The first part of Parismus, the renovvmed Prince of Bohemia His most famous, delectable, and pleasant historie. Containing his noble battails fought against the Persians. His loue to Laurana, the Kings daughter of Thessalie: and of his strange aduentures in the desolate iland.

CHAP. XXV.

With what danger Parismus entred Andramarts Castle and how they were by him brought in danger of their liues: and how afterwards they •…•…ew him, and his two brethren.

AFter this conquest obtained, and all things as yet falling out according to their wished desires. Parismus and Pollipus, only atten∣ded by poore Adonius, made towards the Castle, where by reason that it was late, they could not enter, but secretly conueied themselues into a heape of short shrubbes, and bushes that grew by the Castle wall, sufficient to hide them in, and there determined to take their nights repose. This exploit was so suddenly performed, that those within the Castle had no knowledge thereof, which fell out well for the two knights, who quietly rested in that place,

being no way moiested that night, but were excéedingly gréeued to heare the groues, cries, and gréeuous complaints, of such as remained in prison, which continued in such misery, as it were too heauy to report. Early the next morning, these Noble min∣ded Knights, hauing with wise cōsideration, weighed the grea∣test perill of this their attempt, attended their fittest opportu∣nitie, which thus fell out. Sitting in their secret shrowd, they espyed some of the seruants passe in and out at the Castle gate, whither they presently went, and came to the porter with these spéeches. Porter (quoth Parismus) open the gate, and let vs in. The Porter séeing them, was so amazed, that he stood like one that were senseles: but calling his better remembrances toge∣ther: Sir knight (qd he) it is perrillous to enter héere, for be as∣sured, if you once come within the gates it is impossible for you to return. Go too (qd Parismus) open mee the gate. With that, the Porter began to ring a Bell, with al his force, but was soon hindred from proceeding by Pollipus, who gaue him so deepe a wound on the arme, that he was inforced to let go: but that litle time of ringing, was a sufficient warning to those within, who by multitudes came flocking to the gate, and opened the same. When presently Parismus offered to enter, but they being strō∣ger by reason of their number, shut too the same againe, and run vnto Andramart, who hearing their report, presently cōmāded 20. of his best knights to arme themselues, himself likewise ar∣med himself, and went down to the gate, which he commanded to be opened, & séeing no more but only two knights, (himselfe not vouchsafing to speake to them) commanded his seruants to carry them to prison, by which meanes they had occasion to en∣ter within the gates, when drawing their swords they stood vp∣on their defence, which Andramarts men began to laugh at, thinking thē foolish to resist them: but it fel out to their sorrow. For Parismus began to lay about him, and Pollipus to desend himselfe, that immediately they had slaine 2. of Andramart ser∣uants, which the rest perceiuing, all at once began to assaile these champions: who placed themselues in such order, y^t they

easily withstood their force, and by exquisit skil, furthered them∣selues that still the assailants perished, and in short space they had slaine the one halfe of them, and the rest seeing their party still decrease began to draw back, which turned to their destru∣ction: for these Knights perceiuing them to quaile, so furiously assaulted them, that they all there ended their liues: which o∣thers that stood by perceiuing, fled into another Court, and shut a strong gate against the knights that pursued them, and in the meane time, by the commandement of Andramart, they were inclosed within that Court, by such, as while they were in this fight, went out at a postern gate, & fastned y^e gate at which they entred, so suresy that it was impossible for them to get out by which means they were inclosed in that court. Which when they behold, they perceiued it to be no other then a strōg prison for it was incompassed within a mighty stone wall, and no pas∣sages, but the two gates, by which meanes they were betrayed into the hands of Andramart, vnlesse by some strange meanes they should be deliuered. This draue these Knights into such veration, that they could not tel what to do, nor how to behaue themselus. Andramart séeing his men thus flaughtered only by two knights, greatly admired their valor, and also maruelling what the occasion of their quarrel might be, which he desired to know, fearing the treachery of his seruants that kept y^e passage by meanes wherof, before that time, he euer thought himself in security: he spake vnto them (looking from ouer the wal) in this sort. Knights (quoth he) what séeke you in this place, that hath moued you to offer such outrage against my seruants? If any that belongeth vnto me hath offered you discourtesse, Iam rea∣dy to sée him make you sufficient satisfaction: if none hath done you offence, I would wish you depart without bringing your selues in further danger: for so much I regard your good (be∣holding your valour) that I would be loth to seeke reuenge of these my seruants death, but set you at liberty, so you will pro∣mise to depart, with offering me no further iniurie.

Parismus thus replied, If thou art the owner, and ruler of

this Castle (as I suppose) then know that we are such as goe in search of a lost friend, whom we assuredly thinke thou vniustly detainest, for none but thy selfe wouldst do such a discourteous déed: as also hearing of the trechery thou vsest to trauellers, and the continuall outrages thou attemptest by Sea, whereof wee haue had sufficient triall, we determinately came, aswel to find our lost frind, as also to requite the discourtesie we haue found by thy seruants, since which our comming thou knowest what we haue begunne, and our determination is to goe forwards, vnlesse thou wilt vouchsafe of curtesie to let vs see the prisoners thou detainest, which if thou deniest assure thy self we are ful∣lie bent to purchase the thing we came for, or in pursute therof, hazard our dearest bloud: therefore resolue vs what thou wilt do, for we challenge thee, if thou hast any spake of honourable Knighthood, to shew the same, in honourable, and not in treacherous sort, which will make our reuenge more sharpe. Andramart hearing the speeches of the valiant Parismus, could not well tell in what sort to answer him, one while purposing to detaine them in that place: but not confidently trusting the strength thereof, that thought was soone vanished, Then he be∣gan to coniecture that Laurana was the Lady, in whose search they came: with all remembring that she should be taken from him, which was more grieuous then a thousand deathes, he re∣solued to offer them the sight of the prisoners, fearing that they would otherwise doe him some mischiefe. At last, a multitude of sundry cogitations so oppressed his minde, that he determi∣ned to try the vttermost of their power, and to put them in the most extremity that might be: and therefore returneth them this answer. Proud Knight (quoth hee) whose malice I no∣thing feare, know that I will not in any respect yeeld your re∣quest, and therefore content your selues with this answer, that I am determined (since you refuse my gentle offer) to detaine your heere, vntill your pride be somewhat abated, and by that time, I hope you will wish you had accepted my offer: and with those words departed, which vexed the two Knights,

the rather for that they were voyd of meanes to séeke reuenge: being inclosed in such sorte, that there was no way for them to escape Famishment: Where they continued all that night in most heauie case, not beeing able to take one minutes •…•…est. In which time, Pollipus according to his woonted manner, tyred his wittes with deuising how to vnfasten the Gates, or escape their imminent daunger.

Parismus on the other side, had his minde troubled with a thousand cogitations, of his beloued Laurana, whome hée thought assuredly to be there imprisoned, which draue him in∣to such good hope, that notwithstanding the extremity of An∣dramart, hée shewed a countenance of greater ioy then before he had vsed, which reioyced Pollipus and poore Adonius, whose heart was much greeued to see the perill his deere freends were like to endure.

Andramart began to coniecture, that if Laurana were the Lady of whom they sought, then it was his best course to keepe them as prisoners still in that place, and not to destroy them by famishment, as before hée had determined: but to rid himselfe of that doubt. he priuily called Leda vnto him, & brought her vnto a secret place, where shée might behold the two Knights with these speeches, Damsell quoth hee (there are newly arry∣ued at my Castle, two Knights, whome I suppose are come in search of thy missresse Laurana: therfore I desire you to resolue me. For if you know them, I will not vse such rigor towards them, as I am determined: But for her sake in whose sight I still desire to be gratious) I will remit the offence I haue taken against them, for the slaughter of my seruants, whom you sée lie dead at their feete.

Leda all this while had diligentlie beheld these Knights, but knew them not, by reason of their straunge Armour: but at last shee espyed Adonius, whom shee very well knewe, thereby assuring her selfe, that it was Parismus and Pollipus that were in Armour, and fearing that the spéeches Andramarts vsed, ra∣ther did proceede from a pollicie to fitte her minde, then other∣wise

to intend their g•…•…d, for that hée was full of treacherie, shée made him this aunswere. Syr, I knowe not whence these Knights are: neither did I euer see them before: but I would that I might bee so happie, as to carrie any such good newes to my Ladie, or were hee so happie as to arriue in this place, that hee might be, at your courteous disposition, who, I am sure, for my Mistresse sake, would •…•…eate him well, but had An∣dramart, well marked her countenance, it would haue be∣wrayed that which shee concealed, and hee desired: For thee thought the time very long, vntill •…•…hee were come to her La∣die, with these ioyfull newes: and hee being satisfied with her aunswere, let her depart vnto her Mistresse Chamber, where shee was no sooner entred, but shee declared vnto her the cause why Andramart had called her foorth, and that shee was assu∣red Parismus and Pollipus were arriued: rehearsing how they had slayne aboue twentie of Andramarts Seruants, and that they were inclozed in a Yarde, where they remained in very good estate.

Laurana was reuiued with such ioy to heare her déere Lord named, that her heart leapt within her, and a thousand times imbraced Leda, for bringing that happie Newes. Then shee began to consider of the estate they remained in, being inclozed that they could not get out, which thought was most grieuous vnto her: but by the comfortable spéeches of Leda, she was in great assurance of theyr happie escape out of all daungers, in which g•…•…d hope shee remained, with a most longing desire, to heare some more Newes of them. Andramart determining not to vse such rage as to famish them, (for that hee had in him some sparkes of H•…•…nitie) caused sufficent meate to be mini∣stred vnto them, fortifying his Castell so strongly as hee could possiblie deuise. H•…•…e was likewise giuen to vnderstand, that the Passage towards the Sea was strongly fortified, and de∣fended, that none could pass•…•… that way, which brought a great terrour to his minde.

The Imprisoned Knights continued in great care, earnest∣lie

studying to ridde themselues from that thraldome. At last they concluded in the s•…•…ent time of the •…•…ght, to se•…•… Adonius on the Wall, who could get downe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 goe •…•…o Barzillus, to will him send them some Cordes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with they could make a Ladder, which was the readyest meanes to further theyr in∣tent: which Violetta vndertooke most willingly, nothing re∣garding the danger, shee should put herselfe into thereby: and so with much adoo they got her to the toppe of the wall, whose heart began to faile, when shee saw the height she should leape downe, being vnaccustomed to such perills. But remembring the parties, for whose sake shee should vndertake that hazarde: arming her selfe with an vnwoonted courage, not agreeable to her Sexe and weake nature, shee leapt downe: and (the Earth refusing to harme so sweete a Creature) safely escaped the dan∣ger of the fall, and with a ioyfull heart went towards the place where Barzillus remained, which shee could scarcely finde, by reason that it was darke: and remembring the danger of the place, she thought euery Bush that encountred her viewe, had bene her enemie. But with more then accustomed boldnesse in her Sexe, shee soone arriued at the Passage, where Barzillus was: not sl•…•…eping, but carefully attending his cha•…•…ge. Who espying Adonius, requested to knowe howe his d•…•…re Lord and Pollipus fared; who declared vnto them effectually the estate they remained in, and the cause of his comming, which Bar∣zillus presently performed: hauing good s•…•…ore of such proui∣sion aboord his Shippe: and leauing the custodie of the Pas∣sage, to such of his Companie, as •…•…ee knewe to be both Coura∣gious and faithfull: he departed and went with Adonius vn∣to the Castle wall, and with their Ladder mounted the toppe of the same: so that both of them went ouer vnto the Knights, who most ioyfully welcommed Barzillus. Who hauing salu∣ted them, and conferred about theyr Exploytes, at theyr intreatie hee departed againe vnto his charge: whereon de∣pented the chie•…•…est staye of all theyr safeties, for that they knewe diuerse of Andramarts Seruants were abroade, whose

arriuall might much endamage them. To preuent which it behooued them to haue an especiall regard: being gladde that they had g•…•…tten this d•…•…ce, they presently put the same in ex∣ecution, and gotte ouer into the next Court the statelinesse of which place, in their opinion, excelled for sumptuousnesse, all the buildings that euer they beheld. In the midst of the Court stood a most stately erected Fountaine, whereon werr placed many beautifull Images, of most curious ingrauen worke, the pleasantnesse of which place, much delighted theyr troubled cences to behold: vnder which fountainet hey stayed, to behold the gallant buildings, stately Turrets, and sumptuous walles, that outwardly adorned the place, expecting the cheerefull light of the Sunne to comfort them in their distresse, which presently began to shew his splendant beames, which glistered vppon the glasse windowe, that the place seemed another Paradice, and there they attended the conclusion of their attempt, either to their comfort, or confusions.

The first that entred the Court they layed hands on, and by compultion vrged him to declare what force was in the Ca∣stle. Who (vppon promise that they would not offer him vio∣lence) tolde them, that lately there ariued at the Castle two of Andramarts Brethren, being esteemed men of great courage, which inhabited the further parts of that Iland, who were de∣termined to make tryall of their strength that day: the eldest, named Guilmor, the other Bramon. And that Andramart de∣termined, if that his Brothers failed, himselfe would make tri∣all of his fortune, but if all of them failed, hée had a hundred ser∣uants readie in Armour to ayde him.

Parismus hearing his spéeches, began greatly to dispaire of victorie, considering that su•…•…d a number were in readinesse onely against them two, but such was the constant resolution of these two Knightes, that choosing the •…•…test place, for their furtherance in Fight, they detemined to trye the vttermost of their Fortune Andramart being early vppe, and discoursing with his Brethren about their affaires, by chance lookt out at a

window, and espied where the Knights (that hée thought had beene sure enough) were walking at libertie, which strook such a terror to his minde, that at the very sight thereof, his heart failed him, which so altered his former purposes of crueltie, that he thought it his best course to vse himselfe towards them, as agreed with an honourable minde. For notwithstanding that oftentimes in tyrannicall manner, hee persecuted such ss ne∣uer offended him, yet hee often shewed many tokens of a cour∣teous and vertuous minde, though altogether darkened by his crueltie: which together with the feare he had of these Knights valour, and séeing their resolution, caused him to come to his Brethren with these spéeches. Behold (quoth hée) yonder are the Knights that haue escaped out of the place I had in∣closed them in, and are come to worke my further daunger, hauing alreadie by their valour slaine twentie of my best ser∣uants: two more goodlier knights did I neuer behold, which maketh mee pittie the estate they are in, béeing likely now to suffer death by your Inuincible strength, and were it not that I had sent for you to aide mée herein, and that it might in some measure touch mée with the name of a Co∣warde, I would vse them in the kindest sort I could deuise, and remitte all further cause of strife. For I suppose they are come in searche of a Ladie that remaineth in this Castle, whose presence is the onely preseruer of my life, which béeing taken from mée, will soone ende my dayes: There∣fore good brethren resolue mee of the best course to bee vsed herein.

Guilmor being of a proude and haughtie disposition, and scorning at the lenitie of Andramart (whose heart was tou∣ched with an insupportable feare,) would make him no aun∣swer, but presently went and armed himselfe, which they be∣holding, did the like, and altogether went downe into the Court,

And without any spéeches, the two brethren being full

of scornefull pride, fully assuring themselues of the victorie, as∣sailed Parismus and Pollipus.

Who seeing no greater oddes, but one to one, entred the Combat so •…•…hearefully, as it had beene a sport or pastime, which continued a good while betwixt them, without any great disaduantage, on eyther par•…•…e: the noyse of whose weapons (clashing on theyr Armour, came to Lauranaes hearing, who coulde by no meanes take any rest that night, for feare and thought taking, least Andramart should worke the death of her déere Lord and friende, that on a suddaine starting to a windowe that lookt into the Courte, shee •…•…spyed the foure Knightes Combatting assuring her selfe, that her friendes were twoo of them: whome shee knewe not, but as shee was informed by Leda to bee those in the blewe Armour. Whose sight reuiued the afflicted heart of Laurana: but on the cont•…•…ary parte the daunger shee sawe them in, as much tormented her with feare.

Andramart standing by, to beholde the issue of this Combate (hauing an eye to the windowe where Laurana was) vnfortunately espied her looking out: Where vppon immed•…•…ately hee sent foure of his Seruants to remooue her into a strong and close Prison, farre from their sight, which so tormented the minde of Laurana (togither with the feare shee conceiued for Parismus, hauing no friend but Polli∣pus, inuironed with a number of enemies) that had not Leda laboured the contrarie, shee hadde there ouercome her vitall sences with extreamitie of sorrowe, Still continu∣ed the Combate betwixt the Champions, but Pollipus seeling himselfe sore wounded by Bramon, was so inraged with furie, that with all his force and skill, hee laboured with such puissaunce against his assayling enemie, that hee had soone laide him at his foote dead. Which Andramart per∣ceiuing,

came to Pollipus with these spéeches.

Knight (quoth hée thy taske is not yet ended, for héere am I to reuenge the death of him thou hast now conquered, wherewith hee beganne to assaile Pollipus with all his force: who aunswered his blowes with the like courage, by which time Parismus hadde left his enemie breathlesse, who lay wallowing at his feet, strangled with his owne bloud.

Andramart seeing the same, woulde haue •…•…edde, (fearing his owne downfall) hut Pollipus seeing his in∣tent, thought now or neuer to shewe préefe of his valour: therefore to ridde themselues from further daunger, with both his handes strooke with such violence vpon his crest that the weakenesse of his Armour, yeelding to the sharpenesse of his sworde, and force of his blowe, so astonisht him, that hée staggered: Wherewith Pollipus closing with him, ouerthrew him on the ground, and thrust his sworde through his body in diuers places.

By which time Andramarts seruants seeing the distresse their Maister was in, all at once assailed Parismus and Polli∣pus, who could not well tell how to indure and further as∣sault, but drawing backe to the corner of the Court, placed themselues in such sort, that their enemies could not greatly indammage them, but still receiued the woorste, most of them beeing in small continuance of sight, sore woun∣ded, and many of them were slaine, so that they seemed therewith like men that were desperate? One amongst the rest, that Andramart hadde before taken Prisoner, but for his good qualities hadde againe released, as one of his chiefest seruants, whose name was Tellamor, seeing Andramart slaine and marking the braue and valiant cou∣rage of these two Knights, vsed all the perswasions he could to withdrawe his fellowes from their madnesse: who still followed their reuenge eagerly, without any consideration

of the little good they could reape thereby, at last some of them beganne to listen to them, by which meanes Pollipus ha•…•…e re•…•…pit to breath himselfe, and Parismus perceiuing them to stand doubtfully, debating matters betweene themselues, be∣ganne to speake to them in this sort. Maisters quoth hee, mee thinks men that are indued with reason (as you should bee,) should not shew themselues in incōsideratie, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seeke reuenge against those that neuer harmed you: what causeth you thus wilfully to endanger your selues by offering vs violence? you will say, the death of your maister: why what was hee but a Tyrant, what account did he make of any of you? but to kéepe you as his vassalles and slaues, in bondage and extreame ser∣uitude: how was hée estemed of any? but as a cruell homicide, a robber and spoyler of poore personages, whereby him selfe and such as were his seruants were hated and despised of all good people. Did he not continually tyrannise ouer you in most cru∣ell sort, t•…•…at many of you were put to shamefull offices, & for euery displeasure in danger of death and imprisonment, by his furie? what doe you thinke was the cause of our arriuall here? not (as you suppose) to make you captaines, nor to get wealth, or the spoyle that théeues and robbers seeke after, nor yet to offer violence to Andramart, or any of you, but to redee•…•…e a losse friend that your maister hath wrongfully detained. Then let that wisedome rule your minds, that should be in men, & thewe what you require at our hands, and we will in any reasonable respect satisfie you. We are not determined to stay among you to beare rule ouer you, thereby to spoyle you of your wealth, but will leaue this Castle and the riches thereof, as yours to dispose of, which you may quietly enioy, now your cruell maister is dead, whose life would haue beene cause o•…•… your fur∣ther seruitude, but by his death you are freede from the crue•…•… bondage and slauerie wherein you liued, and haue by the same occasion, the choyse of electing, or refusing of quiet content, and peaceable wealth. Parismus had no sooner, ended these spéeches but, by a generall consent (being perswaded thereto by Tella∣mor,

whose counsell they highly estéemed) they cast downe their weapons, and yéelded themselues: which greatly chéered the hearts of both the knights, being before that, in great perill and hazard of their liues, hauing taken the faithful oath of their loyaltie. Pollipus pulling off his Helmet, began greatly to ex∣toll and commend their wisdome, in that they had that good consideration, to conceiue aright of Parismus spéeches: promi∣sing them, that by his consent, Parismus should so highly con∣tent them before their departure, that they would for euer ac∣count themselues happie by their arriuall. And hauing taken order for their securitie, (not trusting them, notwithstanding their oathes, because they knewe them to be vnaccustomed to vertuous humanitie) they were conducted to very faire and sumptuous chambers, by Tellamor, and there had their wounds carefully drest by Adonius, whose tender heart bled droppes of warme blood, to sée the purple gore that issued from their mangled bodies, whose care and diligent tendance, was a great comfort vnto them at all times: by meanes whereof, they made such account of him, that they would not haue par∣ted from him for any good in the world. Tellamor hauing béene vertuously brought vp (being also a knight of good account, and honourable parts) carefully prouided all things necessary, and with such affection tendered their safetie, that there could no mischiefe bée attempted by Andramarts seruants, (whose heades still ruminated on treacherie) but he would still séeke to appease and preuent the same, whose diligence was well mar∣ked of the two knights, whereby they grew into good liking of him, and much commended his curtesie.