An historical romance of the wars between the mighty giant Gallieno, and the great knight Nasonius, and his associates

CHAP. XVIII. How the great Giant Allemano Mastix took the goodly City Ne∣cariana, and how the Giant Grandorsio took the strong Enchant∣ed Fort called Caroloregium, and what Measures and Reso∣lutions the Associates and Nasonius took thereupon. (Book 18)

THis Disaster which happened to Sabaudiero, was upon many accounts very grievous and prejudicial to all the Associates; for it was a strange Blow to their Reputation, and People in all places made it

their sport, and cast out bitter Scoffs against them, that those who had so boasted of their Strength in Montania, and told the World how sure they were of Victory, should be so miserably beaten by those whom they despised; but which was worse, they were forced to sit still, and look on, while the Enemy in all places ravaged and spoiled, and did what he list; for they were not able to bring any Army into the Field to face an Enemy, unless a small Force upon the great River, Rhenusia, from whom they themselves did expect little good, and they were not a little afraid that Sabaudiero would clap up a Peace with Gallieno, the way to which seem'd the less difficult, by reason of the near Relation between them, and the Inclinations Gallieno had always shewn towards it; and that would utterly break all their Measures, and make their bad Condition desperate.

But still to increase their Sorrow and Shame, Misfortunes and fur∣ther Losses attended them in all places; the great Allemano-Mastix, had been a sore scourge to them upon the flood Rhenusia; but to en∣counter, and (if possible) drive him away, they had sent the puissant Knight Rabadenero, who was a villanous Fighting Fellow, and had done Wonders against the Half-Moon; but he finding that the Scene was alter'd, when he came against the brave Luyslander, posted himself securely, and would by no means be drawn to sight, for which, many commend his Wisdom (of which he had scarce ever before given any Testimony) for that he was inferiour in number, and had to do with equally disciplin'd Men, Allemano-Mastix, covetous of Glory, had an aching Tooth to try what this mighty Man at Arms could do, and would sometimes make him fair offers, sometimes ravage his Country before his Face, and was always by one means or other provoking, or tempting him to Battle, but Rabadenero would by no means be drawn to run the hazard.

Whilst the eager Luyslander was working his Brains to compass his design, it came into his Head that there was a fair City hight Necariana, Dedicated to the God Bacchus, which God, the Regomanians adore a∣bove all others, for that he was both a Stout Fighter, and a Good-Fellow; in this City the Bacchanalia, or Feasts of their beloved God were kept, in which there was no great store Victuals, but a World of Drink; and to that end and purpose, a vast Vessel was made, or rather built, at the publick Charge, which might contain Wine enough to serve all the Comers to the Feast, from all Quarters; this Vessel was in all those parts known by the name of Decumandolium Necarianum; and upon the Front, or head thereof, was written in Letters of Gold, this Motto,

EX LVXET POCVLA SACRA

For this, or the like Reason, I suppose, that when they were mellow with their Festival Cups, their dull Souls were enlightned, or their Eyes saw double, which they took to be a great advantage, and therefore hated Sobriety, because it always bereav'd them of half the Goods they had, or which at least they thought they had, whilst their Brains swam in Liquor. Allemano-Mastix concluded with himself, that they would ne∣ver suffer this Sacred Place, and the Consecrated Vessel to be taken, but would rather fight it desperately at any disadvantage; and therefore to draw them to a Battle (for otherwise he valued not the place) he went and Besieged Necariana, giving out, that if he took it, he would break the Decumandolium all to pieces, so that they should not be able to cele∣brate the Feast of their darling God Bacchus.

The noise of this Siege presently slew through all Regomania, and all Persons were mightily concerned for their Holy City, and impatiently urged Rabadenero to relieve it; but he knowing his own want of Forces, and with whom he had to do, could not be prevail'd on; but that he might let them see it was not his fault, he earnestly sollicited all Parties con∣cern'd, for Supplies, but they came so slowly, that it had been to as much purpose, if they had not come at all; for a great part of the Inhabitants fled away at first, carrying their Riches along with them, and though many stayed, and a great number of Souldiers were put in to defend it, yet they drank so plentifully of the Sacred Liquor, out of the mighty Ves∣sel, that they had little mind to defend their Works, but easily quitted them upon every Attempt and in the end, suffer'd the City to be taken by Storm, making either none, or a very mean defence, whereupon, the Luyslanders committed great Slaughter, (as is always done, where a Place is taken by Assault) got great Riches, and broke the huge Vessel, pro∣fanly letting all the Sacred Liquor run about; there were some few who fled into the Castle, but being threatned with an Assault, they submit∣ted upon easy terms, and thus Allemano-Mastix became wholly Master of the place, to dispose of at his pleasure.

The Regomanians were enrag'd at the taking their Holy City, and the affront offer'd to the God Bacchus; and Rabadenero being now reinforc'd with his late Supplies, resolv'd to give Battle to Allemano Mastix, to re∣venge this Injury. But he led them a wild-goose Chase, while they fol∣lowed stamping, and swearing, and knew not where to find; and yet durst not march very fast, lest they should fall into some of his Am∣buscades, and so make the matter still worse, for they were as afraid of his Craft, as they were of his Valour; and thus both Parties standing on their Guard, and seeking their advantage, they were both too wary to do

any thing further; and therefore we will now leave them playing at Bo∣peep, and return to great Giant Grandorsio.

While Matters stood thus with the Associates, and their Heads and Hearts were full of Troubles, the restless Giant Grandorsio was contri∣ving how he might further distress, and vex them; and vvell remem∣bring that he had been much annoyed by a strong Enchanted Fort, cal∣led Caroloregium he thought this his time to be revenged of it, and well knowing that none now durst appear to interrupt him, or were a∣ble to hinder his Design, he marched thither, and sat down before it. The nevvs of this bold Attempt made the Associates at their Wits end, and though they could do nothing, yet to set as good a Face on the matter as might be, they met to consult what to do; Nasonius, who was always forward, and though Bashful in the Face of an Enemy, yet bold as any whatsoever, when they were far enough off, made this Proposal, That he might gather together all the scattered Forces, and drain all that could be spared out of Garrisons, and go and raise the Siege: They replied, that they were not at present, able to bring such a considerable force into the Field, as might venture to encounter Gran∣dorsio, and a miscarriage in the Attempt might be the loss of their other Garrisons. Nosonius insisted upon it as his Priviledge and Pre∣rogative, that no Town ought to be taken, but that he with an Army ought to stand, and look on, or at least be within hearing. Answer was made, that he had forfeited that Priviledge, by not being present at the taking of Huana, when he had an Army, and might have been there, and looked on his Belly full, if he durst. Great wrangling there was, and many things were argued to and fro, but in the end it was very gravely concluded, that it was not safe for them to attempt any thing, but they would trust to the strength of the Place, and leave Grandorsio to do what he could, whom in the bitterness of their Soul, they bloodily cursed, whilst he, like the Fox, fared the better for it.

Caroloregium, was a Place strong, both by Nature and Art, it seemed to be Dedicated to Mars, as thriving best in the time of War, and ha∣ving few Inhabitants besides Souldiers; it was not easily to be ap∣proached, as being Scituate at the meeting of two Rivers; and in the open part, in a great measure guarded by a wonderful Enchanted Pond, or Lake; many mighty Spells had been formerly set upon it by the great Necromancer, Archimedes, and the haughty Don Ibero Formalitoso, set∣ting no small value upon it, had put in the choicest of his Souldiers to de∣fend it, and commanded all his Conjurers to use their utmost Skill to strengthen it against all attacks, so that by many it was thought impreg∣nable:

But all this could not discourage the hardy and daring Grandorsio from his Undertaking; yet in pursuing his Design, he met with many difficulties, and was longer held in play, than some, who thought them∣selves wise, layed wagers he would. When his Men drew near the Lake, strange and terrible Flashes of Fire would rise out of the Water, and la∣mentably Scorch and Burn them, when they endeavoured to fill it up with Billets, either the flashing Fires in a Moment consumed them, or the Lake swallowed them up, so that they thought it had no bottom. Grandorsio being thus at a loss, sent to his old Friend, that Devil of a Conjurer, Archimedes, who, by the Messenger, sent him this Answer, that he should mind his Batteries, and his Bombs, but not trouble himself a∣bout the Lake, nor any way concern himself as to it, for he would take Care of that in a very short time, to his Satisfaction, that he should be able to walk over it dry-shod. Having received this Answer, he bestow∣ed no more pains that way, but with his Batteries and his Bombs, so pli∣ed the Town, that he scarce gave the Besieged any Rest; and on the o∣ther hand, they were not wanting to themselves, but returned Cannon for Cannon, and with continual Firing, gaul'd, or cut off the approach∣ing Men, and as opportunity served, made sudden Sallies and destroy∣ed the Works, as well as Persons of the the Besiegers. Grandorsio seeing their Resolution, and knowing that none could appear in the Field to disturb him, made slower approaches, and with greater safety to pre∣serve his Men: But in the end, with his Flying Fireballs, he so burnt the Town, that it was little but a heap of Ruines, and the Besieged were for∣ced to secure themselves by retiring into certain Enchanted Cells, made by Magick Art, adjoining to their Walls and Fortifications; and to their farther grief, the roaring Cannon had frighted a part of their Wall, so that there appeared a Breach, whereat several Souldiers at a time might enter. While Grandorsio was about this Work, the Conjurer Archime∣des was not idle, or forgetful of his Promise, for being one of general Acquaintance, and having dealings with all sorts of Devils, he employ∣ed certain Subterranean Spirits, who made such Cavities and Convey∣ances under ground, that suddenly, to the amazement both of Besiged, and Besiegers, the Pond or Lake appeared dry. Nevertheless, the Besieg'd still seem'd obstinate, and all their Charms and Conjurations did not yet fail them; for violent Flashes of Lightning, and certain Fiery Spirits seemed to guard the Breach, that none could enter; but in the end, their Breach∣es being daily made wider, the way to them laid plain and open, and there being no hopes of relief, they Capitulated, to whom, Grandorsio granted very honourable Conditions, which being accepted, and sign'd

on both sides, they marched forth, carrying the unwelcome News to the Duke of Bawwawia, and the rest of the Associates, and Grandorsio put in what Forces he thought fit, employing many to remove the Ru∣ins, rebuild the destroyed Habitations, and repair all damage done to the Fortifications, in which work he sent to Archimedes for his Direction and Assistance, so that in a short time he made it stronger than it was before.

It is to be observed, that, contrary to the relation of all Histories, and all Countries known to us, that the Giants in these Countries generally beat the Knights, and that the Giants are courteous, sweet-humour'd, and chearfully undertake the Protection and Relief of wronged Ladies, and all distressed Persons, but the Knights, except some few, are proud, surly, in∣jurious, and set upon mischief. Such difference is there in the unknown parts of the World from the known. But to return to our Business, it is doubtful whether the taking this strong-hold caused greater Joy in Tu∣telia, or grief of Heart at Sennopolis. The Associates having gotten no∣thing all this Campaign, but Shame and Confusion, hung their Heads, and knew not how to look on each other; their only Comfort was, that the Season of the Year for Action being past, Grandorsio had dispersed his Forces into their Winter-Quarters, and was gone to the mighty Gallie∣no, to give him an account of all Transactions, and consult what was to be done for the future; whereupon, the Associates met at Sennopolis, and held serious Consultation how they might repair their broken Fortunes. Some said, that their Moneys were spent, their Souldiers Slain, their Towns taken, and that if Sabaudiero made a Peace, they were all undone, and that therefore it behoved them to take Care of themselves: At this Nasonius rose up in a Rage, asking if they intended to betray him, who had fed them with such Sums of Money as they had never before seen, and urged their Promises, and solemn Oaths, that no Peace should be made without his Consent. It was replied, that he himself upon occasi∣on, never stood upon such Formalities, and therefore it was unreasonable for him to press any such thing upon them, unless he could produce his Charter of Priviledge, that he alone was not to be bound by any Promises or Oaths. Nasonius smelt that their design was to get more Money, and therefore in a calmer Stile, answered thus:

That it would be an Eter∣nal Shame to give over thus, that there was no want of Men, which they could raise abundantly, and that he had made so many Beggars in V∣topia, that he did not question, but that in a short time he should out of them raise a formidable Army, and that if Money was wanting, they should be supplied to their Hearts desire, for Vtopia was not yet above half drained, and he was resolved not to leave one Penny in the King∣dom,

rather than any Associate should want; and that at present to secure Sabaudi∣ero, he would send him more Money than his barren Dukedom ever afforded him, and make him think himself the Richer for his Loss.

At these Golden Promises they began all to prick up their Ears, and talk complyingly; and so, some Pittance at present being distributed among them, and an agreement made, what share he would afford to every one, they came to a Resolution, that they would all raise more than their former Quota's, and try their Fortune•• the next Year with greater Forces and Courage than ever.

Nasonius could scarce sleep for thinking what large Promises he had made, which it was not possible he should perform, unless he could most shamefully gull the Vtopians out of their Money, of which he was somewhat doubtful at this time, because by rea∣son of his great Losses, and ill Conduct, he must return to them under some kind of Disgrace but that he might consult what to do, he repaired to Holoo, where he found his damn'd Mistress, Ambitiosa, newly returned from the Revels at the Plutonick Court. To her he made a long and lamentable Complaint of his Misfortunes, expostulating with her, why she had deserted him at such time; as he most needed her Advice and As∣sistance. Quoth she, There are certain Laws of Hell (unknown to you) which indi∣spensably required my Presence there; but withal, she told him, that his Misfortunes befel him through his own Rashness, and Inconsiderateness, in that he had not follow∣ed her Counsel; but (said she) if you will yet follow my Advice, I will do all I can for you. This somewhat cheared his Spirits, and after a seeming passionate Salute, he intreated her to open her Mind. She bade him to make haste to Vtopia, without any the least Fear:

for said she, I have sent before you, Fictitiosa, and Fatuitosa, and before you can possibly get thither, the one will have framed so many Lies in your behalf, and the other made them believed, that when you come, you shall be re∣ceived with Ringing of Bells, roaring of Cannons, making of Bonfires, and all the Windows of their Houses set with glaring Farthing Candles, as if they were all in a Flame, so that you shall return in such a Triumph, as the most Famous Greeks or Ro∣mans never knew or heard of. But when you come thither, above all take care to ca∣ress the Bethlehmites of Dom. Com. give them Offices, Places of Profit, large Pensi∣ons, larger Promises, stick at nothing: I have prevailed with Mammoneta and Fatui∣tosa so to bewitch them, that they shall not only afford you Supplies beyond your ex∣pectation, but contrive such Tricks, and find out such ways and means, as shall make all the Moneys in the Kingdom run into your Exchequer.

Nasonius overjoy'd with these Promises and Prognosticks, after a plentiful return of Thanks, in the kindest Expres∣sions his sowr Nature could squeeze forth, took his formal leave, earnestly begging that she would not be long after him, to advise and assist him in any difficulties, that might arise, and then in all haste departed for Vtopia, to put her advice in Practice.

What is to ensue, History cannot at present inform us, it belonging to Astrology, or rather, it being wrapt up in the Shady Leaves of Destiny. To prejudge of which (leaving the Foppish Almanack-Makers to fool weak People with their silly Predictions from the Stars) we may frame a more solid Prognostick from the immense Riches, vast Power, and highest Wisdom of King Gallieno: The former of which can never be exhausted by the Wars, whilst the multitudes of Ships he has taken from the Vtopians, (reckoned to be above Two Thousand Five Hundred, since the War began; and per∣haps near as many from the Hydra, and the great Contributions he raises upon his E∣nemies Countries) bring him in such huge supplies, besides his own vast Revenues. Se∣condly, from his Power, which encreases daily, He having raised for the next Year, up∣wards of Sixty Thousand Souldiers, besides Recruits, and knowing how to use the Victo∣ries

he still obtains, as well as how to get them. And lastly, from his Wisdom which lays all his Designs in the best Methods, out of a true and exact a Know∣ledge of all that his Enemies can do; His intelligence of what they aim at, and his proportioning the Causes, he lays to the effects he intends, in comparison of which; the best Policy of the Associates is meerly Childishness: Every Man of good Sence, being able to discern that their Projects are laid in no steady Tennent and carried on disor∣derly and distractedly; as if they proceeded from Men meerly awaked out of their Sleep, or half frighted out of their Wits by the Surprizes he gives them. This high Wisdom I say, is that, which (being peculiar to himself) gives a dazling Lustre and Glory to all his Designs, and entitles him to the ••rotection and Assistance of Divine Provi∣d••n••e.

Nullum numen abest si sit prudentia. Whole Heaven does for Success engage, When Soveraign Prudence War does wage.

FINIS