Almaid a Prince to the Christian Knight.
WIth an extreame griefe I am obliged to be your Enemy. I have knowne so much valour and vertue both in your words and actions, and your person hath so many charmes, that it is almost impossible to be an honest man, and at discord with you. But when I call to minde that you have offended Polexander, and by I know not what secret Envy, indeavour'd to rob him of his victory o'rethe false Almanzor; all your rare endow∣ments slip out of my memory, and I finde my self capable of nought but revenge. You may say I have a long time conceal'd my resentment. It is true: but the consideration of Al∣manzaira whom I preferre before all others, forbad me to make it knowne till this time. Now when I may without troubling her quiet satisfie my passion, I intreat you to ap∣prove of it, and to beleeve all he shall say who brings you this Note.
Polexander having receiv'd this Challenge, wondred at the fantasticalnesse of his for∣tune, and Almaid's humour. But it came presently into his minde that Almaid might have learnt his name of Alcippus, or some other, and this was but an invented match to bring him backe to Court. Well (said he to himselfe) be it what it may be, I will not reveale my selfe; nor will I commit an unsteady action to satisfie Almaid. After he had taken this resolution, he spoke thus to him that brought the Challenge. You may tell your friend, that for the present it is not in my power to give your friend the con∣tentment he desires; I will send him my excuses and answer his Letter. With that hee opened the dore, and calling Diceus, commanded for paper and inck, and all sitting be∣ing brought, he wrote this Answer.