Orlando furioso in English heroical verse, by Sr Iohn Haringto[n] of Bathe Knight.

THE EIGHTEENTH BOOKE. (Book 18)

THE ARGVMENT.

Now Griffin's knowne and felt: Algyre doth threaten The Tartar Prince: Charles fighteth and preuailes: Martano like a coward is well beaten, Marfisas force Damasco warriers quailes: From thence with tempest tost, and weather beaten, Both she and Griffin and Astolfo sailes: Medor and Cloridan with care and paine, Seeke for the carkas of their master slaine.

1

MOst worthie Prince your vertues high and rare, With tongue and penne I praise, and euer shall, Although my words and verse inferiour are, In number and in worth to match them all: But all aboue this one I do compare, And far prefer, and pure diuinest call, That giuing gracious eare to those are greeued, Yet eu'rie tale is not by you beleeued.

2

Oft haue I heard your highnesse hath refused, Although the same most earnestly were sought To heare the guiltlesse absent man accused, (And when a great complaint to you was brought) * 1.1You haue the matter and the man excused: Suspending still your iudgement and your thought, And keeping till the truth were truly tride, Euer one eare for the contrarie side.

3

Had Norandino had so great a grace, As not to credite tales so lightly told. He had not offerd Griffin this disgrace, No though thereby he might haue gained gold: But so doth rashnes vertue oft deface, As here was proued that was said of old; The silly people beare the scourge and blame, Oft when their Princes do deserue the same.

4

For Griffin (as in part I told before) When as his hands and feete were once vntide, Did deale about of blowes and thrusts such store, As well was he could for him selfe prouide, His wrath was such as none he then forbore, The old, the young, the strong, the feeble dide: And they that laught before to see him carted, Now for their labor whinde as much and smarted.

5

The people faint and mazed fled away, From him whom late they did deride and scorne, He followd them and kild them by the way, Dastards more meet to die, then to be borne. But in this chase a while I let him stay,* 1.2 Triumphing now that lately was forlorne: Of Rodomont now somewhat must be spoken, On whom at once I said eight speares were broken.

6

Eight speares at once vpon the scaly skin, Did light, and diuers darts were throwne aloofe, For spears and darts he passeth not a pin, Such was his strength, so sure his armors proofe: But when he saw that more and more came in, To part from thence he thinks his best behoofe, For why on eu'rie side they do assaile him, That needs at length his breath and strength must faile him.

7

Eu'n as the Lions whelps that see a Bull,* 1.3 Are at the first of his great strength affraid, But when they see their sire to teare or pull, His throte and sides, they runne their sire to aid, And flie vpon his face and horned scull, Till prostrate on the ground they haue him laid: So now when Charles himselfe was in the place, Each one tooke armes, each one took hart of grace

8

Who so hath seene a huge well baited Beare, * 1.4With many dogs, men standing close about, When he by hap the stake or cord doth teare, And rusheth in among the thickest rout, How suddenly they runne away with feare, And make a lane to let the Beare go out: He might (I say) compare by such a sight, The manner of this Pagans fight and flight.

9

He rusheth out, and with his two hand blade, He florisheth about in so fierce sort, That soone a way for him to passe was made, To hinder him his way it was no sport, And those that by the way did him inuade, Except they shifted better, were cut short: Thus in despite of Charles and all his realme, He came vnto the banks of Sequans streame.

10

And standing from the banke a little distance, That few or none behind could him enclose, An howers space and more he made resistance, Against king Charles, whose power stil greater groo•• Till in the end in hope of no assistance, Displeas'd, but not disgrast away he goes: He takes the riuer fretting in his minde, That he had left a man aliue behinde.

11

And so he swell'd in anger and in pride, That he had thought to turne him backe againe, And to haue mounted on the other side, And all that should withstand him to haue slaine: But lo a messenger he then espide, That made him from that rash attempt refraine, * 1.5But who did send him, and what word he bare, I meane to you another time declare.

12

But first what Discord did I meane to show, Who as you heard was by the Angell sent Among the Pagans, seeds of strife to sow, And as she was commanded thither went: Yet leauing Fraud behind the coales to blow, Least all the fire of strife should quite be spent, And to augment his strength, as much as may be, He carrid Pride with him out of the Abby.

13

* 1.6Pride leaues Hypocrisie to keepe his place, And thus these ia••ing friends togither go, And when they traueld had a little space, They found by hap dame Ielousie also, That met a dwarfe that run a trudging pace, Eu'n as she wanderd idely to and fro: And learning vnto whom this page was sent, To go with him she quickly did consent.

14

You call to mind (for sure you cannot chuse, But call to mind so late a written storie) How Mandricardo Doralice did vse, And kept with ioy whom he did win with glorie: She secretly sent notice of this newes, (Though afterward her selfe perhap was sorie) To Rodomont, and sharply him incited, To venge her rape as I before recited.

15

The messenger arriued then by hap, When from the streame the Pagan did ascend, And told him all the tale of her mishap, And how another did possesse his frend: Cold ielousie straight enterd in his lap, And Pride with Discord do the matter mend, Alledging if he put vp this disgrace, Then let him neare looke Ladie in the face.

16

Like as a Tyger that her young hath lost,* 1.7 Supprisd by hunters hand and borne away, Doth follow on the foote through eu'rie cost, No dikes nor waters wide can make her stay: So Rodomont with loue (and anger most) Enflamed, could endure no more delay, And though he want his horse, that did not boote, To cause him stay, he rather goes on foote.

17

He meanes what euer horseman next he spide, To take his horse offrend or else of foe, At this is Discord pleasd, and said to Pride, That she was glad their bus'nes co••ned so: I will (quoth she) a horse for him prouide, An horse shall cost him deare enough I trow; But what of him and of that horse befel,* 1.8 Another time not now I meane to tell.

18

This while the most renowned Christen king, That had expulst the Pagan from the towne, His valiant men of armes about doth bring, And on the sodaine lets the draw bridge downe, And with afresh assault their foes so sting, While fortune smild on him, on them did frowne, That they had runne away like men dismaid, Had not Ferraw couragiously them staid.

19

My mates in armes (quoth he) brethren and frends,* 1.9 Prou'd valiant heretofore, now hold your place: More happie far is he his life that spends, In honour, then that keeps it in disgrace; Loe me your generall that here entends, No way to staine the blood of Spanish race; The patterne follow that I shew you furst, And then I care not, let them do their worst.

20

Thus in that part Ferraw the fight renewd, And draws with him the chosen Spanish band, That oft in Christen blood their hands imbrewd, And none almost but they, did now withstand: But destinie can neuer be eschewd, As may by their successe be rightly scand; Behold Renaldo comes, and as he came,* 1.10 It seem'd he carrid lightning fierce or flame.

21

Nor long before Almontes valiant sonne, Hight Dardanell, had slaine a Christian knight, And proud of that his glorie lately wonne, And of this good successe he had in fight, About the field he carelessely did runne, Vntill he hapt to see a wofull sight, He saw Alfeo yeelding vp the ghost, A youth whom he esteem'd and loued most.

22

Lurcanio was the man that did the deed, And Dardanell to venge it doth intend, Lurcanio followd on and tooke no heed, The other all on him his force doth bend, And with a waightie speare, him and his steed, Vnto the earth together he doth send, And pierst his thigh, and put him in such paine, As scant he able was to rise againe.

23

But Ariodant (that deare his brother loued) And sees him in such paine and danger lie, Was there with all in wrath so greatly moued, He meaneth to auenge his hurt, or die: But though that he attempted oft and proued, Yet could he not to Dardanell come nie, For still of other men, the throng and number, Did him in this attempt molest and cumber.

24

No doubt the heau'ns had Dardanell ordained, To perish by a more victorious hand; Renaldos blade must with his blood be stained, And was, as after you shall vnderstand: By him this praise and glorie must be gained, The fame whereof must fill both sea and land: * 1.11But let these westerne warres a while remaine, And of Griffino talke we now againe.

25

Who taught those of Damasco to their harmes, What wrong they did to cart him in such sort, They fill the towne with vprores and alarmes, Mens mouthes and eares were full of this report: The King brings forth fiue hundred men in armes, And sends fiue more to fortisie the fort: For why this tumult brought him in perswasion, That sure some host of men did make inuasion.

26

But when he saw no men, no host, no band, No troupes of horse, the citie to inuade, Onely one man (well knowne) that there did stand, And of his people such a slaughter made, (Mou'd with remorce) he stretcheth out his hand Naked, in shew of peace, as is the trade, And openly his rashnesse he lamented, That such a knight to harme he had consented.

27

And Griffin when to find he now begunne, The King was of so good an inclination, And that the wrong to him before was done, Not of his owne, but others instigation: To make a friendly concord doth not shunne, Because hereby he lost no reputation: And there he tarid at the kings request, To cure his wounds and take a little rest.

28

This while his brother Aquilant the blacke, That with Astolfo still in Iewrie staid, And sees his brother now so long did lacke, Was in his mind all sad and ill apaid: They heard no newes of him, they found no tracke, Though wait about in eu'ry place was laid, Vntill the Greekish pilgrim they had met, By whom of him some inkling they did get.

29

He told them how a certaine wanton dame, Hight Origilla, with a ruffian knaue, That kept her openly without all shame, Yet going in apparell fine and braue, These two (the pilgrim said) together came, From Antioch (as forth in speech they gaue) And to Damasco then they meant to go, But what became of them he did not know.

30

And further vnto Aquilant he told, How he Griffino met this other day, And did to him the matter all vnfold, And how forthwith Griffino went his way, With chase enough, and swearing that he would Kill this same vile adultrer if he may: No sooner had his speech the pilgrim ended, In post to follow, Aquilant intended.

31

In post he followd to Damasco ward, And when he traueld had a day or twaine, (Behold that God that euer doth reward The good with blessings and the bad with paine) That gracelesse couple that before you heard, Betraid Griffino with that diuellish traine, Into the hands of Aquilant did giue, While they in pleasure most securely liue.

32

I say that Aquilant by Gods permission, Doth meet the vile Martano on the way, His horse, his coate, and outward apparition, So like vnto Griffino eu'ry way, That Aquilant at first without suspition, Went to embrace him, and began to say, Brother well met, I ioy of your welfare, Your absence bred in me much feare and care.

33

But when he saw the tother not replide, But shrunke away like one that were afraid, Ah traitor villain, yeeld thy selfe he cride, Thou hast my brother spoiled and betraid, Tell me (thou wretch) doth he in life abide? To whom in humble sort Martano said, (With fainting hart, with quaking voice & trembling Yet in the midst of all his feare dissembling)

34

Oh pardon sir, your brother is aliue, And like to liue, and hath no hurt, nor shall, The truth is this, I being loth to striue With him, because I found him stout and tall, Did with no ill intent this drift contriue, To saue my selfe and do him hurt but small, For this same womans sake that is my sister, With open force not daring to assist her.

35

It grieued me to see how he by lust Did her abuse whom nature made me loue, And for I thought it was both meet and iust, Her from this wicked custome to remoue, And sith I did his valew great mistrust, I thought it best by pollicie to proue: I stale his horse and coate while he was sleeping, And so conuaid her quite out of his keeping.

36

Well might Martano beare away the bell, Or else a whetstone challenge for his dew, That on the sodaine such a tale could tell, And not a word of all his tale was trew, Put yet in shew it all agreed well, Saue one which Aquilant most certaine knew Was false, and he in vaine did seeke to smother, He was her bedfellow, and not her brother.

37

With hand and tongue at once he doth replie, And in one instant he both strake and spake, I know (quoth he) vile villaine thou dost lie, And on the face so fiercely him he strake, He makes two teeth into his throate to flie; Then with great violence he doth him take, And him and her he binds in bitter bands, Like captiues carrid into forren lands.

38

And thus in hast vnto Damaseo riding, He swears that he these bands would not vnbind, Till of his brother he do heare some tiding, Whom in Damasco after he did find; Who now with cunning Phisicke and good guiding, Was almost heald in body and in mind, * 1.12And when he saw his vnexpected brother, They both saluted and embrac'd each other.

39

And after they had made in speech some sport, About full many a foolish accident, (For Aquilant had heard a large report Of Griffins carting, and his punishment) At last he asketh Griffin in what sort They should this couple worthily torment; To hang and draw, and burne their priuie parts, Was not too much for their too foule desarts.

40

The King and a'l his Councell thought it good, Because their fault was such so open knowne, That they should publikely dispill their blood, And their desarts might publikely be showne: But yet that motion Griffin straight withstood, Pretending priuate causes of his owne, Onely he wisht Martano should be stript, And at a cart drawne through the street and whipt.

41

And as for her, although she had deserued A punishment as great as he, or more, Yet was the sentence of her doome reserued Vntill I ucina came, and not before: So that by Griffins meane she was preserued, So great a sway loue in his fancie bote: Here Aquilant by Griffin was procured, To bide with him vntill his wounds were cured.

42

Now Norandin that all his powre still bends, To honor Griffin all the meanes he may, And with great courtesie to make amends, For that disgrace he did him th'other day; To make another triumph he intends, Set forth with pompe and state, and rich array: And that the same may she to forraine nations, He notifies it straight by proclamations.

43

At foure weekes end the triumph should begin, The fame whereof about so farre was blowne, Without the land of Iewrie and within, At last vnto Astolfo it was knowne, Who asking Sansonets aduice herein, Whose wisedome he preferd before his owne, At last for companie they both agree, To go together these same iusts to see.

44

Now as they went vpon their way, behold They met a gallant and a stately dame, With whom this Duke acquainted was of old,* 1.13 Marfisa was this noble Ladies name: She traueld like a Knight, her heart was bold, Her bodie passing strong vnto the same, And when she knew both why and where they went, To go with them she quickly did consent.

45

And thus these three their iourney so contriue, As iust against the day and solemne feast, Together at Damasco they arriue, Each one well mounted on a stately beast, The King that specially did care and striue, To honor Griffin more then all the rest, By all the meanes and wayes he could deuise, Augmented much the valew of the prise.

46

And where it was▪ as I before declar'd, A single armor rich and finely wrought, Now Norandino at this time prepar'd, To set it out with things not lightly bought; To this he adds a horse most richly barbd, By riders skill to great perfection brought, Well shapt, wel markt strong limbd, and passing swift, The beast alone, fit for a Princess gift.

47

All this he did, because great hope he saw, That Griffin once againe the prise would win, But then was verifide the old said saw, Much falls betweene the Challice and the chin:* 1.14 For when Marfisa (void of feare or aw) Without had viewd this armor and within, And finds it had bene hers by marks well knowne, She seizeth straight vpon it as her owne.

48

The King that ill so great disgrace could brooke, Did shew himselfe there with much discontent, And with a princely frowne and angry looke, His silence threatned that she should repent, And in so great despite the thing he tooke, That straight some sergeants vnto her he sent, With souldiers, some on foote and some on horse, Deceiu'd much in her sex, more in her force.

49

For neuer did a child take more delight,* 1.15 With gawdie flowres in time of spring to play, Nor neuer did yong Ladie braue and bright,* 1.16 Like dauncing better on a solemne day, Then did Marfisa in the sound and sight Of glittring blades and speares delight to stay: And this did cause her take therein more pleasure, Because her strength was great beyond all measure.

50

Those few that were to apprehend her sent, And punish her for this vnlawfull deed, Were cauld their comming quickly to repent, And others by their harmes tooke better heed: The armed Knights most diuersly were bent, Some standing still to mark what this would breed, Some to the sergeants thought to bring reliefe, Or whom were Griffin and his brother chiefe.

51

The English Duke doth deeme it were a shame, To leaue Marfisa in this dangerous case, Sith chiefly for his companie she came, And Sansonet doth deeme it like disgrace, Wherefore they meane how ere the matter frame, Not leaue her vnassisted in the place, * 1.17Astolfo had a charmed speare all gilt, With which he vsed oft to runne at tilt.

52

The vertue of this charmed speare was such, Besides the gilding bright and faire of hew, That whom so ere the head thereof did tuch, Straight him from off his horse it ouerthrew, Griffino first although disdaining much, He quite vnhorst, nor who it was he knew: Then Aquilant that to reuenge it ment, Vnto the ground in manner like was sent.

53

Thus did these warriers three themselues behaue, But chiefe Marfisa, who would neuer rest, But would in spite of all, the armor haue, Nor once vouchsaft to aske it or request; She doth the King and all his nobles braue, And when the best of them had done his best, On eu'ry side she beat the people downe, And from them all made way out of the towne.

54

Sansonet and Astolfo did the like, King Norandinos men of armes pursew, The foolish people crie stop, kill and strike, But none comes neare, but stand aloofe to vew: A narrow bridge there was, this place they pike, And to defend it against all the crew, Till Griffin came, hauing his horse recouered, And by some markes the English Duke discouered.

55

And straight his brother Aquilante came, And of Astolfo both acquaintance take, And then in ciuill termes they somewhat blame Her litle count she of the King did make, Astolfo friendly told to them her name, And in defence of her some words he spake, The rest that came maruell to what it tends, To heare them talke together now like frends.

56

But when that Norandinos souldiers hard Her name, so dreaded ouer all the East, They surely thought that they should all be mard, And that the citie would be tane at least, Therefore they pray the King to haue regard. But now Marfisa (moued by request Of those two brothers) friendly doth consent, Her selfe before the Prince for to present.

57

And thus without much reuerence she spake, Sir King, I maruell what your highnesse ment, A prise and gift of such a thing to make, As is not yours without I giue consent: The armes this armor hath plaine proofe do make, Namely a crowne into three peeces rent: Once I put off this armor in a way,* 1.18 To chase a theefe that stale from me a pray.

58

Then said the King, faire dame the truth is so, Of one Armenian merchant I them bought, I make no question be they yours or no, Nor needs for proofe more witnesse to be brought, For though they were not, I would them bestow On you, if so the same by you were sought: As for Griffino vnto whom I gaue them, He shall be pleasd I hope, and not to haue them.

59

I will him recompence some other way, And giue him gifts of as great worth or more; Thanks to your highnesse Griffin straight doth say, Preserue me in your grace, I aske no more: But when Marfisa saw that eu'ry way They honord her, she chang'd her mind before, To shew magnificence she vsd this drift, That he must take this armor as her gift.

60

And thus good friends all turned back againe, And then with double ioy the feast they hold, In which chiefe praise did Sansonet obtaine, The other foure did then themselues withhold, Wishing the praise should vnto him remaine, And then with greater cheare then can be told, By Norandino they were nobly feasted, And there themselues they well repos'd and rested.

61

Seu'n dayes or eight the King them entertained, And those once past, of him their leaue they take, The which with gifts and honor great obtained, Vnto the towne of Tripoly they make, And in one companie these fiue remained, And mind not one the other to forsake, As long as one of them was left aliue, Vntill in France they safely should arriue.

62

And straight they get a vessell for their hire, A merchants ship new laden from the West, The master of the ship an auncient fire, Consented to their wils with small request, The wind as then seru'd fit for their desire, And blowes a gentle gale all from the East, So that with filled sailes in little while, They came as farre as Cypres, Venus Ile.

63

Here eu'ry place was full of odours sweet, Of gardens faire, of spice of pleasant tast,* 1.19 The people lustfull (for dame Venus meet) From tender yeares to doting age do last, With wanton damsels walking in each street, Inuiting men to pleasure and repast, From hence againe they loosed, at what time Don Phaebus charret vnto th'East did clime.

64

The weather still was temperat and cleare, A pleasant gale their swelling sailes did fill; No signe of storme or tempest did appeare, To such as in the weather had best skill: But loe the weather oft doth change her cheare, * 1.20Eu n as a woman oft doth change her will, For sodainly they had such stormes of wether, As if that heau'n and earth would come together.

65

The aire doth on the sodaine grow obscure, But lightned oft with lightnings dreadfull light, And saue their houreglasse kept them reckning sure Twas hard for to discerne the day from night: The desprat marriners do all endure, As men inured to the waters spight, The heau'ns aboue, the waues beneath do rore, Yet are not they dismaid one whit therefore.

66

One with a whistle hang'd about his necke, Showes by the sound which cord must be vndone, And straight the shipboy readie at a becke, Vnto the tops with nimble sleight doth runne, The other marriners vpon the decke, Or at the steere the comming waues do shunne, And then by turnes they pumpe the water out, By paine and care preuenting eu'rie doubt.

67

* 1.21Now while this noble crew with tempest tost, Went in the sea as winde and weather draue, And looke each minute to be drownd and lost, The Christians with a fresh assault and braue, Set on the Pagans sorely to their cost: Who now began the worser side to haue, But chiefly then their courage gan to quaile, When noble Dardanellos life did faile.

68

* 1.22Renaldo him had noted from the rest, Full proud of slaughter of so many foes, And to himselfe he said tis surely best, To crop this weed before it higher growes, Therewith he sets his fatall speare in rest, And cries to Dardanello as he goes, Alas poore boy, much wo to thee they bred, That left to thee that sheild of white and red.

69

He trie if you defend those colours well, (He saith) which if with me you cannot do, Against Orlando fierce. I can you tell. For to defend them will be great adoe. Thus said Renald, and noble Dardanell, In valiant wise thus answerd thereunto, Know this (quoth he) that these my colours I Will brauely here defend, or brauely die.

70

With that he spurr'd his horse (as this he spake) * 1.23And with great force Renaldo did assaile, But loe the staffe vpon his armor brake, So as his blow but little did auaile, But straight Renaldos speare a way did make, And pierce the double folds of plate and maile, And went so deepe into the tender skin, The life went out there where the staffe went in.

71

Looke how a purple flowre doth fade and drie,* 1.24 That painefull plowman cutteth vp with sheare, Or as the Poppeys heads a side do lie, When it the bodie cannot longer beare; So did the noble Dardanello die, And with his death fild all his men with feare, As waters runne abrode that breake their bay,* 1.25 So fled his souldiers breaking their array.

72

They flie vnto their tents with full perswasion, That of the field the masterie was lost, Wherefore to fortifie against inuasion, They spare no time, no trauell, nor no cost; Now Charles by forhead meanes to take Occasion,* 1.26 And follows them full close with all his host, And comming to their tents so brauely venterd, That he with them themselues almost had enterd.

73

Had not his valiant attempt bene staid, By ouer hastie comming of the night, So that of force as then it was delaid, And either side was driu'n to leaue the fight, But with this difference, all the Turks dismaid, And newly gatherd from their fearfull flight, The Christians on the tother side pursewing, And day by day their hope and powre renewing.

74

The number of the Turks that day were slaine, Was more then fourscore thousand (as they say) Their bloud did fat the ground of all that plaine, And makes the ground more fertile to this day: Among the dead some men halfe dead remaine, Left there for theeues and robbers as a pray, Within the Pagan campe great mone they make, Some for their friends, some for their kinsfolks sake.

75

Two youths there were among so many more, Whose friendship fast and firme, whose faithful harts Deserued to be plast the rest before, And to be praised for their good desarts, Their names were Cloridano and Medore,* 1.27 Both borne farre hence, about the Ester parts, Their parents poore, and not of our beleefe, Yet for true loue they may be praised chiefe.

76

The elder of the two hight Cloridan, An hunter wilde in all his life had beene, Of actiue limbs, and eke an hardie man, As in a thousand men might well be seene: Medoro was but yong, and now began* 1.28 To enter too, of youth the pleasant greene, Faire skind, black eyd, and yellow curled heare, That hangd in louely locks by either eare.

77

These two among the rest kept watch that night, And while the time in sundry speech they spent, Medoro oftentime most sadly sight, His masters death did cause him so lament, Oh (said Medoro) what a wofull spight? What cruell scourge to me hath fortune sent? That Dardanel Almontes worthy sonne, So sodainly should vnto death be done?

78

Behold his noble corse is left a pray, To be deuoured by the Wolfe and croe, A foode too fine to be so borne away, But I shall remedie that hap I troe, Ile finde the meane his corse thence to conuay, I am resolu'd my selfe will thither goe, That for the good he did me when he liued, At least his corse by me may be relieued.

79

When Cloridano heard this saying out, He stood amazd, and musing in his mind, In tender yeares to finde a heart so stout, Vnto so dangerous attempt inclinde, And straight disswades him, casting many a doubt, To make him change the thing he had assignde, But still Medoro doth resolue to trie, To burie Dardanell, or else to die.

80

When Cloridan so resolute him found, Of his owne franke accord he vow doth make, To follow him in broken state and sound, And neuer him to leaue or to forsake; And straight they two do leaue this fenced ground, And pointing new supplies their roomes to take, They find the Christen campe lie all neglected, Like those that feare no harme, nor none suspected.

81

I say those Christens that the watch should keepe, Lay as they cared not for foe nor frend, Their senses so possest with wine and sleepe, That none of them their office did attend: But Cloridan that saw them drownd so deepe, (Said thus,) Medoro, now I do intend, To get for our great losse, this small amends, To kill some foes, that killed all our frends.

82

Stand thou and watch and harkeu eu'rie way, And for the rest let me alone to trie, This said, he goes where one Alfeo lay, That tooke vpon him knowledge in the skie, By which he dreamt he should liue many a day, And in his wiues beloued bosome die, * 1.29But all was false his cunning him deceaued, For now this Pagan him of life bereaued.

83

And many more whom here I do not name, That sleepe on boords, or making straw their bed: At last where wretched Grillo lay he came, That on an emptie barrell coucht his hed, Himselfe had empted late before the same, * 1.30A deadly sleepe the wine in him had bred, The Turke his sword within his bowels fixed, Out came the blood and wine togither mixed.

84

Neare Grillo slept a Dutchman and and a Greeke, That all the night had plide the dice and drinke, * 1.31To both of them at once he did the leeke, That dreamt perhaps of seu'n, and of sysefinke: They had bene better watched all the weeke, Then at so bad a time as this to winke: * 1.32Death certaine is to all the Prouerbe seath, Vncertaine is to all the houre of death.

85

Looke how a Lion fierce with famine pinde, That comes vnto a flocke of silly sheepe, Where neither fence, nor people he doth finde, Doth spoile the flocke the whil•• y^e shepheards sleep; So Cloridano with as bloudie minde, That found those husht that watch and ward should keepe, Could not his cruell rage and mallice bridle: Nor was this while Medoros weapon idle.

86

For he that did disdaine to make to die, Those of the common and the baler sort, Came there where Duke Labretto then did lye, Embracing of his Ladie in such sort, As yuie doth the wall, they lay so nye, Now soundly sleeping after Venus sport, So close, the aire could not haue come betweene; Medore their heads at one blow cuts off cleene.

87

Oh happie state,* 1.33 ô life, ô death most sweete, For sure I thinke their soules embracing so, In heau'nly seat do oft togither meete, And in good peace and loue did thither go. Then next a captaine of the Flemish fleete, And th'Erle of Flaunders sonnes with other moe, Medoro kild, and so far forward went, He came but little from the Emp'rors tent.

88

But loe they both with shedding blood now tyred, And fearing least at length some few might wake, Er long time past, both by accord retyred, And mind their first attempt in hand to take, (As both, but as Medoro chiefe desired) Most secretly vnto the field they make, They meane although they both were faint & wery, The noble Dardanellos corse to burie.

89

The heaps of men that in the field remaine, Some dead, and some betweene aliue and dead, Had made their labor to haue bene in vaine, Had not the moone shewd out her horned head, So bright, as cleare discouerd all the plaine, That then was couerd with Vermillion red, Were it a chaunce or else his earnest prayre, That made the moone at that time shine so faire.

90

Now after search by Phoebes friendly light, The good Medore espide him on the ground,* 1.34 Who when he saw that grieuous wofull sight, He was for sorrow readie there to sound; And out he cries, alas ô worthy wight, Not worthy, in this sort to haue bene found, Now my last duetie, do I meane to pay, And then to say, farewell to you for ay.

91

Thus spake Medoro shedding many a teare, And minding now no longer time to tarrie, The loued corse doth on his shoulders beare, And Cloridano holpe the same to carrie, And they that erst were stout and void of feare, Were waxen now so timerous and warie, Not for their owne, but this deare burdens sake, That eu'rie little noise did cause them quake.

92

This while the noble Zer••in, hauing chast His fearfull foes while others were a sleepe, That had his heart on vertues lore so plast, As did to noble deeds him waking keepe, Came with his troope where these two made great hast By hills, by dales, by stonie waies and steepe, The carkas of their Lord to beare away, When much it wanted not of breake of day.

93

The Scots that were of noble Zerbins band, And saw two men go loden downe the plaine, Make after them a gallop out of hand, In hope to light vpon some prey or gaine: When Cloridano spying ore the land, Did say t'was best to let the corse remaine, Alledging that it was a foolish tricke, In sauing one dead man to loose two quicke.

94

And herewithall his hold he letteth slide, And thinkes Medoro would the same haue done, He meanes himselfe in the next wood to hide, And toward it in great hast he doth runne; But good Medoro that could not abide, To leaue the office he so late begunne, Although with double paine and duller pase, With all the burthen fled away in chase.

95

And to the wood the nearest way he went, In hope to get it er the horsemen came, But now his breath and strength were so far spent, As they had verie neare him ouertane, Yet in his deed he doth no whit relent, To leaue his Lord he counts it such a shame. But they that thinke this storie worth the reeding, Must take a little respite in proceeding.

* 1.35In this eighteenth booke, we may note first how hurtfull a thing it is to a Prince or great Magistrate to iudge without hearing both sides: and contrarie how great a praise it is in them to do (as Alexander is noted to haue vsed) to keepe one care for the aduerse partie, or (as we terme it) for the defendant. In the punishment of Martano, we may note how false accusers euer come to some filthie end, as their vile and fil••hie liues deserue. In Norandine, that finding he had done Griffino wrong, is willing to make ••amends for it, and to be frends with him, we may see a notable example of princely cle∣mency, which I could wish all Christian Princes to follow, though in deed commonly they do quite contrarie; and rather where they do one wrong, make amends with a greater, according to that heathnish (nay diuellish) saying of Machiauell, that whom you haue done a great iniurie to, him you must neuer pardon, but still persecute. (Tempora tempora quod monstrum aluistis?) Oh times what a monster haue yee bred? how far is this doctrine from his, that taught to forgiue, not seuen times, but seauentie times seuen times?

Lastly in Medoro, we may note a notable example of gratitude towards his masters dead corse, in hazarding his own life to burie it; which is indeed (though he were a heathen) a most Christian act, and one of the works of charitie com∣mended in the Scripture, as namely in Tobia; who was greatly rewarded and blessed for it: And further we may note in all ages, buriall hath bene thought a most necessarie thing, and religious: but of Medoros gratitude I shall speake more in the next booke.

* 1.36Concerning the description of the Ile of Cypres, set downe in 63. staffe, where it is praised for the pleasantnes of it, as all that write of it do testifie, and Horace proues it was called Venus Ile, in this verse to Venus:

—Regina Gnidi Paphiq Sperne dilectam Cipron, &c—

* 1.37We may obserue a good Allegoricall sence, in that Rodomont is first assaild by Iealousie, then how Iealousie breeds Discord, and how Pride increaseth it, still edging it forward: saying what a shame is it to put vp such an iniurie? and what will the world say of it? and who could beare it? these be the whetstones to sharpen reuenge, and to kindle the coales of strife. Also we note how mine Author pretily noted, that Discord and Pride, when they went from the Abbey, left Fraud and Hypocrisie for their sufficient deputies in their places; for where Fraud works, there neuer wanteth seed of strife: and where Hypocrisie is, there wants no pride, though it be not plainly discouered.

* 1.38In Dardanellos meeting with Renaldo and encountring him, and after being slaine by him, he altogether alludes to the conflict betweene Troylus and Achilles.

Infoelix puer atque impar congressus A∣chilli.

The end of the annotations of the 18. booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 exceellent ••use in a prince
• * 1.2

  He comes to Griffin the ••••st. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 booke.
• * 1.3

  Simile.
• * 1.4

  Simile.
• * 1.5

  It follows in the 15•••• of t•••• book
• * 1.6

  Go ••deputies.
• * 1.7

  Simile.
• * 1.8

  It followeth the 23 booke 23. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.9

  Ferraw 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.10

  Ouid 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hector 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.11

  Follows in this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 68. staffe.
• * 1.12

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.13

  Marfisa.
• * 1.14

  Prouerbe Quid Me•• 〈…〉〈…〉 inter ••spam••
• * 1.15

  Simile.
• * 1.16

  Simile. The first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 similes 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.17

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.18

  That theefe was Brune••o, as is as large set downe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Boyardos book
• * 1.19

  Cypres an Ile co∣secrate to Venus.
• * 1.20

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.21

  He returne to them in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 booke. 34 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.22

  Renaldo
• * 1.23

  Dardanello 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.24

  Simile. Hou•• 〈…〉〈…〉 of a Poppey.
• * 1.25

  Simile.
• * 1.26

  Sentence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fro••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oft ••ost 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Occasus 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.27

  Cloridano. Medore.
• * 1.28

  〈…〉〈…〉 both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 such 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.29

  ••stronomer
• * 1.30

  ••••unkard.
• * 1.31

  ••gamsters.
• * 1.32

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.33

  Boccaccio hath the like concess to this.
• * 1.34

  Phoebe the name of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.35

  Morall.
• * 1.36

  Historie.
• * 1.37

  Allegorie.
• * 1.38

  Allusion.