The famous history of the seven champions of Christendom St. George of England, St. Denis of France, St. James of Spain, St. Anthony of Italy, St. Andrew of Scotland, St. Patrick of Ireland, and St. David of Wales. Shewing their honourable battels by sea and land: their tilts, justs, turnaments, for ladies: their combats with gyants, monsters and dragons: their adventures in foreign nations: their enchantments in the Holy Land: their knighthoods, prowess, and chivalry, in Europe, Africa, and Asia; with their victories against the enemies of Christ. Also the true manner and places of their deaths, being seven tragedies: and how they came to be called, the seven saints of Christendom. The first part.

CHAP. III.

How Sir Guy took his leave of the Princess Urania; the Battle be∣twixt the Sicilians and Thracians; The Message of the Princess Mariana to the Inchanted Castle, and how Sir Alexander counted the Princess.

THE Captains and other Officers made such expedition in Mustering up an Army, that in a fortnights time then h•••• gotten together twenty thousand men, all which the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 com∣pleatly armed out of his Royal Armory, being a Maga••••n•• suf∣ficiently stored with all necessary Habiliments of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 To the three Brothers he gave each of them a Silver Helmet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Gold, and inlaid with precious Stones, as a reward of their victorious conquering the Monster Pongo, appointing to their va∣liant conduct the management of the whole Army. Whilst thus this preparation was in hand, the Couragious knight Sir Guy, although his heart was full fraught with Ualour, and bent to the performance of Noble Atchiveements, yet had Love taken such déep Impression in his thoughts, that it was Death unto him to part with his Urania; Whilst thus H••nour on the one hand invi∣ted him to buckle on his Armour, and Love on the other side plead∣ed for his stay; he resolved not to desist from the performance of Honourable Atchievements, since the attainment of Love was by hazardous attempts in actions which were truly honourable.

Accordingly be bestirred himself in Mustring up of his Men, shewing them how to handle their Weapons, and ••o use them to the best advantage, also how to gain ground in fight, and when to retreat, with other things belonging to Martial Discipline. And now being ready for their march, he went to take his solemn leave of the Princess Urania, who bestowed on him a very fair Dia∣mond Ring to wear for her sake, as also a Meddal of her self ve∣ry curiously wrought with great Art, and exceeding cost, which he afterwards constantly wore in his Bosom, next his Heart: But now seeing he could not have the opportunity of expressing his mind unto her as he would have done, he wrote this Letter, which by a waiting Gentlewoman that attended on her, was delivered unto her about the time of his departing.

Excellent Princess,

BLam•• me not that for a while I am Summoned by the highest tye of Honour to depart from you; being in such a cause to help the injured, which all true Knights are bound to perform: Yet Madam, know that no distance of place shall remove the af∣fection I bear to your Vertues; and this I swear by all that is Sa∣cred, and can make an Oath: Let me desire you therefore to che∣rish a good Opinion of me, until Crowned with Victory I return again, to evidence my self to be,

Your Most Loyal Servant, Guy,

This Letter wos very welcome to the Princess Urania, who now began to set such a high esteem of Sir Guy, as she judged him worthy of the Empire of the World: And now he being the sole Monarch of her heart, she could not but breathe forth some sighs to think upon his absence, but then considering upon what an honourable account he was ingaged, she could not but applaud his undertaking; yet to give him some more clear demonstration of her affection to him, upon his marching away; she went in her Chariot to speak to him, whom she found in the head of his Troops and kindly hid him farewel in these words.

Most Courteous Knight, may the Heavens prosper your under∣takings according to the justness of your Cause, and that your re∣turn may be both speedy and honourable, and for your more pros∣perous

proceeding; assure your self you shall have a Virgins Prayers day and night. In the mean time let me request you to wear this Scarf for my sake, that by looking on the same I may not be altoge∣ther out of your remembrance. In delivering of which the tears began to fl••w into her Eyes for grief of his departure, which that they might not be espyed by Sir Guy, she made the more hast back to her Palace, where from one of the highest Turrets, she might behold in what goodly aray the Army passed along; the va∣liant Guy like a second Hector, Prince of Troy, conducting them in as much state as the Macedonian Monarch when he returned from the Conquest of the Indian Empire.

The distressed estate of the Thessalians was such, as called aloud for help and succour, which made the Sicilians to make such hast, that in four days time they were gotten into the bounds of pleasant Thessaly, a Country formerly enriched with all the delights that Art and Nature could afford, but now by the miseries of War so ruinated and devasted, that it looked like to a barren Wilderness. The first place they made to was the City of Larissa, wherein the Princess Urania was besieged; for the relief of which Sir Alex∣ander was sent before with a choice part of the Army to give them a Camisado in the night season, the rest of the Army marching at more leisure to second them, if they should be over-power'd: And one of the Thessalians who was well acquainted with the Country, was sent into the City to give them notice of their coming, and that at such a time they should make what strength they could, and give a salley out upon the Thracians. This Thes∣salian who was thus sent in brought great comfort unto the besieg∣ed, who accordingly prepared against the time, and so about mid∣night, when Sir Alexander with his Army was come within sight of the City, and holding up a blazing Torch to give them notice of their approach, they issued out of their Gates, and manfully set upon the Thracians: Sir Alexander on the other side coming upon their Backs, fell on them with such fury, as sent such num∣bers of the Thracians souls to the lower Regions, that Charons Boat was overburthened with their numbers. Sir Alexander laid about him with such incredible valour, that he made a Lane of slaughtered Carcasses, till he came to the Thracian Kings Pa∣vilion, who not dreaming of any Enemies approach, was at that time asleep in his Bed; but being ala••um'd by the dreadful cry of his Souldiers, he suddenly started up, but before he could put on

his Cloaths, Sir Alexander was entered his Pavilion, and took him Prisoner. Then fell the hearts of the Thracians, nothing being heard but cryes and lamentations of wounded men: Here was one who would have run away, but had one Leg cut off, and the other deeply wounded; here another entangled in his fellows guts, which he could not disentangle; having both his Arms cut off. Here lay the Trunk of a Body without a Head, and there a Head gasping, as if it would speak to what Body it belonged: In some Death appeared in so many shapes, and all of them so horrid, that to any but a very unrelenting heart indeed, the sight would appear very pitiful.

By this time was Sir Guy come up with the rest of the Forces, where he found an absolute Uictory obtained to his hand, so that all which they had to do, was only to take Prisoners, and divide the spoil amongst the Souldiers. By this time Hiperion with his Golden Chariot had enlightened our lower Hemisphear. Wherefore the Army marched into the City to refresh themselves; Sir Alexander as he worthyly deserved the Honour of the Uicto∣ry, leading his Royal Prisoner, to present him to the Princess Mariana, who was ready to receive him, with all due acknowledg∣ments to the three Brothers, but in an especial manner to Sir Alexander, for his Magnanimity, and Martial Conduct, in the rescuing of her and the Kingdom, from so implacable an Enemy. Most Heroick Knight, (said the Lovely Princess) although my Tongue is not able to express how much I am indebted to your Victorious Arm, nor to set forth your due deserved merits, whose worth transcends all E••comions of Praise; yet shall the remem∣brance of these so great kindnesses never be out of my Heart, nor the thoughts of them out of my Mind, without a grateful acknow∣ledgment. Then turning to the Thracian King, with as much a wrathful Countenance, as so lovely Beauty would admit, she thus spake; And as for you Sir, the causer of all this mischief, how just reason of hatred I may have unto you, you cannot surely but imagine, for could you think this the way to come a woing? I am sure if you did, you might well think it was not the way to come a speeding; And now Sir, since we have you, (and I must confess, rather as an Enemy then a Lover) you must not be angry if we safe∣ly secure you, until we hear how Our Royal Father is used by those that belong unto you; And so committed him to the Custody of the Marshal of her Houshold, to be kept Prisoner in a strong Tower,

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near adjoyning to her Palace, but with charge that he should be accommodated as a King. This being done, she invited the three Brothers, with many of the other Chief Commanders into her Palace, where having disarmed themselves, and refreshed with some Bowls of Greekish Wine; there was provided for them a Banquet of the choicest fare which they had about them at that time, the long and strait Siege which they had endured, having eaten up the most part of their Provision, The Banquet being ended, they were entertained with most excellent Musick, inter∣mixed with Songs in praise of the Sicilians Ualour, for in the Art of Poetry the Thessalians are very expert. The common Soul∣diers were highly feasted by the Citizens; and in fine, such a uni∣versal joy did so possess the hearts of the people, that had I the skill of Homer the Grecian Poet, and as many hands to express that skill as Argus had eyes, and as many pens to write withal as ••riareus had hands, yet were all insufficient to express the same.

Amidst this Ioy, the Princess Mariana was not forgetful of her Fathers safety, and therefore she presently dispatched a mes∣senger to the Gyant Predo at his Castle in the Inchanted Island, offering the Thracian King to be exchang'd for him, which if it should be denyed, he was to learn in what estate the King was in, and (if it were possible) to speak with him, and to acquaint him how matters stood, with resolutions of using their utmost power for relief.

Whilst the Messenger was gone on this message, the Souldiers took their Repose in safety, only each of the days they were exer∣cised, that if the Gyant Predo should be averse to any good Con∣clusion, they might be the more expert at their Arms; and in∣deed it was good policy so to do, for the Messenger arriving at the Inchanted Island, could find no access into the Castle, it being so ••ramed by Art Magick, that whosoever approached within twelve yards of the Gate, was taken with such a deep sléep, as if he had drank Opium, or the juice of Aconitum; Before the Gate was a Pillar of Brass, supported by two Lyons, and cu∣riously Engraved; on which these Uerses were inscribed.

By Magick spells this Castle shall remain, Supported by In••ernal Flends below, Until three Brothers shall the same attain, Whose power shall be this Castles overthrow. VVho ere thou art sorbear to draw too near; Thy Life's at stake, than which there's nought more dear.

Near unto this Brazen Pillar, stood a Rock of Alabaster, in which were enclosed three swords, richly enchased, and beset with Precious Stones in the Pummels; on the handle of the first Sword were these Lines written.

Hard closed in this Rock I sirmly stand, Until drawn out by the first Brothers hand.

On the Pummel of the second Sword were these Lines in∣scribed.

The second Brother shall by Fates decree, Draw from the Rock this sword, and none but he.

On the Pummel of the third Sword, which was more artifi∣cially wrought then any of the other two, having a rich Saphire set therein, which cast forth a most radiant Lustre, on the handle thereof were these words Engraved.

VVhen the third Brother he shall draw me forth, Then is our Negromantick skill nought worth, All Magick charms and spells shall be in vain, And then shall the end Gyant Predos Reign.

The Messenger notwithstanding he had read the writing on the Brazen Pillar, yet adventured for to go forwards, but coming into the Inchanted ground, before he could come at the Castle Gate, he fell into such a sound sleep, that had twenty pieces of Ordnance béen shot off at his Ears, they would not have awaked him: The Negromancer, who by his skill in the Black Art, knew what had happened, fetched his Body into the Castle, laying it by the Thessalian King, who also as soon as he came into the Inchanted

ground, had fallen into a dead sléep. And now being there laid to∣gether, we will leave them taking their rests, and come to speak of the proceedings of the Sicilian Army, at the City of Larissa.

The Princess Mariana hearing no news of her Messenger, and doubting the worst which might befal her Father, consulting with the three Brothers, it was agreed amongst them to march with their Army into Thracia, although at that time Love had taken so deep an impression in her heart; that it was almost Death unto her to part with Sir Alexander. On the other side Sir Alexan∣der upon the first sight of the Princess; was so stricken with her admirable perfections, her beauty being such an attractive Load∣stone, as captivated his heart in the allurements of Love; so that now as the Poet hath it.

—The treasure of his heart did lie In the fair Casket of his Mistress eye.

Cupid having thus stricken him with his youthful dart, so that he became a stranger to rest, he resolved yet to declare his amours before he betook himself again to armes; and to that purpose find∣ing one day the Princess all alone, he accosted her in this manner:

Most Gracious Princess; I think the Stars could have alotted me, no greater good, then to behold the surpassing work of Nature in you. Your Excellencies having so captivated my heart, that to live without your good liking, will be but a lingring death unto me: I must confess my presumption great in aiming so high; but who can look on such perfections without liking, and who can like with∣out loving? And though the small tryal you have of the real af∣fection wherewith I honour your Vertues, may discourage you to credit my words, yet I hope that in the trying of me how willing I shall be to merit your favour, you will find my deserts not altoge∣ther unworthy of your regard, since the utmost of my abilities is, and shall be devoted to your service.

To which the Princess returned this answer,

Most Courteous Knight, to whom I stand so much obliged for former courtesies, that all which I can do will not stand in compe∣tition of your deserts, yet the natural affection which I bear to my Aged Father, compels me at this time humbly to implore your fur∣ther assistance, which as I doubt not (the Gods being just in right∣full

causes) you will perform; so assure your self your extraordina∣ry kindness afforded to me in such a time of necessity, shall never be razed out of my heart, and therefore of this you may be ascer∣tained, that no one whatsoever hath so large a Possession therein as your self; so that should you (as the Gods forbid) miscarry there∣in; when I am dead (as Death must assuredly ensue thereon) they will find the name of Alexander written in my heart.

Their Minds thus made known to each other, gave great con∣tentment to them both, especially to Sir Alexander, who humbly kissing the hands of the Princess, replyed thus unto her.

Madam, There is no danger in the World so great which I shall not adventure on for your sake; were it to perform the twelve la∣bours of Hercules; or with Aeneas to encounter with the Gyant Turnus: Be pleased therefore to accept me as your Knight and Servant, and I hope to behave my self so hereafter, as you shall have no cause to repent you thereof. To whom the Princess smi∣ling, said, Sir, I do accept you for my Knight, and hope the Gods will be so propitious to you for my sake, that you shall not have an enemy able to withstand you. With which words, taking a rich Diamond Ring from off her Finger, and giving it him, she said, wear this for my sake, that whensoever hereafter you look on it, it may add fresh courage into your breast by the remembrance of me. Much other Discourse they had, but the Army being now upon their march, summoned Sir Alexander to march along with them. Wherefore taking a gentle farewel of the Princess, having vow∣ed constancy on both sides, he joyned himself unto the Army, whose Knightly adventures, with those of his two Brothers, we shall prosecute in the next Chapter.