IN the Kingdom of Saba , there sometime Reign'd a Moor , call'd Magadan , who ; contrary to the usual Nature of Blacks , was affable , courteou● , and debonair , loving , above all people , such as were White , whom he much more willingly employ'd , than any others . This Magadan took to Wife a noble Lady , nam'd Buruca , black like himself : And of these two , was born the valiant Fulurtin , of whom our History will sometimes make mention . This Fulurtin , who , for good conditions , resembled his Father , was in his younger years instructed in all forreign Languages , by Mandaiar , a white Slave , a Man of wonderful Learning . Now it was well known , thro' all the Realm of Saba , how great Pleasure the King took in getting Prisoners from forreign Parts , especially from the North , because of their whiteness : Insomuch , that he often pardoned even Crimes of High-Treason , provided the Criminals presented him with such Personages .

Hence it happened , that one day , as he rose from Table , there entred into the Hall four Moors , leading by the Hand , a LITTLE GENTLEMAN , about THREE Years old , of a singular Perfection in Beauty . Having acco●ding to their manner done their Reverence to Magadan , one of them spake thus : Sir , the two Brethren , that slew Your Cosen , prostrate themselves in all humility at Your Majesty's Feet , beseeching You to accept of this Child , who , besid●s ●he excellency of his Person , has brought from his Mothers Womb a marvellous 〈◊〉 This said , slipping off a little yellow Taffery Coat , he had on , they shew'd before ●ll that were present , a Sword , as red as Fire , the Pommel proceeding from his left Knée , and the Point terminating near his Nipple ; It had on it certain white Characters , which were then unknown to any , even to Mandaiar himself , tho' there were in that Age few who equall'd him in Learning . The King , extreamly pleas'd with so Fair a Present , and much more wondering at the Natural Sword the Child had on his Body , would have him call'd the Gentleman of the Burning Sword , giving him at that very moment to his Son Fulurtin , who thenceforward so greatly affected him , that he made him his second self , so that one of them could not live without the other , ordinarily exercising themselves in all Virtuous Pastimes .

Now before I pass any farther , 't is fit you understand , that this Gentleman was that very Child , whom ( as you find it Recorded in the sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul Garinda , one of Onoloria's Women left on the bank of the River , as she was carrying him to the Port of Filina to Nurse , whence being taken away by these Corsairs into their Vessel , he was brought up by them , till they presented him to King Magadan , who on this occasion not only forgave them his Cosens death , for which they were fled , but also bestow'd on them many great Benefits ; so agreeable to him was the Gentleman of the Burning Sword , who , growing up , became so fair and goodly of Stature , that at Eight Years of Age he was taken to be above Twelve , so conforming himself withal to the Humour of Prince Fulurtin , that he could not be without him . They were both Instructed in all good Literature , as also in Wrestling , Managing the great Horse , Casting the Bar , Fencing , and 〈◊〉 other Exercises fitting for Gentlemen of their high Qualities . And tho' the Gentleman of the Burning Sword became so expert in all these things , that he had not his Equal ; yet so great was the Honour and Reverence , he bare his Prince Fulurtin , that he would never contend with him ; by which he so highly gain●d Magadans Affection , that he ordinarily took him to all places of Pleasure , whether it were to Hunt the Stag , or other Diversion whatever .

SOme Years after , the King of Saba having caus'd the Toils to be spread in the next Forrest , as he stood watching for a stout Bore in the midst of a great Path , having a sharp Bore-Spear in his hand , there rusht out of a Thicket a Bear , who , frighted with the barking of the Hounds , and sound of the Trumpets , sought which way to save himself ) Now Magadan was at that time accompany'd only by the Gentleman of the Burning Sword , who held in a slip a Greyhound , w●ich , spying the Bear , got his head out of the Collar , and ran to assault him ; but the Bear struck him so furiously with one of his Fore-feet , that he brake his Iaws , and immediately turn'd against the King , who defended himself with his Bore-Spear . But the Bear so fiercely charg'd the King , that having got the Spear out of his hands , he clos'd with him , and threw him on the ground . The Gentleman seeing this ran speedily to help the King and drawing out a Wood-Knife , w●ich hung at his Girdle , gave the Beast so great a blow , that he almost cut off ●is Leg. The Bear finding himself wounded , let go his hold , and with open mouth ran upon the Gentleman , who , undauntedly lifting up his Arm , struck him with so great fo●ce between the Ears , that he split his Head asunder .

This done , as he return'd to help up the King , he perceiv'd coming towards him a great Lion , crown'd , and bearing between his Teeth a Child about two Years old , who cry'd with a loud voice : Alas , Gentleman of the Burning Sword , pray help me ; which your Father would not refuse to do , were he here in your place .

The Gentleman was no less astonisht to hear these Words , than to see him that spake them , towards whom he diligently hastned to free him from the Danger he was in . The Lion no sooner saw him approach , but letting go the Child , he went to de●our the Gentleman , who , stepping aside , gave the Lion so great a stroke with his Knife , that he separated his leg from his Body : Yet the chafed Beast , lifting up his other Paw , with his sharp claws tare part of the Gentlemans Garment , pulling him also to him with so much violence , that he threw him on the grounds . The Gentleman notwithstanding got quickly up again , and recharging the Lion , wounded him with a back-blow so deep into the Reins , that one might have seen his Entrals , the Beast immediately falling dead on the Grass . The Gentleman then lookt about to see what was become of the Child he had succour'd , and spying him run away along a Path , made after him , that he might get him to declare what knowledge he had of him . Having then overtaken the Child , he very affectionately askt him , how he fell into that danger , and whether he had heretofore seen him : For you ere while affirm'd , said the Gentleman , that had my Father been present , he would no more have fail'd to assist you , than I have done .

The young Child , hearing him speak thus , smilingly return'd him this Answer : Indeed , Gentleman , you are Son to such a Father , that it will cost you no small pains to resemble him , tho you are Born to receive greater Honour for your H●gh ●rowess and Chivalry , than any one , who has Preceded you ; for the rest trouble not your self to make any father Enquiry , since you will but lose your labour . This said , he immediately vanisht out of sight , leav●ng the Gentleman no less amaz'd than if he had newly risen out of a dream ; yet withal not a little rejo●cing at what h● had heard .

Being now mo●e desirous , than before , to know of whom he was Descended , ●he turn'd back to the King , whom finding sorely bruis'd , and wounded in his Thigh , and other Parts of his Body , by the Outrage of the Bear , he ( with Tears in his Eyes ) askt him , how he did ? Magadan , who had curiously observ'd what befel the Gentleman , as well in his Combat with the Bear , as with the Lion , graciously answer'd him : Indeed , my Friend , I am much better than I lately expected , Thanks to our Gods and You : So that never was Education better bestow'd , than that I have given you , seeing the Hazard you have put your self in to preserve me ; which makes me throughly sensible , that Virtue , once firmly planted , is never lost .

Sir , said the Gentleman , there is no doubt , but that Virtue is understood only by Virtue ; and yet I well know , that I can never all my life satisfy the Benefits , I have already receiv'd of your Majesty . Nevertheless , I humbly pray our great God Iupiter , to grant me the Favour , that my Power may one day correspond with my Will , and then shall be clearly manifested the Desire I have to obey and serve your Majesty . But Sir , I think it convenient , to look for some of your Huntsmen , or some others , that may carry you into the Town ; for as far as I can perceive , the Bear has dealt very roughly with you .

I desire you so to do , reply'd the King . Then the Gentleman crost thro' the Forest , till he met Fulurtin , and many other Gentlemen , who , being Advertis'd of th● Misfortune befaln their Prince , were very much discontented , and setting Spurs to their Horses , Posted immediately to him , whom they found in a very weak condition , by reason of the Blood , he had lost . However , he exactly related to them , what had happened , telling 'em , that had it not been for the assistance , given him by the Gentleman of the Burning Sword , he was in greater danger of losing his life , than ever he had been from the first hour of his Birth . Then making him a Litter , they convey'd him to the City of Saba , where he was with all imaginable care lookt after by the Queen , who from that very Moment no less esteem'd the Gentleman , than if he had been her own Son .

MAgadan having béen in this manner preserv'd by the Gentleman of the Burning Sword , had from that time as great an Affection for him , as if he had been his near Relation , especially after he had recounted to him the discourse , he had with the Child of the Lion ; whence the King Imprinted in his Fancy , that he must be Descended from Persons of the highest Quality : He therefore made him ordinarily fit at his own Table , next to his Son Fulurtin , giving him also a young White Gentleman , nam'd Yneril , to wait upon him , and be always near his Person . Thus passed away fome Years , till the Gentleman , belov'd both by Great and Little , was come to the Age of Fourteen , being so well shap'd and manly , that he seem'd to be above Sixteen .

Now it happened , that Fulurtin , who was a little Elder than he , being an Accomplisht and Good-natur'd Prince , requested the King to give him the Order of Knighthood , to which he easily condescended . The Gentleman of the Burning Sword , being Advertis'd of it , and desiring this Honour above any thing in the World , addrest himself also to Magadan for this purpose , who knowing the Greatness of his courage , with the love he bare him , did not so much consider the greenness of his years , as the Vertue of his Person , and was therefore content , that Fulurtin and he should become Companions in Arms , so that he gave them both the Order , with white Harness .

Now according to the Custom of keeping the Ceremonies , the Feast continu'd the space of Fifteen days , during which , Maudan , Son to one of the gr●atest Lo●ds of Saba , came to Court , to be bred up with Fulurtin . He had not been long there , ere he became so jealous , and envious of the Honour , the King did the Knight of the Burning Sword , that falling into a deep Melancholly , he was generally thought to be sick . And the more this Poison gnaw'd his heart , the more did he seek to bring the Knight of the Burning Sword into the Kings Disfavour , which when he could not find occasion to do , he was seen hourly to wast away like Snow before the heat of the Sun .

Now some time after , Magadan , leaving the Queen at Saba , went to visit a Town of his , call'd Terryna , during whose Absence , the good Lady diverting her self one day at Chess with the Knight of the Burning Sword , Fulurtin and Maudan , who were looking on , weary'd with the length of the Game , went fo●th , and left them alone . In fine , after some Mates , in which the Queen had the Victory , she , who ( as you have heard ) lov'd him , against whom she play'd , as her own Son , as well for his Vertues , as for the Succour he had given the King , when he deliver'd him from the Peril that befel him as he was hunting , made him sit down by her on the Beds-Feet , where discoursing together without the least thought of prejudicing her Honour , she tenderly kist and embrac'd him . But Maudan , whose Envy made him pry after Opportunities to ruine the Knight of the Burning Sword ; having quitted Fulurtin to watch them , and seeing their Caresses , perswaded himself more than was true , resolving in his w●cked mind , to acquaint the King with their love at his Return : which was not long after , He having advice , that the Kings of Arab●a and Tharsus were coming dwon into his Country to make War upon him . This made him return the sooner to Saba , that sending out on every side to raise Men , he might go fo●th to meet his Enemies . But scarce was he risen from Supper , when Maudan , finding him alone , leaning on a Window in the Presence ; after a short Preamble to Palliate his Treason , began to discourse him in this manner : Sir I most humbly beg your Majesty's Pardon , if with the greatest Regret imaginable I discover to you a thing , which , I wish , my Death could have prevented , as well for the Discontent , it will give your Majesty , as for the Amity I bear the Knight of the Burning Sword , whom I take all our Gods to witness , I have ever lov'd ; honour'd , and esteem'd above any other of my Acquaintance . But the matter so neerly concerning You , should I , who am your Vassal , conceal it , I sh●uld be guilty of the Highest Treason , and the Education You have bestow'd on me , would be very ill employed , so that Reason constrains me to lay aside all respect of Persons , tho' it were of my own Father , for to preserve the Fidelity I owe You , my Natural Prince , and Soveraign Lord . Then he declar'd , how he had seen the Queen playing at Chess with the Knight of the Burning Sword , telling the King the Familiarities , that had pass'd between them , which he so amplifi'd and enlarg'd , as to aver , that the Queen , abandoning all Modesty , had violated her Marriage Bed . The King was ( not without cause ) so astonisht at hearing this , that being ready to drop down to the ground , that he was a long time unable to utter the least word , by reason of the contest , there was in his Inte●ior between the Love he bare the Accus'd , and the dishonour had been done him , so that he could not forbear weeping . Having therefore his Face cover'd with tears , he ask'd Maudan , whether it were possible that the Knight of the Burning Swo●d had so dishonour'd him as he had related . Yes Sir , answer'd he , and I will swear it by the living Gods ; for I saw it with my own eyes .

Ah , Ah! said the King , fetching a deep sigh : Since the Traytor has so far forgotten himself , as I heretofore prefer'd him before all that were in this Kingdom , so will I now cause him , and the Strumpet his Companion , to be put to the cruelst Death , that ever wretched Creatures suffer'd .

Then the King , commanding Maudan to keep secret what he had told him , retir'd to his Chamber as full of discontent , as the Villian was of joy , for having so well accomplisht his design . As the Love of a Father to his Son is incomparably greater than common Amities , so the hate of the one to the other , when it grows vigorous is undoubtedly more extream than can be exprest . In like manner the King , who was so affectionated to the Knight of the burning sword , that he had almost equall'd him with Fulurtin , having heard the discourse of this Whisperer , grew so disturb'd , that he had much ado so to govern his Passion , as to forbear sending him at that very moment to receive his last Punishment , which yet , tho' not without putting a g●eat constraint upon himself , he for a while suspended , hoping to surprize him in the Fact .

Now such is commonly the Nature of Sin , that 't is no sooner brought into the Wo●ld , but 't is attended by Repentance , which was the cause , that Maudan , mixing water with his wine , began immediately to know his offence , insomuch that , considering the many Pleasures and Courtesies he had receiv'd from the Knight , he had accus'd , he wisht he had never spoken ill of him ; but when the Steed is stoln , 't is too late to shut the Stable door . Yet did remorse of Conscience , conducted by Reason , gain so much upon him , that he purpos'd at least to save his life , by giving him notice t●at the King s●ake of doing him a displeasure , and advising him therefore to absent himself from his Fury . This thought he put in Execution ; A thing probably proceeding from GOD , not for the sake of so wretehed a Person , as Maudan , but for the preservation of the Innocent , for which cause we sometimes see the Wicked , contrary to his Nature , to leave Evil , and give way to Good .

The Sun was already retir'd behind the Mountains , and the Night approacht , when the Traytor found out the Knight of the Burn●ng Sword , to whom , concealing from him the Poison which lay hid in his heart , he thus spake : My dear Friend so much do I desire your Good , that there cannot any inconvenience befall you , at which I should not be as much troubled as if it hapned to my self . 'T is therefore necessary , you retire with all possible speed ; for I certainly know , that the King is resolv'd to put you to death , for which purpose you will be Arrested at your Entrance into the Palace . The particular cause indeed I cannot learn , but some story has been told him , for which he hates you to extremity .

The Knight of the burning sword , as you will easily believe , was not a little astonisht at this Advertisement , the truth of which , as not having any way offended , he would soon have question'd , had not Maudan always pretended a particular kindness for him . He gave therefore so much credit to this Traytor 's words , that he immediately commanded Yneril his Esquire to bring his Arms , and taking Horse , went secretly forth of the Town , without any other Attendance , Riding all Night in marvellous discontent .

Thus Maudan wove the Web , which afterward cost him his life , as shall be declared to you . In the mean time the better still to cover his design , he went very late in the Evening to the King , to whom he said : Sir , I doubt Yneril may have over heard some part of the discourse , I had with Your Majesty , about his Master ; for I am certainly inform'd he was listning under the window : Which may be the more easily credited , for that I have not since seen the Knight of the burning sword , whom I believe you will find to be fled .

That would be ill , reply'd the King , therefore , pray , know the certainty of it , and that without delay .

At these words Maudan went strait out of the Palace , to the Knight's Lodgings , returning soon after , as in amaze , to tell the King , he was gone . Magadan , hearing this sent hastily to apprehend the Queen Buruca , swearing , he would have her burnt alive ; at which the poor Lady , who knew not for what occasion , was very much troubled , and casting her self at the Kings feet , besought him with hands held up to tell her the cause of his displeasure . Wicked woman , answer'd he , you shall know too soon to your cost .

Then commanding her to be lock'd up , he set Guards upon her , charging them on peril of their lives to keep her safe . After this he sent forth men on all sides to look for the Knight of the burning sword , and bring him either alive or dead , For , said the King , he has acted against me the greatest Treason in the world .

Fulurtin , wondering at this so suddain change , found means to know the cause ●f it , which the King would not conceal from him , that he might irritate him the more against the Knight , who had done him so many Services , not letting him however know from whom he had receiv'd his Information . But the Young Prince , being well advis'd , endeavour'd , what he could to pacify all , and disswade Magadan from believing any such thing , which 't was impossible for him to do .

Not long after those , who had been in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword , return'd without hearing any news of him ; at which the King was so enrag'd , that he wanted l●ttle of putting the Queen to death . But by the Advice of his most intimate Counsellors he delay'd it till such time as he recover'd the Knight .

At that very instant there Arriv'd a Courier , bringing him News of the Spoil , the Enemies made in his Realm , into which they were entred . This made Magadan , whose Army was now ready , march forth to meet them , and give them Battle , the Man being led by Fulurtin , and the rest of his Forces by the King himself , whose Army was divided only into two Squadrons .

The Kings of Tharsus and Arabia , advertis'd of Magadans approach , drew up their men in a P●sture to receive him . After a long and fierce Fight , Magadan and his Son were in fine taken Prisoners , and their whole Army discomfited , the greatest part e caping to the Neighbouring Towns , and the rest being put to the Sword . These Kings , having thus gotten the victory , consulted betwixt themselves to send Magadan and Fulurtin where they might be safely kept . Of this the King of Tharsus would take the Charge , attended only by ten chosen Knights , not being willing to trust such a Prey with any other Person but himself , and in the mean time the King of Arabia advanc'd to Besiege Saba .

SO long travell'd the Knight of the Burning Sword , with his Esquire Yneril , that having Travers'd many Leagues without knowing whether , or which way they went , they came at last into a great Forrest , in which they Rode two whole days before they could find any way out . Now towards the end of the second day , as the Sun had finisht his Diurnal course , they approacht the little Hermitage of a Pagan Moor , who , for the Austerity of his life , was by those of his Law reputed an Holy Man . He was then sitting before his door ; wherefore the Knight of the Burning Sword , who had formerly heard of him , assoon as he saw him , immediately sat Foot to ground , and with great humility saluted him , offering to kiss his Feet . The Good Man , wondering at his Behaviour , and seeing him to be so fair , young , and lusty a Knight , graciously lifted him up , and hav●ng desir'd him to sit down , and repose himself a little , askt him whence he was , and what Adventure had brought him to that unhabitable Desert : For , Son , said he , I believe , 't is now above ten Years , since any reasonable Creature , besides you and I , has passed by the Place , where I now see you .

THe Knight of the Burning Sword , after a Weeks Abode in that place , taking leave of the Hermit , entred with Yneril his Esquire into a Path , which led strait to a Sea-Port Town , belonging to the King of Tharsus , where they determin'd to embark . They Travell'd all that day , without finding any Adventure till the morrow morning , when they met an Horseman , Arm'd Cap-a-pie , whom the Knight of the Burning Sword saluted , asking him , what News , and whether he was going .

The King of Tharsus my Prince , answer'd the other , is entred into the Countrey of Saba with his Army , and they say , King Magadan is marching with his Forces to give him Battle , at which I will not fail to be .

This said , he pass'd on , and , without making any farther stay , left the Knight of the Burning Sword so melancholly , that he began to say to Yneril : I would have you , good Sir , go to the Sea-Port , not far from hence , which , I hear , is a Trading Town , carry thither my Arms , and change them for others , that are black : for I will not henceforward be known , and in the mean time I will stay on the edge of the Wood , expecting your return : but pray , Yneril , make hast .

I shall willingly do it , answer'd Yneril ; but your Harness being very good , I know not , what should make you desire to change it for a worse .

Go , said the Knight , thou shalt know when thou com'st back .

Then they withdrew into the privat'st part of the Forrest , where the Knight , disarming himself , gave his Armor to Yneril , who rode strait with it to the Town , where having found at an Armorers , what he desir'd , he return'd to his Master , who having Arm'd himself , and mounted his Steed , said to Yneril : Pray stay for me at the Town , and come every Evening to this place , to see whether I am returned or not : For I must help the King and Fulurtin ; else the Nourishment , they have given me , would be very ill bestow'd , if in a time of such necessity I should not hazard my Person to preserve them . ;

How Sir , answer'd the Esquire , will you put your self in such danger , to preserve his life , who seeks to deprive you of yours ?

He shall not know me , reply'd the Knight , and besides I have always heard it Averr'd , to do Good for Evil is double Merit . And therefore since the Gods give me this good will , I will employ it , and my Person also , in doing Service to the King , to whom I am oblig'd .

Yneril , seeing him so resolv'd , durst not contradict him , wherefore recommending him to the Protection of his Gods , he took one way and the Knight another , following the course he had seen kept by the Horseman , he met the day before : Now he had not rid far , ere he met a Courier coming full speed , whom he askt what News he brought .

Sir Knight , answer'd he , rejoice , our Prince , the King of Tharsus , has defeated the Army of King Magadan , and taken him and his Son Prisoners , bringing them along himself , with a Guard only of ten Knights , which are not far behind me , and for this cause , I am going to Advertise those of the Town , that they may come forth to receive them .

Then he pass'd on , and the Knight of the Burning Sword , still keeping his way , said within himself , God never prosper me , if I don't deliver them , or dye in the attempt . And that he might not tire his Horse , he rode leisurely on till he came to the top of an Hill , whence he might easily see those , that conducted the King and his Son , who were set upon two little Nags , having each of them an Esquire behind him , which for greater security held them about the middle . The Knight was so mov'd at this spectacle , that without any farther delay he let down the Visor of his Helmet , and seeing his opportunity , rusht in amongst them , crying with a loud voice , Stay , Traytors , stay , the Injury , you do such Noble Princes , shall cost you dear .