The history of Olivaires of Castile and Arthur of Dalgarve. Translated out of the Spanish into the Italian tongue, by Francesco Portonari: and from the italian made English. Licens'd, Feb. 1. 1694/5.

CHAP. XLIII.

Olivaires leaves England, and enters the Dominions of the Kings of Ire∣land, and lays siege to a strong City; and of his other Sieges and Fights.

THE Ships and every thing be∣ing fitted, and all things what∣ever were needful, in readiness, car∣rying Tents and Pavilions for the Camp, the next morning Olivaires ••eparted, and imbarqu'd his whole Army; wherefore with a prosperous Gale he arrived in few days at an Irish Port, and got on Land sooner than he could have expected: A fair Town stood upon the Haven compassed with Walls; and when the Inhabitants perceived that such an Armado was coming upon them, they shut and barr'd their Gates, and put themselves in posture of defence; but quickly was the Town taken, and they put to the Sword; the same did Olivaires to two more, as also to a third, all large

Towns; so that he struck fear into the hearts of all the Country, and many Cities surrendered themselves without resistance; and many of the Kingdom beholding the brave Valour of Olivaires, and contracting a love for him, went over to his side, and fought against their own Sovereigns. Olivaires in his march came unto a strongly fortifi'd Pass, where 'twas necessary for him to take a strong and well-garrison'd City, in which was the Son of the King who was kill'd at the Turnament; therefore he lay siege round it, and gave it a brisk Assault, but could not conquer it; and many were slain on both sides: Mean while News flew all over the Kingdom, and came to the Ear of the Kings, that Olivaires was come, to the great damage of their Crowns; and that he had taken many places, that he would also take this City: Therefore giving order instantly for refitting the Soldiery, Foot and Horse, and marching away with those they

had in readiness, the Kings went to relieve the City, and engage with the Enemy. Olivaires having put his Army in good posture, and ordered his Battalions in his Campaign, expected the Adversary's Assault, being well prepared, in right method, and full of courage; 'twas in the morning when the Kings came upon them, and now the Armies confront each other; so the Drums beat, and to Arms. Olivaires confiding in God's Assistance, and also in derived Valour, thought fit to present himself before them, and to challenge the Kings to single Combat one after another; judging it most certain, that after he had defeated their Chiefs, 'twould be easie to give a great blow to their vast Army with his little One. So he commanded 'em to leave off pitching their Tents; and when he had fought one or two of the Kings, the Army moved to engage the Enemy; and taking a strong Launce, and flourish∣ing it, he exposed himself to publick

view. One of the Kings more fool∣hardy than truly valorous, yet in his own Conceit stouter than the rest, hastily mounted his Horse, and with his Launce on his Thigh went to meet Olivaires turning a∣bout; and in the strokes they gave each other, the King received a sharp blow, whereby both Man and Horse were cast to the ground; so he was quickly taken Prisoner. Then a second King suddenly assaulted Oli∣vaires, and he was laid wounded on the ground. And now a cruel Battel was joyn'd; and for divers Hours the mad contest lasted. Olivaires's Cap∣tains seemed so many Thunderbolts, which terrifi'd and struck down the Enemy: And Olivaires by his migh∣ty strength, made a wide lane be∣fore him, infusing Courage into his Soldiers, reducing them into Order; and running about here and there, as was need. The Noon time of Day being past, and the Armies being wearied, the Kings betook themselves

to flight, seeing Olivaires making a ••arge Shammels of their Army: So they gave their Horses the Reins, and Routed and Conquered, and with all speed fled away. All the Field run with Blood, and all the Victor's Sol∣diers were smeared with humane Gore: So the one Party fled, and ••he other withdrew; and Night com∣••ng on, the Battel ceased. Olivaires, ••efore he would sleep, caused the Wounded to be taken care of; and ••ut in Order the remainder of his ••oldiers, and made them refresh them∣selves, and take some repose. After, having bid the Trumpet sound, he said, Invincible Cavaliers, now is the time to compleat the Victory, and pursue the Foe, who unexpectedly flies before us: Therefore whoever among you either loveth Me, or is solicitous of his own Honour, let him follow Me. And so early in the Morn∣ing he came upon the timerous Ene∣my; and having dexterously drawn his to a head, he entered among 'em;

ever as he went on encouraging his Forces. Whereupon the Kings and their Army being surprised at the sud∣den sounding of the Trumpet, were mightily afraid: And those fighting Manfully, and these defending them∣selves Cowardly, they were almost all slain and discomfited. But the Kings being made Prisoners, and some principal Persons besides, remained a∣live. Thus they became Masters of their State and Kingdom; wherein much Treasure was found; but all was distributed among the Soldiers; for Olivaires, like a noble General, kept nothing to himself.