side the Knight in white armor , was desirous to try their vallors , by breaking of a Lance , and to that end , he sent his Squire to invite one of them to that exercise , but they returned their sufficient answer that they were not Knighted , but wished they were for his sake : and that , to that end they intended to travel to the Emperor Don Bellaneo , to receive that order from his hands . The white Knight returned this answer , that the Emperor was not in his Court at present , and therefore if they intended to travell thither they would loose their labour , but if they were fitly accomplished for , and desirous of that order , the Knight his Companion would give them that honour , and he assured them that he was such a Person , as was not for Nobillity , or Prowess , excéeded by the Emperor himself . Our Knights being very desirous of Knighthood ▪ especially that they might try their vallors against this new Knight , sent one of the Damsels to the Knight in the azure armor , with their request , who being satisfied of their Nobillity by taking their Oaths did presently admit them into the order of Knighthood ; the Princess Aurora girding on the Sword of Don Bellianis , and the white Knight doing the same to Arsileo ; and thus the Knight in the Azure armor having given them his benediction they returning him many thanks again , mounted on Horseback .

And now being in a Capacity to try their vallor , the white Knight desired Arsileo to perform his promise , who being as ready as the other , soon consented , and thereupon putting their Lances in their Rests , they ran against one another with such fury , that their Lances were broken into shivers , and they both dismounted , thereupon drawing both their Swords , they began a doubtful and furious Combate , whereupon Arsileo as being the best armed had the better of it , sorely wounding his adversary , but so , that they were in short time both reduced to a low condition , which Don Bellianis seeing , and he being desirous to assist his Cousin Arsileo , having obtained leave of the Princess Aurora , he invited the Knight in the Azure armor , to break a Lance , the Knight of the Castle consented thereto , and accordingly they began their Course with very great fury , but although their Lances were flown up into the air in severall pieces , yet their bodies were immoveable ; at which the Knight of the Castle wandred , having been used to unhorse all whom he encountred but having foyled with his Lance , he drawing his Sword gave Don Bellianis so mighty a blow on the Shield that he lost it and was forced to lean on his horses neck , but recovering himself he returned the Knight of the Castle so weighty a stroke on the Helm , as astonished him , and forced the horse to set his knées on the ground , never was seen so fierce a Combate as was between these Knights , who ●●rived to exceed one another , so that they were also very much Wounded . At the same time thirty Knights and four Gyants entred the Field , and seeing the Knight in the Azure Armor in danger , they all pressed on towards Don Bellianis to assault him , but the Knight that was Prisoner cryed out to them to forbear , telling them they were mistaken , and that he was the party that they took the other for , they then coming to him , knew him to be Don Gallaneo , and he acquainted them that the other who was in the Azure Armor which had been his , was the Emperor Don Bellaneo as indeed it was , and the new Knight was Don Brianel , who were travelling with Don Gallaneo their Prisoner towards Constantinople , but were thus met with as you have heard , and now Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants understanding the whole matter from him , & that their chief enemy the Emperor was before them , they all set upon him ; and Don Bellianis understanding that it was his Father with whom he had fought & so Wounded , was much troubled , but however resolved to assist him against his Enemies to the last gasp , and the Emperor seeing the danger he was in , drawing his Signet from his finger delivered it to one of those that came from the Castle with him , commanding him to hasten to the Court and deliver it to the King of Hungaria and let him know the condition he was in , and that he should immediately send him aid , and then séeing all the Troop ready to assail him , he prepared to defend himself , and was assisted by Don Brianel , his Son Don Bellianis , and Don Arsileo , and the two Old Knights who attended the Princess Aurora , and thus did this unequal Battle begin wherein we will leave them , and follow the Messenger , who made such hast that in short time he arrived at Constantinople , and finding the King of Hungaria delivered the Signet , and related the Case , at which the King immediately assembled the Guards , which was two thousand Knights , and with them departed towards the place of Combate , commanding all the City to Arm , and with all expedition to follow him , which command was in short time executed accordingly .

CHAP. III. The end of the fight between Don Gallaneo and his Forces , and the Emperor and Princes , and how the Princes departed without discovery , and what befel them and the Lady in the dangerous Grove , and how the Emperour after their departure knew who they were .

VEry bloody was the fight between the Emperor and his small party ( being only those whom we have told you , and eight more , who came out of the Castle ) and that band of Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants , who all made it their cheifest aim to kill the Emperor , but he so well defended himself being also powerfully assisted by his Son Don Bellianis , that although Don Gallaneo himself getting Armor , and assaulting him , yet all that party was in the end vanquished ; and Gallaneo very much Wounded , but scarcely had the good Emperor time enough to return thanks for his deliverance , but he found himself in greater danger then ever , for he beheld all the rest of Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants to enter the Field and ride fu●iously towards them ; all that the Emperor could do was to hearten himself and encourage his Companions who were all resolved to do their utmost , and if they must dye to sell their lives at the best rate they could , and therefore taking the body of Don Gallaneo and placing it before them , they provided to receive their enemies with great courage , who now coming on conducted by one Don Galfeo Cousin to Don Gallaneo he séeing the body of his Cousin would not suffer those of his party to ride over him , but to alight , which was some comfort to the Defendants , who received their enemies with admirable courage , and kept them so long in play , that they saw the King of Hungaria coming with his Forces , and then being in hopes of the Victory , they laid about them like Lyons , and as if they had but then freshly entred the Fight , although the Emperor himself acted Wonders , yet he saw himself out-done by his Son , at which he greatly marvelled , for he sometimes saw him kill two Knights with one blow , and when it was to rescue his Father from danger he made nothing of cleaving one Gyant to the Wast , and of cutting another in two at the middle so prodigeous were his blows , and he was very well seconded by Don Arsileo and Don Brianel , who that day performed Wonders , so that in short time , the Field was indifferent clear from their enemies , which Don Galfeo seeing , and also that more Forces were coming from the City he privately causing the body of Don Galianeo to be laid on a Horse before him , left the Field and fled to his Ships : where he with all speed embarqued .

And now was the Battle soon after finished by the Death of all these Knights and monstruous Gyants , who were pursued and slain by the other Forces , that were now come from the City and now did the Emperor give great thanks to Don Bellianis and Don Arsileo for their assistance , desiring them by all means to tell who they were , and to disarm themselves that their Wounds which were many and dangerous might be dressed , but they disguising their Voices refused to do either , desiring by all means leave to depart , which the Emperor refused to grant . And search being made for Don Gallaneo , they understood that he was carried away by Don Galfeo , at which they were all troubled , especially the Princess Aurora who told Don Bellianis that in his Death half of her business would be finished , but since he was escaped , Don Bellianis told the Emperor , that the first time he saw him , although in the presence of the Souldan his Lord he would rid him of an Enemy by giving him his Death . The Emperor was still desirous of detaining and knowing them , telling them that next to the search of his Son and Kinsman he most desired to know them , to this Don Bellianis replyed , that he néeded not further to trouble himself in searching for the two Princes , for that they were both well , and were not long since before that Castle , and that there they had béen acquainted with them , although this did somewhat please and satisfie the Emperor , yet he was still displeased at the departure of Don Bellianis and his Company , who carried the two pieces of his painted Shield with him , and so they Rode on three miles to the top of a hill , where they were disarmed to have their Wounds dressed , but they were found to be so many and dangerous , that the Damsels 〈◊〉 were well skilled in Surgery were very much dismayed and troubled , which caused great grief to their Lady the Princess , while they were thus lamenting , they saw a Chariot in the Air , coming towards them , which séemed to be of Chrystal , and was drawn by sixty Griffons , in it was only two Dwarfs , who told the Princess that they were sent by the Sage Bellona , to fetch the two Princes , who were in great danger without her assistance , wherefore at their request the two Princes were laid in the Chariot and the Princess and her Damsels likewise mounted thereinto .

We left the Emperor troubled at the departure of the Princes , joyful that he heard of his Son and Kinsman , but withall very dangerously Wounded , for being retired into the Castle , and his Wounds dressed , he was light headed by reason of one large Wound he had received in his Head ; very much grieved were all there present , but most of all the King of Hungaria , but he was much comforted by the arrival of a Damsel , who told him she could cure the Emperor , and therefore desired to be brought to his presence , the King accordingly conducted her to the place where the Emperor lay in great danger , but she by applying some Dyntments to his Wounds , first refreshed him , and then causing him to drink off a Glass which she gave him , fully restored him to his former health and strength , she having thus done departed , telling the King of Hungaria that the Emperor was aided by the nearest of Kin to them both . They both wondred at these passages , and the Emperor and the King did then conclude that the two that fought so valiantly were the lost Princes their Sons , but considering they were very much Wounded and could not be gone far , they sent abroad to find them , and in the mean time they went to see Don Brianel who was also very much Wounded , but when they came to the Chamber where they had left him , they found he was gone , and on his beds head a Letter to this effect .

The Grecian Lyon shall be much endangered by the Unknown , which shall be the greatest Tryal of my Skill . And now great Emperor leave off the search of thy Son , aad guard thy Dominions which will be in danger ; And further know 〈◊〉 thy Fame will be exceeded by that of the new Knight , which will be for thy greater glory .

They were both satisfied with this Letter , and resolved to return to the City , but they were first visited by the old Prince of Macedon , and the Empress with thirty thousand Men. who came from the City , and now nothing but Ioy was heard , only they still doubted what was become of the Princes , but the Emperor remembred there were two old Knights with the Ladies and Knights who were killed or Wounded , these Knights were sought for and found , but were very much Wounded , wherefore the Empress went to them , and they supposing her to be their Princess answered her all questions she proposed so that she not only understood from them that the two Knights that assisted the Emperor were her Son and Cousin , but discovered all their designs , so that she acquainting the Emperor with the certainty of these matters it caused a Vniversal Ioy , and the Emperor understanding that they were gone towards Antioch , was resolved to assist them with a sufficient Army whereby they might perform their Enterprize , and now the two Old Knights being cured of their Wounds they all departed to Constantinople , where they began many Tryumphs , the Emperor making several Knights , among the rest Don Castidel of the Rose , and Don Sabrian of Trebento , Sons to the Duke of Trebento , Don Persiano the Courteous , Son to the Duke of Pontus ▪ and Don Briamore Son to the King of Argos , all which put themselves in search of the valiant and redoubted Prince Don Bellianis travelling in Moorish Habits to the City of Antioch .

CHAP , IV. How the Princes being drawn in the Chariot with Griffons were cured of their wounds by the Sage Bellona , and then travelled towards Antioch , how they happened into the Company of Duke Alfiron the Courteous , and of the adventure of the Unhappy Bridge , and of a combat between Don Bellianis and the Knights of the Bridge .

THe Princess Aurora with her Attendants being entred the Christaline Chariot were drawn so swiftly through the Air ; that in short time they arrived in Persia , near to the famous City of Persepolis , where on the top of a Mountain the Griffons descended hard by a dark Cave , out of which there issued a Woman , who seemed to be above two hundred years old , but she was quickly known by the Princess to be the Sage Bellona , who soon told Don Bellianis and Don Arsileo who she was , and that now they were out of all danger being so near her greatest friend . The Sage Bellona saluted them very all courteously , telling them how she had healed the Emperor ( who she had left at home ) and also Don Brianel , who was within her house , Don Bellianis was joyful at his Fathers health and at her request entred her house which was so excellent within that it resembled the most stately Pallace , he and his Cousin being laid on rich beds had their wounds cured dressed but not healed so soon as those of the Emperor and Don Brianell who being healed was walking in his Chamber much wondring at what had happened and whilest he was in serious meditation of what had passed , the Sage Bellona led the Princess Aurora into his Chamber , he soon remembred her and their ordinary salutations being passed the Princess acquainted him with all things that had happened at which he was mightily astonished wondring at the great valor of his Cousin Don Bellianis whom he earnestly desired to sée , wherefore the Sage Bellona gave him that satisfaction , leading him to the Chamber where the Princess lay . Great was the content they all received in this enterview and conference in which they spent some time , so that in fiftéen days they being all able to travell , the Sage Bellona told Don Bellianis that it would be necessary for his safety for him to conceal his Religion being to travel to the Souldan of Babilons Court where he should be in very great perill , but she would always be his friend , he kindly thanked her , and thus they all spending some more time with the Sage Bellona and being ready to depart she furnished them with several suits of Armour , the richest and fairest that could be seen . These of Don Bellianis were of a Tauny colour imbossed with many Pearls , and on his sheild was pictured the same face and Motto he had in the former which face was known by the Princess Aurora to be the lively portrature of Florisbella daughter to the Souldan of Babilon , she also gave him a Rich Scabbard to his enchanted Sword . The two others Armours were also rich and glorious and now the Knights being so well accourred the Princess Aurora was also presented with a garment of cloth of Gold , and the Knights with very little Dwarfes to attend them , that of Don Bellianis named Ordino being very small but witty ; and now being fitted at all points and having taken their leaves of Bellona they merrily began their journey .

They intended their journey for Antioch but by the way they met twenty thousand Knights sumptuously armed , all belonging to a●d conducted by a Knight called Duke Alfiron the Courteous , who was travelling to Persepolis to assist at the Iousts and Tryumphs there to be held , in honor of the Wedding to be solemnized between Don Gallaneo of Antioch , and the Princess Persiana Daughter to the Souldan of Persia . Don Bellianis understood thus much from one of the Train , and that although it was not certainly known that the Emperor of Greece were dead , yet the Souldan was content that the Marriage should procéed because the Emperor had been left sorely Wounded as hath been already related , and he was further told , that although the Duke Alfiron went to this Wedding , yet he was very much dissatisfied therein because he was himself in love with the same Princess , and beloved of her , though her Father enforced her to this Marriage , and therefore the Duke rode on very melancholly , but however some of his Train having shewn our Knights and Ladies to him he courteously saluted them inviting them into his company , to which gentle proposition of his they consented , and accordingly rode along with him till they came to a Bridge which was difficult to pass over , for that it was defended by four very Valiant . Knights , and two Gyants , who were upon unequal terms to combate with all Passengers , and from them that were vanquished to take their Horses and Armor . The Duke doubting that by reason of the Vallor of the Defendants and unequallity of the fight , they should not there have passage , would have perswaded our Knights to pass another way , but they by no means would agree thereto , all three striving who should first try the Adventure , at this time they saw on the other side of the Bridge the Souldan , his Daughter and Don Gallaneo with their Attendants , who staid to see the Adventure of the Bridge , and because of the contest , who should be first in the Adventure , they agreed to stand to the ordering of the Princess Aurora who appointed that Don Brianel should first try his fortune , and next him Don Arsileo , and if they failed in the Enterprize , then Don Bellianis should succeed them , according to this agreement they began , and Don Brinel met one of the Brothers Defenders of the Bridge with such violence that he was overthrown , and he himself hardly escaped from bearing him company . It had not been known that any of the Brothers had been thus unhorsed , so that all people wondred at what had happened , till the other three Knights and two Gyants came all out armed and mounted and one of the Knights soon ran against Don Brianel , who met him with equal fury , so they both meeting in the Encounter were both dismounted , whereupon the Men of the Bridge came to unarm him , and another of the Brothers advanced to meet Don Arsileo who readily encountred him , and that with such fierceness that he overthrew him dead to the ground , a peice of his Lance being in his body , this action caused great admiration in the spertators , who till then thought the Defenders of the Bridge to be invincible , soon after one other of the Brothers now came against Don Arsileo , but to his cost , for he was thrown from his horse in the encounter , but not so but that Arsileo was likewise enforced to leap from his , which caused those of the Bridge to come to disarm him , but he not thinking it to be Iustice caused him to loose his Head for his attempt . The other Brothers and Gyants seeing this drew their Swords and came to assail him , and Don Bellianis and others to defend him , so that there began a confused Battle , which was stopped by command of the Souldan , who ordered that Don Arsileo should not be disarmed , nor yet permitted to Ioust or ●ight any more . To this he agreed and all was content , except one Proud Knight who was near the Souldan who gave out very haughty and arrogant speeches against our Knights so that Don Bellianis being angry defyed him to mortal battle , the other as proudly accepted it on condition that after battle with the Proud Knight Don Bellianis if Vanquisher , must fight with the Defenders of the Bridge , and if Vanquished loose his Horse and Armor . In this time the Princess Persiana not knowing Duke Alfiron asked him who these Knights were , he instead of answering , took the opportunity of renewing his Love-suit to her , complaining of his ill Fortune , and she courteously answered him , telling him that it was her Fathers violent commands , and not her inclination that occasioned the breach , and that she still loved him ▪ and further she would have proceeded , but that she was ●indred by the Battle that was then beginning between Don Bellianis and the Proud Knight .

Great was the anger and Rage that possessed Don Bellianis against the Proud Knight , so that being resolved to dispatch him at the first blow , they encountred with great fury , but Don Bellianis mist of his intent , for being blinded with Rage and anger he clearly pass'd by him , who breaking his Lance on the Shield of Don Bellianis past on ▪ which Don Bellianis seeing turned about , and disdaining to use his Sword caught , hold of him . and drawing him out of his Saddle with much ease , rode to the River side , and threw him into the Water where he was soon drownded to the great Wonder and admiration of the Souldan and the rest of the Spectators , but greater was their amazement at what they saw him perform soon after , for he encountred the two Gyants and three Knights without any Lance , scorning to use any , having miss's of his first attempt against the Proud Knight , but as these Knights and Gyants ran against him , he either cut their Lances in sunder , or pulling them out of their hands by force made them instruments of mischief to their owners , and then when they all did set upon him in Combate , he laid so lustily about him , that he cut off Legs and Arms from the Gyants , and cleft the head of one of the Knights in two . and so wounded the other two Knights that they begged their lives at his hands , which at the request of the Souldan he granted to them and thus did he finish the Adventure of the Vnhappy Bridge , the Souldan greatly wondred who he should be , but Don Gallaneo knowing him as well by his Shield as by the Lady , and Damsels his Companions , told the Souldan that it was the very same Knight that had been Knighted by , and fought with the Emperor of Greece , this answer gave the Souldan Iome satisaction , but he was resolved to know more if he might , and to that purpose he and his Train Rode towards them , which Duke Alfiron seeing , he moved forwards to meet them .