The sixth booke of the Myrrour of knighthood Being the first booke of the third part, immediatly follovving the fourth and fifth bookes printed. Conteining the knightly actions and amorous conuersations of Rosicleer and Rosabel his sonne, vvith diuers other their princely frends and kinsmen. Translated out of Spanish by R.P.

What happened to the Dacian Prince, Don Heleno, in France.

Cap. 4.

WE left the Dacian Prince in the forrest of Ar∣denia nigh the fountaine called the Disamo∣rous; because it chaungeth louers thoughtes. He sate vppon the stocke of a winde broken trée, tossing a thousand imaginations in his minde: For his Florisdama, he nowe lamented not, neither did Lydias

beauty any whit disturbe his thoughts: but a fiery & high kindled resolution lifted vp the noble heart of this long distressed Dacian; and of his solitary life, he was excée∣dingly ashamed. Now he determines to visite the courts of Princes that before frequented forsaken caues: he pur∣poseth now to continue in peopled Cities, that not long since loued the inhabitable deserts. Hereto he was encou∣raged by infinite waighty and necessary considerations: first the long absence from his countrey, the disgrace he liued in with his friends, his rash and vnaduised abuse of the inuincible Emperour his Unckle Trebatio, which most of all he séemed to lament. Bréefely our Dacian was vnlike the old Eleno, that made trées, brookes, beastes, foules, fountaines, secretaries of his vnséene griefes, but as one that had long bin captiue hauing brokē his bonds & conquered his cruell master, maketh his voice the mirth∣full expressor of his hearts ioy, that in his bondage had of∣ten manifested the moanings of his soule: so this Dacian that had long béene Loues prisoner, hauing now got frée∣dome; tooke his Lute, his Lute that many times had yéel∣ded sad sounds to the wofull accents of his voice: and fin∣ding his musike in another key, he carroled out this ditty in Loues disgrace.

Let him that longs to know where loue doth dwell, What God he is, what Lordly soueraigne, Attend to me: who hauing learnt can tell, His slightes, his shifts, his smiles, and his disdaine.

His habitation is the fondlings thought, His godhead forged, and his power weake: Fled he will follow, flie when he is sought, His praise alone doe fooles and madmen speake. They that adore him most, yet terme him boy: But I conclude Loue is an idle toy.

As he was laying downe his Lute, he saw a Damsell making great complaint, who hasted as fast as her pal∣phrey could runne. The Prince purposed to stay her, be∣ing desirous to know her griefe, promising to helpe her in all that was néedfull. So he went to méete her on his inchanted horse, and when shee came nigh him hee sa••de, Damsell, as you would that fortune should fauour you, tell me part of your euill, for I promise you, I will put my life in hazard to doe you any pleasure you shall law∣fully desire.

Sir Knight I giue you great thankes (said the wofull Damsel) for your gentle offer, for any of l••sse courage then so noble a person as you séeme to be cannot help me: my griefe is so great, that whatsoeuer narration must be made in séeking remedy, it more and more aggrauateth it, for that my heauy lot hath determined the time so short, that within these foure daies of force I must méete with one in whom I may with security put all my hope: and I feare none can helpe me, but the Prince Clauerindo our Kings sonne, or the soueraigne Emperour Alphebo, his great friend.

And it hath béene told me, that he was séene and one of his mighty brethren here at the skirt of this mountaine: so I goe with all the spéede possible, to sée if I can méete with any of them.

Faire Damsell (answered the Dacian) I would glad∣ly that you might méete with one of those famous Prin∣ces, but this is of certainty that where as I left them, you cannot come thither in one month, though you make neuer so much hast were ye better horst: but for the duty I owe vnto those knights, although in me there is not that force and strength that is in them, yet I will offer that little which I haue with so good will, as would your belo∣ued Prince if he himselfe were here. Sir Knight good for∣tune reward you for that which you haue said, and vnder∣stand y^t it is so heauy a busines that if it procéed forwards,

our Prince & his friendes shal receaue great griefe there∣by: and séeing they are not here, whome I séeke, I will put into your hands the most lamentable aduenture in all France: but the Iustice which you shall haue on your part, will giue you strength néedfull, yea although the mighty Alphebo or Rosicleer should enter into battaile against you, they were not able to approoue the accusation laide against the most vertuous and the vnhappy sister of Cla∣uerindo, Princes of France.

The circumstance I will declare vnto you, for in two daies we may returne into Paris.

The Prince receaued great contentment at the words of the Damsell, and to heare her griefe with euery cir∣cumstance he returned with her to the pleasant fountain, wherein his iudgement (and in that hee erred not) he re∣ceaued new life. And alighting there they left his horse and her palphrey to graze and féede. And they sate them∣selues downe vpon the fresh and gréene grasse very nigh vnto the Christaline water of the fountaine of forgetful∣nesse.

There the Prince, tooke off his helme by reason of the great heate, discouering his beauteous face, much bette∣red by his new thoughts, which gaue great content vnto the Damsell (who was of her selfe gratious) to sée him so faire and young, wherewith she said, by God S. knight with a better good will I committe vnto you my whole power for the battaile, for that I likewise am shée that must loose if any doe thereby, for I am assured that in him whom the heauens hath indewed with so great beauty, cannot chuse but be equall force and strength.

At other times those commendations of his beauty were pleasant to him, when hee felt the wrongs of loue: but now he only procured to fauour and helpe those that were in necessity of his strength, and regarded neither his owne face nor the brauery of Ladies.

Wherefore he said, Yo•• haue good security faire Dam∣sell

in the confidence of your iustice: and my desire to helpe your right is no lesse then that, which should be don by those Princes that you so much enquired after: there∣fore without circumstance, go to the matter.

The Damsell answered? I doe beléeue faire knight, that nothing can proceede from those hands that will not bring content vnto them for whom they shall vndertake combate: and I know your paines shall not be vngrate∣fied, although those which are like vnto you doe expect no reward, but of their owne bounty, are Champions for the distressed.

Therefore gentle knight you shall vnderstand that at such time as our Prince was brought vppe with the vn∣knowne Emperour the mighty Alphebo of Trabysond in the ancient and well fortified City of Babylon, in com∣pany with that stout Brandizell Prince of Persia. The king our soueraigne liued in the greatest griefe y^t might be imagined, for that he could not know nor vnderstand where his childe Clauerindo was.

For the Quéene his mother in that she had no other, and he also her first borne it is not to be doubted but that she loued him as her selfe, and that his absence did grieue her very soule.

They passed with this griefe till such time as the high giuer of comforte, did bestowe on them a daughter so a∣bounding in fairenes and beauty, that she was holden for more then humane.

This was an occasion to lighten their age, and to ease their griefe whereby they might the better suffer the ab∣sence of the Prince her brother. They made great reioi∣cings at her birth, and there came thither (as was rea∣son) all the friends & vassals of Oristeo the King of France, (for so he was called) to celebrate that happy day, & giue great honour to the Quéene Olinda.

The Parents receaued as I say some comfort in pos∣sessing such a daughter, for the losse of the Prince.

And faire Grisalinda (for so is she named) as she increased in yeres, she grew so excellent in beautie, that she is ••stée∣med for one of the fairest that liueth within the vniuersall world.

Now Fortune (to show all her bounties at once) broght the Prince accompanied with the Persian into France, vn∣knowne, and they were called the Knights of the Flower de Luces: and they did such worthie déedes in the Coun∣trey, that it séemed impossible they should by humane per∣sons be performed. Within a while they entred into Pa∣ris, whereas they sustained a long and dangerous Iustes: in the which our Prince slew a strong and mighty giant, which done, they made themselues knowne. At whose discouery (faire knight) I leaue it to your discréet conside∣ration, if the Prince were receiued with ioy or no, for whose absence there was such discontentment. Foorth∣with they went to sée their friend of Grecia, whereas Cla∣uerindo was maried with the sister of y^e said knight, who was called the faire Lindaraza, and she was deliuered of two sonnes at one birth of so excellent beauty being chil∣dren, as was the Prince their father. Who to giue con∣tentment vnto his auncient parents, sent to our king one of the children, with whose presence, the grandfather and grandmother were almost ouerioyed, and rested not in giuing thankes vnto God, by whose meanes there came vnto them that great benefitte: hee was nourished and brought vppe in the court as the sonne of so worthy a fa∣ther, and was most curteously vsed of this faire and vn∣fortunate Aunt.

Now at this time fortune waxing weary of so long en∣during ioy, began to returne to her accustomable change, and would now in the end of our Kings daies, determi∣ned to vexe him with the greatest disgrace in al the world. And thus it grew.

By reason of the comming of the Kings young neuew, there assembled together much people, amongst whome

were certaine of Alexandria; who with more than ordina∣ry eies did behold the beauty of Grisalnida our Princesse, and did publish the same vnto their Prince: who being a young man, and one that knewe what belongdd to faire Ladies, demaunded of them in more particuler, and their description was such a bait, that it wholy concluded to subiect this passionated yong Prince, who onely by hea∣ring did aff••ct her in such sort, that he did neither sleepe nor eate without imagination of his Lady. Till such time as his passion increasing and his sences fayling, he was brought very lowe, insomuch that for his comfort they caused a painter (an excellent workman) to offer himselfe that he would draw her counterfeit, who gaue him great thankes, and estéemed it as was reason.

Into France came the iudiciall workeman, no whit in∣feriour to Apelles, and tooke the counterfeit of the Lady, with such art and curiosity, as it seemed the heauens had communicated their life giuing power vnto his working hand. And forthwith he returned vnto his Lord, who iudged the smal moment of his tarying to be many yeres, till such time as he did sée the faire face of the Princesse, which was a newe inticement to his prepared heart: in such sort, that what he thought would be a lightning or ease vnto him, fell out to be the increasing of his griefe: and in such sort the amorous passion did lay hold on him, that he left Alexandria pretending to go sée an vncle of his. With whose counsell and determination they departed in the habite of merchants, and came into Paris to the feastes that were made for the entertainement of the prince. The iewels they brought was the occasion that the Princesse and her Damsels sent for him to buy them, and made the price at their pleasures, without contradiction of this merchant who without séeing her, at the first report did yeeld her his hart: & therfore he regarded not his precious iems. It was a thing worthy to be noted, to sée what pas∣sed about the buying of his iewels, and I as an eie witnes can scarce beleeue it, although I saw it.

To conclude, he with the price of his iewels did sée at his pleasure the owner of his frée will, remaining there with great content, glad that he employed his thought in such a place, counting it a rewarde sufficient for all his wealth.

In briefe he departed from thence very heauily, and to remedy his griefe, he had the courage to put in practise such a thing, which to thinke vpon I am af••aid, much more affrighted when I sawe it done. And this it was, he hauing a confidence in his beauty, wherwith indéede he was much indewed, put himselfe in womans apparel, and séemed therein as beauteous & gallant as our Prin∣cesse. Oh how many times worthy knight did I confer and was conuersant with him in that fained habite, ta∣king such content when he entertained vs, with his sing∣ing and playing, as was sufficient to bring him to be the most priuate Damsell that attended our Princesse ouer all those that waighted in the court, he neuer shewing any suspition, that should offend the honour of Grisalin∣da.

Being in this content, it fortuned there came to the court the fearefull Partomio King of little Brittaine, a young knight, and the most valiant that is to be found in all these parts, who when he came made shewe of his great valour. The King who knew how to entertaine and honour such, did lodge him in the pallace which was the occasion he often frequented to my Lady and mistresse and conferred with her publikely, but neuer could haue opportunity in secret. To be short he grewe amorous of her, with such feruency, that he yéelded himselfe to serue her although the v••rtuous Lady did giue him to vnder∣stand, by neglecting his seruices, that he should not weary nor trouble himselfe, & that it was labour lost he not be∣ing such a one as shee could affect seeing his huge great∣nesse: for although he was not a giant, he was very lit∣tle lesse.

Yet notwithstanding this blinded youth alone to him∣selfe became so passionate, that although we did not know the occasion yet we did sée the effect that wrought in him, for he begun to loose his beauty, and to go continually in habiliments of sorrow.

You may imagine sir Knight (if you haue euer loued) in what estate this amorous young Prince was: and so weake he grew, that he kept his chamber, and (among o∣ther) was in curtesie visited of our most gentle princ••sse. At whose entraunce, blood retyring into his pale chéekes from his reuiuing heart, he tooke her aside vnto a window & besought her to sit downe, and by her sight to giue ease vnto his sorrow. The modest Ladie with bashfulnesse graunted his request, and desired him to be briefe. Who preparing the passage for few woords with a million of broken sighes, confusedly deliuered his affections, and ab∣ruptly desired her fauour: begging with a piteous looke a kinde reply.

To this vnlookt for request the princesse graciously an∣swered, (because she would not adde sorrow to his gréefe) willing him that he should not despaire, though yet shee were able to giue him no signe of hope: her minde being subiect to no passion, but v••terly vnacquainted with the thought of loue. So taking her leaue, shee felt Partomio in some hope, insomuch that he soone recouered his wonted strength.

But the princesse hating his importunitie, determined (while he remained in the Court) no more to come pub∣likely abroad, but kept her chamber: and when Parto∣mio offered to sée her, she would in no case be visited. For which he conceaued such hate against the Princesse, that without any respect of knighthood, or his ancient royal pa∣rentage, trusting in his owne force and strength, he came to accuse our Princesse of treason and and disloyalty, and that she had little respect to her honesty and honour wher∣unto she was bound.

The King of force must giue eare vnto it, for that hee was a King y^t made the accusation. When we vnderstood the manner thereof, it is not bee beléeued what great la∣mentation we all made: for that it is a law in the King∣dome of France, that if the Woman accused of vnchastitie within thirtie dayes bringeth not one or moe which will defend her honour, shee shall at that time bee consumed in fire.

I will not (for auoyding my owne gréefe) detaine my selfe in telling you how her Parents did take it: but it sée∣med that all the Pallace was on fire, by reason of y^e great lamentation which was made, for that fiftéene daies were past, and there was none so hardie as to appeare for her, they so much feared that vnreasonable Knight. Till such time as the masked Alexandrian did talke with his Lady, before he went about to accomplish the same.

I, who knew the tract of them, for that my Mistresse had made me acquainted with his secret loue for to her he had discouered himselfe, heard her answere, which was to disswade him from that danger: but no request could per∣swade him to leaue off that difficult aduenture, replying vnto her.

Now Ladie and Mistres, shall you liue in securitie of my honourable and vnspotted affection: for that it con∣straineth me boldly to aduenture my life for your vnstay∣ned honour.

Then said the Princesse, if in yéelding mine agayne were a satisfaction, assure ye Prince Arlando, I would doo it. But if you loue me, you would not haue anie liking, that with the price of my fame I should pay so great debt. Touching the battel, which you intend to attempt for my honours defence, I appeale to your owne selfe, that haue tried my vnspotted chastitie. Yet I vrge not this in my owne behalfe, but it is anie Knights dutie whatsoeuer to helpe a wronged Ladie that standeth in necessitie with his sword.

This couragious Youth was somewhat comforted, al∣though he little enioyed that comfort, for the furie of that vntamed King required a greater resistance, althogh the battell was verie well fought: but in the ende he tooke a∣way his life and loue at one instant: wherwith the gréefe of our Princesse increased the more, who from a high gal∣lerie sorrowfully beheld the mortall contention betwéene the two louers.

Shee then well vnderstood that the Pagan would goe thorough with his businesse, that so soone had cléered & frée∣ed himselfe of the Prince, in whose death she would haue béen a companion: not for that she loued him, but to ende her trouble and gréefe.

Now I would you should consider what the sorrowfull Princesse suffered, who liuing in hope from the 18. daye, (on which wee sent out a Damsell to séeke her worthie Brother) till this, which is the 24. and yet she is not re∣turned. I know not anie so hard hearted, but would take compassion of so vertuous ladie, that so vniustly doth suf∣fer affliction. Therefore (faire knight) I séeing the o••her Damsell returned not, imboldened my selfe in the right and iustice of this poore Princesse, to put away all childish and womanly feare, and come foorth into these solitarye wayes, publishing my misaduenture. And now séeing I haue no reason to doubt, hauing met so gallant a Warri∣er as (it séemes) you are, I will not loose my hope, but sée how your worthie arme wil returne vengeance for the in∣famie of that poore ladie. And hauing so great equitie on our behalfe, there is no doubt it wil little auaile the vniust and proud accuser, though his huge proportion & strength were doubled.

Héere you vnderstand (sir knight) the assured cause of my lamentation, which deserueth to be pittied the more, in regard of the ••louds of tears, which euerie day are shed in the wofull and afflicted Court of France. And if (as most constantly my minde perswadeth mee) there bee

in you the valor which appeareth by that worthie counte∣nance, Fortune can neuer offer you so good occasion as this to shew it.

Here the heauie Damsel stayed, ending her talke with a thousand sighes, accompanied with pearly teares that distilled downe her chéekes: which caused great compas∣sion in the frée breast of the Dacian Prince, who answe∣red.

Of a truth faire Damsell, you haue reason to séeke pu∣nishment for so great an euil as this is: for there is no cre∣dite to be giuen to so vnreasonable a Knight as that false Pagan, especially against the Daughter of so great a King. But sure it gréeueth me, that she suffered the amo∣rous yong Prince of Alexandria to enter into that deadly combat: although not long since I did know a Knight, that would haue enuied him, for to haue ended wyth hys death a great number of griefes, that by his meanes hee suffered. But for the principal matter, though I loose my life in séeking to defend your Ladie, I doo accomplish no more than that which I am bound vnto: and now séeing it is more than time that we were on our way, let vs tra∣uell forward, for I hope to giue comfort vnto the Prin∣c••sse. And therewith he called his Page Fabio to bring to them his horse and the Damsells palfray: and leaping into their saddles, they tooke the direct waye towardes Paris.

This furious Dacian trauelled on a better horse than anie of the stéedes of Titan, who in their course doo com∣passe daily the circle of the Earth: the French Damsell carried his helme••, as well to honour him, as for the de∣sire she had to behold his excellent beautie. And as they rid, she noted the Deuice vppon his armour, and gessing him a discontented Louer, with some gréefe at his sorrow she said.

In truth sir Knight, if your Mistres bee the occasion that you beare this sad Deuice, she is without reason, in

that she hath not attained to know the much loue, which the proportion of your person deserueth. Herein iudge I that she is in fault, because it séemeth vnto mee that you lacke nothing to make you a perfect Louer, but some ex∣perience to make you shew the strength that Loue requy∣reth, and follow the fashion, which courtly Ladies in that case expect.

At another time could this gallant Youth haue answe∣red with more passion than now, when as his liberty was in the handes of them that made a iest of it: but finding himselfe more at ease, he answered.

Of truth faire Damsell, you had reason to say, that it is more néedfull to haue strength than anie other thing a∣gainst this furious frenzie of Loue: for that I had a frend who while he thought to haue cure in loue, found first the ouerthrow of reason, inforcing his sense contrarie to that which he willed, rather than vnto the good which was or∣deined: although I now can boldly say both for him & my selfe, we know not to what part of loues rules to incline our selues.

Then it appeareth that you are not amorous sayd the Damsell.

No verily (answered the Prince) for that I could ne∣uer know what it was to bee beloued: therefore as •• ne∣uer enioyed the name of a beloued, I hate longer to be cal∣led a Louer, for that he is not equally to bee iudged wise, that passeth his time celebrating alwaies with ioy y^e eue∣ning of death: but rather I account him that liueth in this sort, a wilfull foole than a discréete louer. For each man should indeuour to lessen his gréefe, and chéere vp his fain∣ting spirites, scorning to hope for or couet that desired gold which onely couereth the bitter pilles, that by their hate∣full operation purge the sense of all reason and vnderstan∣ding.

The Damsell spéedily to this thus replyed. In ano∣ther Schoole haue you learned this erronious doctrine, &

not in Loues Uniuersitie at Paris, which through all the world is so much estéemed. I am sorrie that I carry with me a Knight, which estéemeth not a Louer to be most dis∣créete. What creature haue you in the world that liueth without loue? What picture doth giue contentment to the eye, if (by the beautie) the beholder presume not that the painter was enamoured of his worke, vsing affection as his pensill. It is well séene that where loue dwelleth, gentlenes and valor haue their habitation. What hath béen the occasion that the Gréeke Princes haue filled the world with their worthie actes, but that they haue been a∣morous?

Against these faire Damsels (answered the frée Daci∣an) my iudgement reasons not, for that loue did giue them alwaies abundance of assured hopes, easing therein and lightning the excessiue paine which the disdained Louer doth receiue. But the accustomable conceipt raigning a∣mong beloued ladies, is self opinion of their own worth, a souereigne desire to be faithfully serued, a glorie and pride in their Knights valor: but when the full payment of his deserts (as a true fée for Knights seruice) is requy∣red, then is the Ladies beautie muffled with clowdy dis∣content. If she speake, she checkes his audaciousnes: if she looke, she darts vengeance from her eyes: and all the reward the Louer hath is this, that others pittie him, and are eye-witnesses of his true seruice: which she wil scarce vouchsafe to acknowledge.

This gréeueth mee more than the rest (sayd the graci∣ous French Ladie) to sée how you are vtterly falne out with loue, in that you cannot obtaine to be the onely chéefe in account for the seruice of Ladies. Tell mee (I praye you) is it not a high reward for a Louer, to haue one gra∣cious looke from his beloued Ladie? nay, is it not a salue for manie sustained sorrowes, if hee but once attaine her desired sight?

Yes, it were well (aunswered the Prince) and excel∣lently

for a Louers contentment, to passe the heate of the day priuately in such contemplation, where the Gallant may (without let) salute his Mistres: but when such au∣dacious entrie is made without the ladies special license, I doo iudge it to be one of the most errours which is com∣mitted in the ordinarie erring Schoole of Loue. But let vs reckon the best méede the Louer hath for all his mone. Doth shee bestow a smile? Oh then hee is a happie man: that one false sunshine is a sufficient comfort against ma∣nie bitter showers: but if shee vouchsafe a kinde word, a gentle touch, or some little idle conference, our kind yong louer is transported beyond all compasse, hee writes pure Castalian, walkes no where but in Tempe, dwells with the Muses, sings with Apollo Io Paeans in Loues praise. Anone (in the midst of all this iollitie) on goes his Ladies frowning kercher, and then his Eulogies are turnde to Elegies, his mirthes to moane: an vncouth caue couers his disgraced head, a darke and queachie groue his plea∣sant garden, the aire his counsellour, Eccho his scoffer, teares his drinke, care his food: and such a deale of foole∣rie v••xes this louing foole, that I must néeds conclude him to be either desperately mad, or (questionlesse) a verie I∣deot. Therefore of Loue and Louers this is my absolute iudgement.

Loue is a busie troublous foolishnes, Those that commend it, mad and reasonles.

With this amorous conuersation they traueled toward Paris, when vpon the right hand of the Forrest they heard the swift running of a horse: who came in such hast▪ that before the Prince could put on his inchaunted helmet, the furious Rider was in sight, who séemed rather a Diuell than a Knight.

The occasion thereof was the reflection of the Sunne vp∣pon his armour, which was of shining stéele, and colored blacke, and so was his horse, who made no show of steps vpon the grasse whereas he trode, by reason of his swift∣nesse.

The gallant demeanor which this Knight showed, did giue great content vnto the Dacian Prince. And here we thinke it good to leaue him, with earnest desire to knowe what that Knight was: and wee will get before him to Paris, where we lef•• the couragious Knight of the Ima∣ges, Torismondo, Prince of Spaine, who was healed of his wounds, but not of the gréefe he receiued in the battel with the mightie Alpbebo.

This Torismond went out of Paris with purpose to séek some of his owne people, and till he met them, to trauaile a few dayes in those mountaines, and to conclude manye aduentures: so that in Paris there was no other talke but of the Knight of the Images.

As he trauelled, he oftentimes sent vnto the Court, to know and learne some newes of his Ladie by the Postes that came from Spaine, and oftentimes he tarried for hys Pages returne at the Fountaine of Merlin, being the re∣sting place for Knights aduenturers, trauelling in that Forrest.

One day as he was expecting newes from Spaine, hee saw his Page comming with a countenance different from that he was wont to haue, for that he came making of great lamentation: which caused some suspition in the amorous Spaniard. For alwayes a timerous heart tou∣ching a mans owne euill, doth prophecie (as it were) in∣suing mischiefe, as to affrighted Torismond at this time it prooued, who gazing stedfastly on Arsilo, thus questio∣ned him.

What meaneth thy sadnes Arsilo, haue the heauens depriued me of all my good, and left poore Torismond to ••ament his Ladies absence?

This youth did confirme his suspition in that he did not answere one word. The Prince as one wholy beside him selfe, said, ah fortune, thou hast now shewed thy selfe who thou art, nowe I feare not thy strength, for that which I most feared, with all thy malice is certainly befalne me. Conclude Arsilo, & declare vnto me these newes that must redowne vnto my death. What should I say soue∣raigne Prince (answered the page) but that it is as you suspect? death, pale meager death hath seazed o•• your soules content.

This amorous and afflicted youth did not heare the rest, for that he fel vpon the grasse without any sense or féeling, til such time as his page brought him to himselfe a∣gaine.

Who in recompence said vnto him. Oh vnfaithfull, why hast thou called me from my ease, what doest thou ima∣gine that there is strength in me to liue, without the life of her, whom rigorous death hath taken from me? I can∣not nor I will not although I may liue, being without that good, which was my comfort? How can he liue that only did sustaine his life, in yéelding it into the handes of her who did receaue it with equal comfort. Oh my chiefe good, because I should know the despight of fortune she hath taken thée from me. Oh déere déere loue, how I doe number my wants, excéeding all number with the one∣ly lacke of thy soueraigne beauty. Oh mournfull earth wherfore beginst thou not to lament thy lost ornament, for my losse reacheth farther then the griefe of vnhappy Torismondo. Oh warlike Spaine, how maiest thou from this time forwards leaue off thy glorious name, for that she who was the cause of al your courage is now conque∣red, by al deuouring death. Oh worthy knightes with what reason may you from this day forwards liue with∣out courage, since she who with her beauty did recreate you all, faire heauen hath tooke away that heauen might be onely faire.

Oh deuine Floriana thou art a creature ordained to ex∣toll the cunning worke of humane nature, but the dieties enuying that earth should beare such perfect excellence, found meanes for to vndoe so perfect a figure, carrying with it all the grace, beauty and perfection of the worlde, ioyntly with the soule of this vnhappy body. You ladies, that were enuious at the brauery of mine, fortune had cō∣passion of your griafe. Thou hadst reason diuine Floriana to remaine doubtfull of séeing me at thy departure. How oftē didst thou vrge me with my plighted faith, the which I will kéepe till such time as I am in thy estate, without any feare to loose thée, but to sée thée with these eies, wher∣with I now doe celebrate thy death. Oh most happy land of Cantabria in times past, pittifull to my lamentations, how maiest thou from this day forwards begin to mourne for the lacke of such a Lady and Mistresse? Now my lo∣uing father, may you liue content with my fortune, to see me liue without my Floriana, who was so odious in your eies, for that I loued her. I am vexed still that you doe no•• conceaue it was life to me to loue her, and a swéete ease to suffer for her. Nowe here I sweare by my high thoughts, not to returne to Spaine, but to destroy it once againe, if any therein were the occasion of the death of my loues life, although it were my naturall father. Oh my Floriana, what can I doe to liue content, or who is a∣ble to giue it me but death onely? the which if I suffer for thy sake, I will receaue it gladly. And hauing a despe∣rate wil, he pulled out his sword saying. O happy sword, being the sword of my Goddes: with thée at her hands I receiued the order of knighthood: I sweare by her beauty that none shalbe able to disturbe me, til this vnhappy bo∣dy doth accompany her in death, that did giue it so excel∣lent a life. At that instant he would haue lifted vp the skirt of his shirt of male, to haue thrust his sword in thereat, If the discréet Arsilo had not thrown himselfe before him, and pulled it out of his murdring hands.

Then this grieued youth came to himselfe and saide: Oh my Arsilo, is this the loue you beare me, to hinder me that I go not to accompany in death, that which neuer de∣parted from me liuing? my friend permit it as thou woul∣dest the heauens to be more fauourable to thée, then they haue béene vnto the sorrowfull Torismundo.

Worthy Prince and my Lord (answered the discréete page) I should offend much therein, in the duety that I owe vnto you and your generous father, and you offende more your owne discretion, for that you cannot suffer that which the heauen doth ordaine, the faire Dutchesse was not for you, for that the commaunder of all beauty had chose her for himselfe.

Amongst worthy persons, there is nothing more to be praised then to know how to beare and suffer the disgra∣ces of fortune, with such courage as they doe her fauours: consider how little ease it should be to your griefe, in kil∣ling your selfe.

Doest thou call it little (said the grieued Knight) that alone is sufficient to succour me? wherewith should I end so many deaths which waited on me, but in giuing my selfe one, for the conclusion of all: thys did euill agrée vn∣to the seruice that thou owest mee, sith to die is onelye profitable.

At this time answered the page, I will die ere you shed one droppe of bloud. Heare me a little my beloued Lorde, that I may set before your eies examples for your comfort.

The Phrigians had excéeding cause to bewaile the death of valiant Hector, and they did fill the ayre with immea∣surable lamentations; yet not one of them, no not his Andromache, though being deare to all, to him she was most deare, not one of them I say despairingly slewe himselfe, but armed their resolutions against their ene∣mies.

Who could waile a louers losse, more than Venus her

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

swéete Adonis; whom she found discoloured and dead, his faire body rent by a foule Boare: yet she despaired not a∣midst her lamentations. Sorrow for seperated friends I deny not is necessary: but to die because they die is diue∣lish and damnab••e.

Despaire depriueth al grace, doubteth of immortality: and let not your excellence wrong Floriana so much, to make qu••stion of her immortall being. Suppose her gone vnto a Princely habitation, hauing enioyned you to per∣fourme aduentures for her loue. Let your little short span of life, be the progresse to that house: your iourny done, you shall enioy her sight.

Therefore consider worthy Prince, and besides these reasons, remember the royall bloud from whence you descend, and the harme you should doe to many by your death, who haue néed of that life that you so little estéeme? Celebrate the death of your Mistresse, and let me be the first in death, if it may be any comfort vnto you? But I am sure that it is rather an anger to Floriana, who enioy∣eth a better estate than ours.

Therefore returne vnto your reasonable senses belo∣ued Prince, and con••ider that it is the ordinance of hea∣uen, for that you against the will of your father, woulde loue her, and might haue sought an other equall vnto your estate.

This grieued youth receaued great comfort by the dis∣creete reasons of his page, but not in such sort that it cau∣sed him to forget the griefe he felt. The page séeing that he was somewhat quieted and eased, drew foorth a letter saying: This is the last worke that came from the hands of your Lady. This worthy Spaniard did take it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kissed it a thousand times, and bedewing it with teares, he opened it, and read as followeth.

The letter of Floriana the Dutches of Cantabria to Torismundo Prince of Spaine.

VNderstand from me welbeloued Prince, that I draw nigh vnto a new estate, being appointed by the hea∣uens: and remembring with what truth you answered my firmenesse, almost life scarce suffering mee to write these fewe lines, I tooke strength to write vnto thée, only for to desire thée by the faith which thou plightedst to bee mine, to passe thy life in my absence with discretion, as is required: and Torismundo, let not my death bee occasi∣on of thy indiscréet dealing. I would welbeloued Prince, that I might in this worlde call thee my owne, but to thy comfort in the other world I will: thither goeth thy be∣loued Floriana, hoping to sée thée, when as the powers of heauen will stande our friend. I can say no more, for that my senses faile. To God I leaue my beloued Toris∣mundo.

Dying Floriana.

This afflicted Gallant concluded the reading of the letter giuing a harty sigh, saying. Oh chance, and is it pos∣sible, that now should be shewed vnto me so much euill, and that she commaunds me to liue, and I must performe it. Oh my deare Mistresse how can I liue, who liued onely with your presence? Oh Fortune with how much discontent doest thou giue a little contentment. Oh vn∣happy heart so cruelly vsed in the beginning of thy age, and tormented with thy excessiue torments. Ah Floriana to remaine with life will be death vnto me: but séeing that you receaue content therein, I will liue, imploy∣ing the rest of my life, to loue in absence, in the ••ame degrée as when I triumphed in your soueraigne beau∣tye.

Now you may worthy Spaniard (saide the Page) vn∣derstande

the discontent that Floriana shoulde receiue by your death, and the wrong you shall commit in not sus∣taining your life? And therewith the page caused him to eate of such foode as he brought, although it was with an euill will. But yet the heauens did ordaine a remedie worthy to comfort this wofull Prince, for by reason of his great wearines he fell a sléepe a while, although it was not much, for that with a sodaine anger he arose vp saying: Ah my Goddesse, and is it possible that there shall remaine no memorie of thy glorie and my torment, this commeth not of the loue I beare vnto thée? But I doe pro∣mise to solemnize thy feast, returning into Spaine, and giue the world to vnderstand with what affection Toris∣mundo loued thée, and in saying this, hee went vnto a great and mightie Poppler trée, on whose barke he fixed with his dagger these verses.

Ye Fawnes, and Satyres seruants to great Pan. And olde Syluanus, all assemble yee, Ye lightfoote Nimphes assist a wofull man, Of wood or water whether ere ye be. Wilde Forrest beasts shall helpe you in your song, And roare a base to thunder out my wrong. Not one must sing a meane in my lament, Except the still streame gliding on the pebble; Thus will we carroll out my discontent, My wofull selfe will sing or cry the treble. Or if ye will confusion marre our song: For we are all confounded by deathes wrong.

On the other side of the Fountaine there was a rough and knottie ashe, whereas he descyphred the swéete name of his fayre mistresse, and concluded with this Ode.

Floriana had not dyed, Had not Fates her Loue enuyed: Torismundo impartiall Fate, With a deadly killing hate: Sought to punish, but could finde Nothing to torment his minde: Till the fatall Sisters fell, Worse than those three hags of hell, Chancing to behold Cantabria, And her Soueraigne Floriana: Heard her praise the Prince of Spaine, Heard her for his lacke complaine, Heard her say she was his ioy, Heard her sweare that no annoy Could to Torismund betyde, If she liude to be his Bride. Where withall from her liues clue, Hastely the thred they drue: And with speed they cut the same, When they heard my hatefull name. So because I was enuied, Gentle Floriana dyed.

This worthy louer being somewhat quieted depared and comming to the Christaline water, hee washed his blubbred face and handes, and drunke of the vertuous Fountaine: which so quicklie did worke his necessarie effect, that before he departed from the water, hee knew not what had passed with him, but the amorous life that before séemed to be a dreame: although he remembred all, yet not in such sorte that the death of the faire Floriana should giue him any perticuler griefe, but rather seemed that he did wrong vnto Spaine, that so quickly left it, for blind affection.

Being in this new & frée estate, hee saw comming out

of the thickest of the mountaine a Damsell mounted on a mighty blacke horse, with a Lyon before her: who at her arriual, with a gallant demeanor alighted, and comming to the Prince she said in the Spanish tongue: Ualardus Torismundo, a wise man who desireth thy good, as to himselfe, commanded me to bring thée this armour and horse, and although their coulours are now contrary, to the new and pleasant time, and frée state which thy desti∣ny hath brought thée; yet the troubles are so many that you must passe, in tormenting your couragious hart, that you may from this present, beare a de••ice conformable vn∣to that griefe, and in recompence he will desire no more, but that your heart faile not, but alwaies haue in memo∣ry, the noble bloud from whence you descend, till such time as the tame Lionesse nigh to the place whereas now you vnderstood of the death of Floriana méete thée, then shalt thou know of the frée life that shalbe admitted thée, and then thou shalt leaue this blacke armour, putting on with better reason this which thou nowe wearest, the which shall remaine vpon that poplar, till all be finished that I haue here rehearsed vnto thée, for so it is orday∣ned.

This swift Damsell tarried for no answere, but with the spéede of an Eagle she put her selfe into the Forrest: presently this young Mars, did put of his pretious & gréene armour, with the which he did incounter the mighty Al∣phebo, and hung it on the poplar whereas he found this saying.

He that takes thy armour hence, which thou leauest for this blacke: Shall againe in recompence, giue thee ioy which thou wilt lacke.

With great ioy did this worthy Spaniard leaue his pre∣tious armour, and armed himselfe in the blacke armour,

of truth, for that there were few like vnto it. The armes (as I say) were all blacks, but onely in the middest of the shield was painted Hope and Fortune, Fortune saying thus.

With the turning of my Wheele all estates of men doo change: Greefe or ioy (they vsde to feele) on a sodaine seemeth strange.

Hee had not well concluded the perusing of the shield with the deuice, when that somewhat a farre off he heard a great troope of horse, and sometimes the noyse of Wo∣men, which séemed that they were by force constrayned: which was the occasion that he leapt vpon his inchaunted horse, and went into the high way, with all spéed possible. But by reason it was night, and the Moone went verye low, he could not sée nor know what people they were, til such time as cléere Day appeared from the East: & then from a little hill (whereon he ascended for to learne what it should bee) hee discouered a mightie waggon, drawen with sixe swift horse, being full of people, and to the num∣ber of 30. Knights with them, and two furious Giants: by which he conceiued that those in the waggon were ca∣ried prisoners. Wherewith he descended from that little mountaine like an arrow out of a bow, and ran with hys horse after them till it was in the afternoone, and then hée was constrained somewhat to rest his horse in which time the Giants got vantage of the way, for that the horses in the waggen were verie good.

After he had a while refresht his horse, this warlike Youth went from thence more swift than the stone out of the sling, till such time as (in trauelling) he saw a gentle Knight with russet armour, and his shield of the same, and in it the deuice of Cupide with two faces, different vnto that hee was wont to beare, for that they were now both closed.

This was the frée Dacian (if you doo remember) in a∣mor••••us conference with the French Ladie, on their iour∣ney towards Paris: the Prince (by the vertuous Foun∣tain••) changed had on his shield this Embleme writ∣ten by the wise Lyrgandeo.

Sith my libertie is gained, Close those eyes my heart that pained.

The Prince receiued great contentment when he saw the shield with that posie, and willed the Pages that they should follow him softly after, and spurring his inchanted horse, he ran with more swiftnes, than an arrow out of a Scythian bow, inlarging his pace to know that well pro∣portioned and gallant armed warrier, till such time as Apollo lacked little to leaue the world as an orphane, by want of his shining face: and then (in the middest of a great Plaine) he ouertooke the Chariot with manie gal∣lant Knights on horse-backe garding it, among whom 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dealt in such sort▪ that he quickly gaue them to vnderstand of what courage he was, to their spéedie hurt. For that in∣countring with the first, (who was a bold knight) he ran him thorough with his launce, for his presuming to méete him: and therewith drew out his good sword, and so beha∣ued his arme amongst that trecherous companie, that it was great damage to euerie one of them that did with∣stand his furie.

So valiantly he behaued himselfe, that when the Gi∣ants and another gallant Knight (big set and in rich ar∣mour) returned to sée what the noyse was which they did heare behinde the Chariot (for that they were then before) this warlike Spaniard had slaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Knights, and dyd such ••aliant déedes, that the furious Mars was not woor∣thie of his credit••.

It is not possible to expresse with what violence the Giants, the big knight, with other sixe and twentie that remained (séeing what had passed) began to assayle and incompasse this yong Prince, in such sort, that it séemed by their furie they had bin able to haue broken in péeces a ve∣rie strong rocke they were so valiant: but this worthie & valorous Torismundo did sustaine himselfe in such sort, that (by the force of his arme) they receiued a bloodie pay∣ment.

At that time his new well tempered armour and horse did stand him in good steed, who was so light and nimble on the one side and on the other, as thought could bee no swifter, which was the occasion that the battell continued in a most honourable sort: yet notwithstanding it could not be but that he had néed of succour in a Fight so dange∣rous, for the warriers with whom he delt were verie va∣liant.

Such was his fortune, that then the frée Dacian did set spurres to his horse, and came at that instant, when as he was executing such furie as the inraged Pirrhus did vpon the Phrigian people.

The Dacian greatly wondred at this inclosed Knight, being verie much affected to his valiantnes, for that hee made no reckoning of the other knights, although they were strong and stout, but still assayled the Giants & that big knight, in such sort, that he made them feare his great and mightie blowes, hauing ouerthrowne twelue other knights.

Then could not Eleno staye, but pricked forward hys good horse, and with his happie launce in hys hand thrust himselfe among the knights, and ioyning nigh vnto the valiant Spaniard, he sayd: Uppon them good knight, for they are but a few, although they séeme to be braue and stout, for our iustice and their pride will giue them into our hands.

This saying was scarce ended, neither had y^e Spaniard

answered it▪ when as with double courage he incountred one of the Giants on the one side in such sort, that he made him to accompanie those thot were faln dead, betng quite thrust thorough and thorough, wherewith he gaue a fear∣full shréeke.

At which strange incounter, Torismundo greatly ad∣myred, and was verie glad of that gentle succour in time of so great necessitie. And for to giue his vnknowen frend knowledge of what valour hee was, hee threw hys shield on his shoulder, and went against the great Knight, (who troubled him most) and strooke him such a mightie blow vpon the helme, that he made him fal vpon his horse necke, voyding great quantitie of blood at his trayterous mouth.

At hand was the worthie Eleno, and beholding it hee meruailed at taat blow: and séeing that great knight so ••igh him, and in that sort, his horse also so astonished that he could not stir, he stroke him such an ouerthwart blow, that seazing on the inlacings of his helme, helme and head fell into the gréene field, whereat all that were in the cha∣riot wondred.

This blow was not so soone giuen, but Torismundo (who the while was busie with the Giants knights, and had not noted what the Dacian had done) willing to con∣clude that which was begun, stroke the dead bodie which lay headlesse on the horse so furiously on the backe, so that passing thorough it, it passed to the horse neck, and cutting it asunder, all fell together to the earth: wherewith one of the Ladies that were in the chariot gaue a great shréek saying.

O glorious God, what great force is in this knight, that is not onely able at one blow to cut in sunder the Ri∣der, but the horse also?

The valiant Spaniard turned his head towardes the Chariot, imagining that some knight would haue done iniurie vnto the Ladies, and in the chariot discouered one

of the fairest Ladies in the world, iudging her great beau∣tie excéedingly to exceed that little, which he saw before in Floriana: wherew•••••• he receiued a greater blowe at the heart, than that which hee had giuen on the bodie of the mightie Knight.

Here he that had sworne firmnesse to his Ladie, dooth now striue to dispence with vowes: he calleth the heauen vniust, in shewing him first but part of beautie, his va∣lour wexed weake, and his powers for awhile failed, and faine he would haue spoken to her, that so throughly had subiected him, giuing her in change of her first sight, hys loue-sicke wounded so••le.

With this new desire and amorous passion, hee thrust himselfe amongst those few that remained, and saw the Giant in sharpe battell with the Dacian Knight: but hee accounting the affaires belonging to that Ladie, proper to himselfe, and conceiuing her to be the agréeued and iniu∣red Mistres of the rest, he began a fresh to dispatch more of the Giants Knights, to carrie newes into hell of hys new change.

In this time was not the magnanimous Dacian idle, for that he was in battell with one of the most brauest Gi∣ants of all his Nation: but hauing a meruailous good horse he entred in and out at his pleasure, till such time as he saw the stout Spanish Warrier how worthilye hée behaued himselfe against the other Knights, wherewith a kinde of honourable enuie so pressed him, that like a fu∣rious Lion he encountred the Giant, who came towards him, striking one the other such heauie & furious blowes, that it caused the worthie Spaniard to stay his battell, for to looke on them: but he saw that the Giant had the worst, for that he faintly trauersed the field, stretching himselfe with the pangs of death: and being ashamed to sée so few Knights so long to indure, in the time that the couragious Dacian Prince came vnto himselfe (for that he was some∣what astonished) he behaued himselfe in such sort, that hée

left not one aliue, but onely two, which he receiued to mercie, for to be informed who they were, that attempted this outrage.

A good while before this battell was ended, came the∣ther the Page of the Dacian with his French Damsell, who receiued great contentment in beholding the valour of her Knight, and reioyced that shee carried in her com∣panie so good a warrant in the right of her Mistres Grisa∣linda.

The new and valiant Louer Torismundo being at li∣bertie, came vnto the Chariot, whereas their Pages had fréeed all that were therein of their vngentle bands, and pulling off his helme (his face being by reason of the heat somewhat inflamed) hee showed himselfe to be one of the fairest knights that was to be found, and verie yong: for (as before it was said) his beard did not yet appeare. Comming to the Chariot, hee knéeled downe before the Ladie, saying.

Pardon (faire Ladie) my delay in gréeting you, for I could do no more than was in my power, the offence arises not from want of good will: vouchsafe therefore to receiue this small seruice of him, that is readie to put his life in a∣nie aduenture that redoundeth to your content, and to ac∣compt it as his owne.

The Ladie did well vnderstand the affection where∣with he spoke it, but (being restrained by the vnseperable yoake of marriage with the Prince of Geneua, who was present) she answered: The heauens reward you worthy knight, one of the most valiant you are that euer I haue séene: what you haue done for my husband and mee, hea∣uen will requite. It is sufficient ioy to vs, that you haue shewed your selfe so valiant, that we may thankfully at∣tribute the reward only to your worthines, as a thing ad∣mirable vnto vs.

It cannot be imagined what gréef this passioned youth receiued, in séeing his remedie impossible, whereby hee

perfectly vnderstood the true sayings of the wise man, that he should sée himself in excessiue troubles, accounting this (at this present) to be one of the greatest aduersities, that might chance him: yet notwithstanding, because he would not giue them knowledge thereof, he dissembled his griefe and answered.

It were vnequall glory vnto me gallant Lady, to at∣tribute vnto my Arme, that which with so great reason is dewe to this stout warrior, vnto whome with greater right you ought to giue the thankes for your ayde and succour, as vnto one of the mightiest Knightes that euer bore armor.

And at this instant the Dacian Prince was with them, but with his helme on, because they should not know him. for that it séemed vnto him, he had before séene the Prince, spouse to the faire Dutches of Sauoy called Orosia, and greatly maruelled at the beauty and worthinesse of the Prince of Spaine.

So after there had passed many reasons with those La∣dies, they did importune him much for to discouer him∣selfe: which he refused to doe, for that he said he had giuen his word vnto the Damsell, not for to disarme himselfe, neither to enter into any publique enterveiw with any till such time as he had finished an aduenture whereon he then went. Without impeach of this promise Sir knight said the faire Dutches, I hope it will not bee out of your way to beare vs company vnto the citty of Paris.

Then aunswered Don Heleno, I doe sweare vnto your beautie, worthy Ladie, that it is not in my power, for I haue put my libertie into the handes of this Dam∣sell that commeth with me.

Wel, séeing it is so answered the Prince of Geneua, wee shall receiue great content if that at your com∣ming to Paris wee may chaunce to sée you, that in some parte wea may gratifie the greate good which you haue done for vs, which will be ioyfull vnto vs all.

The like was promised by the worthie Torismundo, who was greatly affectioned to the gentle disposition of the Dacian▪ and would haue remained with him to haue knowen who he was.

Afterwards, inquiring of one of the Prisoners, who his Lord should bée? He said, that it was the furious Til∣mon, Sonne vnto the mightie Brandafuriel, whome Cla∣uerindo the Prince of France slew, and left this but a ve∣rie yong Youth: but when hee grew great and bigge in yeares, he receaued the order of knighthood, and became the most hardiest knight in all that Countrey, liuing in such valiant sort, that he was estéemed for a more worthy man than his father. Which Tilmon (purposing to be re∣uenged for his Fathers death) came from the Towred I∣land, whereof he was Lord, and brought those Giants in his companie, the better at his ease to séeke reuengement. And after we had disimbarked our selues on shoare, wee went through the Countrey in secret, till yesterdaye wee met with this Chariot, which was going towards Paris: and vnderstanding the gréefe that the king would receiue for the imprisonment of his Nephewes (as both the prince of Geneua and his Wife were) hee did apprehend them, to procure some occasion (through sorrow) to kil y^e French king.

I giue great thankes vnto God and vnto these worthie knights (said the faire Orosia) that your euill pretence took no effect. So for that it waxed late, they tooke their leaue of the knights, and iournied towards Paris, where they arriued the next day, and were receiued with great ioye and content by the king, vnto whom they declared what had happened vnto them by the way, and how they were set at libertie by two alone knightes: whereat the king greatly meruailed, and could not imagine who they shuld be of so great power and strength, that alone durst giue battell vnto so manie together, and against such deformed Giants.

He was somwhat comforted to sée his welbeloued Ne∣uewes: yet not in such sort, but that he felt in his soule the griefe concerning his daughter, which in conclusion he was constrayned to make the Dukes pertakers thereof: who although it were a griefe vnto them (as it was rea∣son) yet they studyed to dissemble it, and to comforte their Unkle in all that was possible, and determined that the Prince of Geneua should goe disguised and séeke those va∣liant Knights, and to giue them vnderstanding of all that passed, that they might frustrate that greate euill which was raysed against the Infant Grisalinda.

The which Knightes, after they were departed from the Chariot, entred into the thicke grouie Countrey, till they came vnto a fayre Fountaine, whereas they lighted: and the Spaniard cast his armes vpon the Prince, & said: Sir Knight, showe not me so much iniurye as you did vn∣to that precious Lady, in not declaring to me your name: for in doing so, I shall remaine without gratifying of the ayde and succour you did vnto me.

Worthye Knight (aunswered the discréete Dacian) I should be very ill aduised, if I should not acknowledge the great good which is gotten, in making him pertaker of my thoughts, that is of such desert and so desirous: and if I did vse my strength, it was not for that you were in necessitie therof, but the affection which I receiued did constrain me to ioyne with the breuitie of the time, that I might (if it were not a griefe vnto you) demaund what you were, and likwise aduertise you of the most secret things of my hart.

Sir Knight (said Terismondo) I giue you great thanks for that you haue said: as for the rest, it is very apparant my necessity néeded your strength, and to both we may at∣tribute the raunsome of those Ladies: for my name, I an∣swer you as you do me: it is not iustice to denie a thing to him that hath so much desire to make me pertaker who hee is.

Know then that I am Torosmondo Prince of Spayne,

whome fortune (that neuer ceaseth to be mutable) hath brought as vanished into this country, being tormented with amorous fyre: and there he declared vnto him all his life and amorous dealings: wherewith the Dacian was bound to declare vnto him of his loues, and the great trou∣bles that he receiued.

At the which the Spaniard remained greatly conten∣ted, and they were maruelous affectioned the one vnto the other, and the friendship that was betwéene them, did so farre extend, that it indured to the death, which was the alonely meane able to seperate their loue, and not the ri∣gorous battels which they performed (as shall bee tolde you) were not sufficient, but that they were the greatest friendes in all the world, for that in one age, and in one Countrie, and at one selfe time: fortune had giuen them remedy of their griefe.

With this the Dacian told him the lamentable occasi∣on wherefore he went to Paris: at the which the Spanish Prince reioyced at the heart, for that he should once again sée the gallant Dutchesse: who was no lesse delighted with his great beautie, th••n hee was rauished and enamoured with hers.

They passed all that night one declaring to the other their former Loues, till such time as the Spaniard did tell him of the great affection he had to the Dutchesse: but the Dacian séeing that it was not good for him, (shee béeing a married Ladie) did cause him to leaue it off. Which was no small matter: for that a new passion (if once it be gra∣pled to the heart) will sooner make an ende of one, than leaue him: but for that the remedie was at hand, it was easie to be forgotten, At which conceipt they did not a lit∣tle laugh, both of them knowing the wonderfull effect of the fountaine.

The Damsell that vnderheard some of their amorous discourses, said vnto them.

Of truth faire knights, it was no small gréefe which the wise man did to disdainefull Ladies, which found so good a remedie against their strangenes. Of my selfe I say, that if I were beloued, I would not vse (as common∣ly it is séene now among Ladies) to dissemble so much, that it causeth wings to be added vnto knights thoughtes, to séeke out so vnsauerie a Fountaine: for that it feemeth to me by the knowen vertue of this place, it will fall out that she shall remaine forsaken by her dissembling, and her gallant knight shal liue content to see her iust paine & gréefe: a worthie reward for proud statelines. For if a Ladie loue, wherefore doth she dissemble? and if she hate, wherefore doth shee not make it knowne? But wee wo∣men are so strange of condition, that we thinke that it is sufficient to be women, that all the world may serue vs. This is a thing too vsuall, which ought not to bee accep∣ted amongst discréet people, although it may séeme that she onely is discréet, who often doth vse this false dissimu∣lation: Considering that hee who loueth, and is not dissembled with, doth not deserue the name of a Lo∣uer.

This hath place with them that are strange and giue not part of ioy to mitigate the griefe of the heart which lo∣ueth them, and I hold that Knight careles, who may bee remedied if hee will vrge it, and yet simply bearing wrong, reioyceth in his griefe, beeing content to bee dis∣sembled with.

Oh faire Ladie answered the tender Spaniard, how sweete should a Louers life bée, if all were of your opini∣on? and how manie gréefes might they daily auoyd? for that Ladies doo dissemble the affection which they beare their Louers, and vniustly intreate them to whome they haue giuen their hearts.

Hencefoorth let all Ladies deale with me so, sayd the Dacian.

Peace Cynicke said the Spaniard, let me goe forward.

It is good a Lady should be circumspect•••• yeilding her honour on any tearmes, and to estéeme it, when all the world doth know that she is faire: but to vse it in such sort, to make her Louer suff••r griefe, she her selfe beeing passio∣ned, and yet makes rigorous showes. Faire Damsell, I take this to be one of the greatest tyranyes that may be v∣sed either to Knightes or against themselues▪ considering Knights to gratefie their Ladies, euery moment put their liues at deathes doore: And should the Lady then be coye in his loue whome she loueth with all her heart? if so shée deale, who can condemne him truly that leaueth to know her? for her owne frowardnes is cause of her forgetfulnes.

You haue great reason on your side, answered the gra∣cious Damsell, but these so costly hopes I like not of, that when they come, they are with pure hope loathed: for to my iudgement (and I beléeue all those that try shall find) that the best of all hope in loue, is bought for more then it is worth. In these reasoninges they passed away a great part of the night, till such time as the two newe friendes being wearie, they layed their heades vpon their helmets to take rest, so likewise did the Damsell and their Pa∣ges.