Palladine of England (1588) Translated by Anthony...
Transcript of Palladine of England (1588) Translated by Anthony...
Palladine of England (1588)
Translated by Anthony Munday
Agustín López Avilés
Facultad de Filosofía y Letras
Palladine of England (1588)
Translated by Anthony Munday
Agustín López Avilés
Tesis presentada para aspirar al grado de
DOCTOR POR LA UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE
Programa de Doctorado en Filosofía y Letras
Dirigida por: Jordi Sánchez Martí
PALLADINE OF ENGLAND (1588)
TRANSLATED BY ANTHONY MUNDAY
© Agustín López Avilés, 2017
To my friends.
To my patient family.
To Ángela. For everything. Always.
| Contents |
| Abbreviations | ........................................................................................................................................... ix
| Introduction | .............................................................................................................................................. xi
Chivalric romance in Europe ................................................................................................................... xi
Don Florando de Inglaterra (1545) ...................................................................................................... xvi
L’Histoire Palladienne (1555) ............................................................................................................. xxii
Colet’s translation ................................................................................................................................ xxvi
Palladine of England (1588) and Anthony Munday: his time and oeuvre ........................................... xxx
Anthony Munday as a translator of chivalric romances .................................................................. xxxviii
Textual history of Palladine of England ................................................................................................. lv
| Bibliographical description | .................................................................................................................. lxiii
| Editorial policy | ....................................................................................................................................lxvii
| PALLADINE OF ENGLAND |
The Epistle ................................................................................................................................................ 3
To the corteous and freendly Readers. ..................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER I. ............................................................................................................................................ 7
CHAPTER II. ......................................................................................................................................... 15
CHAPTER III. ........................................................................................................................................ 19
CHAPTER IV......................................................................................................................................... 23
CHAPTER V. ......................................................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER VI......................................................................................................................................... 34
CHAPTER VII. ...................................................................................................................................... 39
CHAPTER VIII. ..................................................................................................................................... 44
CHAPTER IX......................................................................................................................................... 49
CHAPTER X. ......................................................................................................................................... 55
CHAPTER XI......................................................................................................................................... 59
CHAPTER XII. ...................................................................................................................................... 63
CHAPTER XIII. ..................................................................................................................................... 67
CHAPTER XIV. ..................................................................................................................................... 73
CHAPTER XV. ...................................................................................................................................... 78
CHAPTER XVI. ..................................................................................................................................... 82
CHAPTER XVII. ................................................................................................................................... 87
CHAPTER XVIII. .................................................................................................................................. 91
CHAPTER XIX. ..................................................................................................................................... 96
CHAPTER XX. .................................................................................................................................... 101
CHAPTER XXI. ................................................................................................................................... 106
CHAPTER XXII. ................................................................................................................................. 111
CHAPTER XXIII. ................................................................................................................................ 117
CHAPTER XXIV. ................................................................................................................................ 121
CHAPTER XXV. ................................................................................................................................. 127
CHAPTER XXVI. ................................................................................................................................ 131
CHAPTER XXVII. .............................................................................................................................. 135
CHAPTER XXVIII. ............................................................................................................................. 140
CHAPTER XXIX. ................................................................................................................................ 149
CHAPTER XXX. ................................................................................................................................. 153
CHAPTER XXXI. ................................................................................................................................ 158
CHAPTER XXXII. .............................................................................................................................. 164
CHAPTER XXXIII. ............................................................................................................................. 167
CHAPTER XXXIV. ............................................................................................................................. 173
CHAPTER XXXV. .............................................................................................................................. 179
CHAPTER XXXVI. ............................................................................................................................. 183
CHAPTER XXXVII. ............................................................................................................................ 188
CHAPTER XXXVIII. .......................................................................................................................... 193
CHAPTER XXXIX. ............................................................................................................................. 199
CHAPTER XL. .................................................................................................................................... 202
CHAPTER XLI. ................................................................................................................................... 206
CHAPTER XLII. .................................................................................................................................. 213
To the Gentlemen Readers. .................................................................................................................. 219
| Glossary | ................................................................................................................................................ 223
| Traductological notes | ............................................................................................................................ 237
| List of emendations | ............................................................................................................................... 311
ix
| Abbreviations |
BL British Library
BNF Bibliothèque Nationale de France
CHEMEL David Loewenstein and Panel Mueller, eds. The
Cambridge History of Early Modern English Literature
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002).
CHMedEL David Wallace, ed. The Cambridge History of English
Medieval Literature (Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1999).
EBO Encyclopaedia Britannica Online
FB Andrew Pettegree, Malcolm Walsby, and Alexander
Wilkinson, eds., French Vernacular Books: Books
Published in the French Language before 1601, 2 vols.
(Leiden: Brill, 2007).
IB Alexander Wilkinson, ed. Iberian Books: books published
in Spanish or Portuguese or on the Iberian Peninsula
before 1601 = Libros ibéricos: Libros publicados en
español o portugués o en la Península Ibérica antes de
1601 (Boston: Brill, 2010).
Medieval Romance Roberta Krueger, ed. The Cambridge Companion to
Medieval Romance (Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2000).
ODNB Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
OED Oxford English Dictionary
Abbreviations
x
OHLTE Gordon Braden, Robert Cummings and Stuart Gillespie,
eds. The Oxford History of Literary Translation in
English: Vol. 2 1550–1660 (Oxford: Oxford University
Press, 2010).
STC A. W. Pollard, comp., A short-title catalogue of books
printed in England, Scotland, & Ireland and of English
books printed abroad, 1475–1640, 2nd ed., 3 vols.
(London: Bibliographical Society, 1976–1991).
Wing Donald Wing, Short-title catalogue of books printed in
England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and British America,
and of English books printed in other countries, 1641–
1700 (New York: Index Society, 1945–1951).
xi
| Introduction |
Chivalric romance in Europe
Roberta L. Krueger defends that romances were “arguably the most influential and
enduring secular genre of the European Middle Ages”.1 Leaving aside the influence that
romances may have exerted in the creation of other literary forms such as the novel,
they managed to survive through the centuries by adapting to changes of form, medium
and taste.2 This ability to adapt together with their protean nature is a key concept when
dealing with romances. K. S. Whetter agrees with Krueger and completes the picture by
saying that “medieval romance was a recognized and important genre in its own day and
that recognition extended to awareness of the types, motifs, subjects and heroes
associated with the genre”.3 Associating romance with a specific topic or type of story is
a delicate matter. Romance has reached the present day as a literary composite of
chivalric deeds, courtly love and adventure,4 but the malleability of the genre makes it
impossible for that simple enumeration to be an ultimate definition. The range of stories
is wide. Some romances are secular while some are religious; some are written in verse
and some in prose; some have happy endings, some are tragic; some are fantastic, others
are realistic. When all or just some of those features are combined, they become the 1 Medieval Romance, 1–2. For a summary of the history of romance in England, see Helen Cooper, The
English Romance in Time: Transforming Motifs from Geoffrey of Monmouth to the Death of Shakespeare.
(Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004), 22–40; and Christine Chism, “Romance,” in The Cambridge
Companion to Medieval English Literature 1100–1500, ed. Larry Scanlon (Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 2009), 57–69. For extended studies on English romance between the Conquest and
1400, see Rosalind Field, “Romance in England, 1066–1400,” in CHMEL, 152–76; from 1400 to the
Renaissance, see Helen Cooper, “Romance after 1400,” ibid., 690–719.
2 Cooper, “Romance after 1400,” 692.
3 K. S. Whetter, Understanding Genre and Medieval Romance (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2008), 4. In his work,
Whetter deals mainly with the mutability of romance.
4 Ibid., 70.
Introduction
xii
basis for different texts, but all of them are romances. In the words of Christopher
Cannon, it is even tempting to say that “the amorphousness that is so frustrating to those
who have tried to describe romance is exactly what romance form is”.5
The word “romance” means a “non-Latin vernacular language”, usually French,
so the texts written in that language began to be labelled using that term. Although the
stories in those romances had features or topics in common with other genres, the term
became increasingly common to refer to stories dealing with the fundamental
characteristics of chivalric romance: knights, ladies, love, honour and adventure.6
The twelfth century witnessed the creation of the first medieval romances, written
in Anglo-Norman, the language of prestige used in court and a vraiety of Old French.
These romances were free translations from Latin, written in order to retell the epics of
antiquity, as some of their titles suggest: Roman de Thèbes, Roman de Troie, Roman
d’Eneas. One of those romances, Roman de Brut (1155), written by the Anglo-Norman
historian and poet Wace,7 made use of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum
Britanniae (c.1135–7),8 thus enriching the “Matter of Britain” by introducing new
elements that would live on, such as the Round Table, and disseminating Britain’s
mythical past and King Arthur’s story. 9 The Arthurian legend had such an impact on
5 Christopher Cannon, The Grounds of English Literature. (2004; repr., Oxford: Oxford University Press:
2009), 190.
6 See Krueger, Medieval Romance, 1–2; and Whetter, Understanding Genre, 62.
7 For a biography of Wace, see Jean Blacker, “Wace (b. after 1100, d. 1174x83),” in ODNB, accessed 19
August 2011, http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/28365.
8 See Geoffrey of Monmouth, The History of the Kings of Britain, ed. Michael D. Reeve, trans. Neil
Wright (Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 2007), 118–79. For a biography of Geoffrey of Monmouth, see
J. C. Crick, “Monmouth, Geoffrey of (d. 1154/5),” in ODNB.
9 The French poet Jean Bodel was the first to sort the medieval literary cycles into the Matter of Britain
(the fantastic and pleasant Arthurian Cycle), the Matter of Rome (the instructive Greek-Latin stories), and
Introduction
xiii
the succeeding centuries that even Henry VII wished to become associated with the
Arthurian lineage, and so he stimulated the debate and re-assessment of evidence about
the historical Arthur. The debate on Arthur and his knights’ historical veracity lasted
well into the sixteenth century.10
The French poet Chrétien de Troyes was an essential figure in understanding the
diffusion of the Arthurian legend on the continent, and is “the most influential among
those who follow the antique romances”.11 He composed a series of romances which
draw elements from the Matter of Britain, and enhanced them with innovations of his
own, such as Lancelot and Guinevere’s love story or the quest for the Grail.12 Romances
such as Erec et Enide (c.1165–70), Le Chevalier de la charrette (c.1174–81) or Le conte
du graal (c.1179–91) initiated a vogue in France that would soon be imitated
throughout Europe.
The beginning of the thirteenth century brought a period of change. Though verse
was the preferred form for romance writing, prose romances began to be produced, with
the Matter of France (the plausible French chansons de geste dealing with Charlemagne) in his Chanson
de Saisnes (c.1200). See Jaime Corvasí Carbonero, trans. and ed., Roman de Flamenca (Murcia:
Universidad de Murcia. Servicio de Publicaciones, 2010), 140n. In Bodel’s own words: “Ne sont que III
matières à nul homme atandant: / De France et de Bretaigne et de Rome la grant; / Et de ces III matières
n’i a nule samblant. / Li conte de Bretaigne sont si vain et plaisant; / Cil de Rome sont sage et de san
aprenant; / Cil de France de voir chascun jor apparent[.]” (“There are but three matters that every man
should pay attention to: / Those of France, of Britain and of the great Rome; / Those three matters are not
alike. / The tales of Britain are very unreal and appealing; / While those of Rome are erudite and full of
meaning; / And those of France see their authenticity confirmed every day.”) Francisque Michel, ed., La
Chanson des Saxons par Jean Bodel, 2 vols. (Paris: Maulde et Renou, 1839), 1:1–2 (my translation).
10 Helen Moore, “Romance,” 318–19.
11 Matilda Tomaryn Bruckner, “The shape of Romance in Medieval France,” in Medieval Romance, 15.
For a biography of Chrétien de Troyes, see EBO, s .v. “Chrétien de Troyes,” accessed 19 August 2011,
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/114817/Chretien-de-Troyes.
12 Norris J. Lacy, “The Evolution and Legacy of French Prose Romance,” in Medieval Romance, 167.
Introduction
xiv
both literary forms coexisting throughout the century.13 Whereas the circulation of
romance manuscripts from court to court during the late twelfth century had seen the
increase of the diffusion of Old French romances (mainly entering Germany, England,
Italy and Spain), the thirteenth century witnessed the translation of romances into the
native tongue of each country. In the case of England, stories written in Middle English
began to thrive progressively in lieu of the prestigious Anglo-Norman, which suggests
that the genre was gaining popularity among the lower social strata, since it was the
language of the people. From the mid-thirteenth century onwards, Middle English
romances appeared, such as Laȝamon’s Brut (c.1200–1235, a rewriting of Wace’s
Roman de Brut), King Horn (c. 1225), Havelok the Dane (c.1275) or Guy of Warwick
(c.1300), many of which were rewritings of older Anglo-Norman romances.
In Spain, the historical evolution of romance led a somewhat different path, due to
the influence of the Reconquest.14 The first romances composed in Spanish were of a
different nature: moralising, erudite and digressive, such as El libro de Apolonio
(c.1220–40), or Libro de Alexandre (c.1220–40); or didactic and reflexive, such as
Libro del Caballero Zifar (c.1310), the “first original full-length romance written in
Spanish”.15 The amount of romance material written in Spain was still very limited. An
overview of the selective chronology of the European romance provided by The
Cambridge Companion to Medieval Romance16 gives some insight into the clear
segregation during the years of production of Spanish romances. During the final stage
13 Loc. cit.
14Medieval Romance, 4.
15 See Marina S. Brownler, “Medieval Spanish Paradigms and Cervantine Revisions,” in Medieval
Romance, 256.
16Medieval Romance, xiii–xix.
Introduction
xv
of the Reconquest, there began a process of recuperation of the chivalric genre, during a
bellicose period when the adventures of the books of chivalry were a reflection of the
feats of the Spanish crown, as a sort of political propaganda.17 Chivalric vernacular
production in the peninsula was scant until the sixteenth century, which was the most
favourable period for Spanish romances (partly thanks to the introduction of the printing
press), turning into a golden age for romance publishing which began with the
publication of Amadís de Gaula in 1508.
As Daniel Eisenberg explains, the quintessential Spanish chivalric romance or
libro de caballerías was not a spontaneous invention, though the sudden popularity of
the genre might appear to suggest otherwise. Spanish romances experienced a subtle
influence by the French versions of Arthurian works, but that did not result in a book of
chivalry per se until the publication of Amadís de Gaula (whose plot was especially
influenced by the Lancelot), which all subsequent Spanish chivalric romances would be
modelled after. In fact, “just as the writings of Aristotle defined what would later be
called the field of philosophy, so the Amadís defined the romance of chivalry in
Spain”.18
17 See Mª Carmen Marín Pina, Páginas de sueños. Estudios sobre los libros de caballerías castellanos
(Zaragoza: Institución Fernando el Católico, 2011), 89.
18 Daniel Eisenberg, Romances of Chivalry in the Spanish Golden Age (Alicante: Biblioteca Virtual
Miguel de Cervantes, 2003), under “The Birth of the Spanish Romances of Chivalry,”
http://www.cervantesvirtual.com/obra-visor/romances-of-chivalry-in-the-spanish-golden-age-0/html/.
Introduction
xvi
Don Florando de Inglaterra (1545)
In 1545, Don Florando de Inglaterra (IB 16605) was printed in the workshop of
Germain Gaillard,19 a French typographer who started working in Lisbon in 1519. The
book is one example of the wave of libros de caballerías written in the Iberian
peninsula during the sixteenth century seeking some success in the wake of Amadís de
Gaula.20 The book is ranked among those which Henry Thomas named “smaller groups
and isolated romances”21 (i.e. those romances not appertaining to the cycles of Amadís
and Palmerin), and, together with Espejo de Príncipes y Caballeros and Don Belianís
de Grecia, it is the only text in that category to have been rendered into both French and
English. Unlike all the independent romances which were translated outside the Iberian
peninsula, Don Florando was not translated into Italian.22
There is only one edition of Don Florando de Inglaterra.23 The text is printed in
folio, in gothic type and double column. It has a total length of 250 pages plus a
19 The name often survives as German Galharde or Germão Galharte, see Paulo Heitlinger, “German
Gaillard (séc. XVI),” Tipografía, accessed 8 May 2017, http://tipografos.net/historia/gaillard.html.
20 For the status of Amadís de Gaula as the catalyst of the important increase in the production of
chivalric romances in sixteenth-century Spain, see Marina S. Brownlee, “Medieval Spanish paradigms
and Cervantine revisions,” in Medieval Romance, 261; for the influence of Amadis during the century, see
Helen Moore, ed., Introduction to Amadis de Gaule. Translated by Anthony Munday (Aldershot: Ashgate,
2004), ix–xxi.
21 See Henry Thomas, Spanish and Portuguese Romances of Chivalry: The Revival of the Romance of
Chivalry in the Spanish Peninsula, and Its Extension and Influence Abroad (Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 1920), 131–32.
22 Ibid.
23 The volumes extant are in the British Library (shelf mark C.62.h.14), see fig. 1, Houghton Library in
Harvard (collection f, call number Typ 535.45.398), and Biblothèque Nationale de France (Rés. Y2 256),
all of them containing parts I, II and III. Both the Biblioteca Nacional de Madrid (shelf mark R–589) and
the Biblothèque Nationale de France (Rés. Y2 255) hold a version containing the first two parts. Lucía
Megías provides a bibliographical description of the two volumes extant in the BNF in his Libros de
Introduction
xvii
title-page, introduction and colophons. It is divided into three parts. The first part deals
with the adventures of Paladiano, the eponymous hero of the English translation:
“Primera parte de la coronica del animoso principe dom Florando de Ynglaterra. En la
qual se cuenta [sic] las peligrosas aventuras a que el principe Paladiano su padre
andando por el mundo en la demanda dela infanta Aquilea, hija del rey d’Aquilea.”24
Part I ends with the birth of Florando, Palladine’s son, and was the source text for the
French and English translations. The second and third parts, which tell of Florando’s
exploits, were never translated.25
Lucía Megías considers Palladine to be an example of a book printed as a
bibliographical unit, but with the editorial intention of allowing its part III to be sold
separately, as suggested by the continuity of its signatures, headings, foliation and
colophon “[a]qui se acaba la primera y segunda y terçera parte de la cronica del muy
esforçado y animoso principe don Florando de Inglaterra.”26 The main arguments
backing this idea would be the presence of an interior title-page for the third part of the
caballerías castellanos en las bibliotecas públicas de París: catálogo descriptivo (Madrid: Universidad
de Alcalá; Pisa: Universitá degli Studi di Pisa, 1999), 220–25. Eisenberg and Marín wrongly indicate that
one of the volumes extant in the BNF, namely Rés. Y2 256, contains part III individually, cf Daniel
Eisenberg and Mª Carmen Marín Pina, Bibliografía de los libros de caballerías castellanos (Zaragoza:
Prensas Universitarias de Zaragoza, 2000), entry 1779.
24 Don Florando de Inglaterra (German Gallarde, 1545), fol. ir.
25The titles of the untranslated parts of Don Florando are: Part 2, “Comiença La Segunda Parte de la
Coronica del muy esforçado y animoso principe don Florando, hijo del principe aladiano y princesa
Aquilea. En la qual se cuentan los grandes hechos que en armas hizo, por amores de la hermosa princesa
Roselinda, hija del Emperador de Roma.” (fol. lxvir); and Part 3, “Libro tercero de la cronica del
excelente y esforçado principe don Florando: en el qual se cuenta las admirables aventuras a que dio fin:
y llamandose el cavallero del coraçon lacrimoso, andando desterrado de la Gracia de su señora, la
princesa Roselinda.” (fol. clxxiiir).
26 Don Florando, fol. cclj.
Introduction
xviii
book (whereas the second part lacks one); the fact that two of the surviving volumes
extant in the Biblioteca Nacional de Madrid and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France
contain parts I and II alone; and the presence of two colophons, one for parts I and II,
and another for part III.27 Megías indicates other potential cases of the same editorial
strategy, such as a Toledan reedition of Palmerín de Olivia in 1555, or the first two
books of Belianís de Grecia printed in Burgos in 1587.28
In the prefatory material, the anonymous author claims to have translated the
work from English, a “barbarous language”,29 while he himself was in England, thus
falsely presenting the book as a translation of an English book of chivalry. The false
English provenance, together with the subject-matter, could have been one of the
reasons why the book was translated into English afterwards. This would tally with the
editorial practice of the early modern English chivalric printing, based on the idea that
its geographical provenance might raise the interest of the English readership.30 The air
of verisimilitude achieved with the topic of the false translation or the found manuscript
had been used since the times of Geoffrey of Monmouth and Chrétien de Troyes, but
this is another feature which came back into fashion thanks to Garci Rodríguez de
Montalvo’s emendation of the fourth book of Amadís, whose author/translator claims to
have obtained the text from a Hungarian merchant who had previously found it under a 27 See José Manuel Lucía Megías, Imprenta y libros de caballerías (Madrid: Ollero y Ramos, 2000), 297.
28 Ibid., and Lucía Megías, De los libros de caballerías manuscritos al Quijote (Madrid: SIAL Ediciones,
2004), 219.
29 “assi differente barbara lengua como la inglesa”, Prologue to Don Florando, unsigned.
30 Jordi Sánchez Martí explains John Charlewood’s decision of altering the internal order of the Palmerin
cycle to favour the titles protagonised by heroes of English provenance in “Zelauto’s Polinarda and the
Palmerin Romances,” Cahiers Élisabéthains: A Journal of English Renaissance Studies 89, no. 1 (2016):
79; the same idea was entertained by Henry Thomas in Spanish and Portuguese Romances of Chivalry,
131.
Introduction
xix
stone tomb in a hermitage near Constantinople.31 Although the story behind Don
Florando is less extravagant in comparison with the manuscripts which had been found
in tombs, caves or far-away exotic countries, it follows the medieval idea that what was
written in books was equivalent to the truth;32 yet, we must not disregard the possibility
that the author simply wished to distance himself from his creation, an idea supported
by the fact that the name of the writer or translator is not revealed in the book.
The text is introduced with a dedication to the lords and ladies of the city of
Ulixea, the mythical name given to Lisbon, which was thought to have been founded by
Ulysses,33 where the author claims he was born. It was probably written by someone
close to the court of João III of Portugal (r. 1521–1557), in a period that witnessed a rise
in Arthurian popularity and a fondness for chivalry.34 In his study devoted to the
authorship of Palmerin of England, William E. Purser includes an appendix on Don
Florando, where he speculates and provides evidence enough to “raise a strong
suspicion” that the translator into Spanish of Palmeirim de Inglaterra may also have
31 For further information on the false translation and the found manuscript in the first half of the
sixteenth century in Spain, see Marín Pina, Páginas de sueños, 71–84. For the particular case of Amadís
de Gaula, see Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, Amadís de Gaula, vol. 1, ed. Juan Manuel Cacho Blecua
(Madrid: Catedra, 2012), 94–96.
32 Ibid., 95.
33 See Juan Casas Rigall, La materia de Troya en las letras romances del Siglo XIII hispano (Santiago de
Compostela: Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 1999), 192–94.
34 See José Manuel Lucía Megías, “La senda portuguesa de los libros de caballerías castellanos: Segunda
parte de Selva de cavalarías famosas,” in Studia in honorem Germán Orduna, ed. L. Funes y J. L. Moure
(Alcalá de Henares: Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, 2001), 393–414. Megías gives further information
about the wealth of Portuguese chivalric literature in the courts of João III and his grandson Sebastião I in
De los libros de caballerías manuscritos al Quijote, 156–60. For more information concerning the
prologue of the text, see Cristina Castillo Martínez, “Algunas consideraciones acerca del Florando de
Inglaterra [1545],” in Edad de Oro 21 (2002): 367–74.
Introduction
xx
been the author of Don Florando. Firstly, he advocates for the idea of the author being a
courtier on the basis that the characters have a peculiar way of paying each other
compliments and “pretty speeches”.35 Secondly, he focuses on some textual recurrences
of expressions and repetitions between the two works, such as the usage of the phrase
“mi señor Jesu Christo” [my Lord Jesus Christ]. The expression is rare in chivalric
romances, but it appears frequently in Don Florando, and the translator of the Spanish
version of Palmeirim de Inglaterra uses it more times than it appeared in the Portuguese
version, which contained only one occurrence.36 This suggests that both the Spanish
translation of Palmeirim de Inglaterra and the creation of Don Florando may have been
“made by a Portuguese, who lived some distance from Toledo, probably in the
neighbourhood of Lisbon, the headquarters of the court”.37
35 Purser, Palmerin of England, 451–52.
36 Ibid., 452–53
37 Ibid., 450.
Fig. 1
Don Florando de Inglaterra (German Gallarde, 1545), title page.
© British Library Board, BL C.62.h.14.
Introduction
xxii
L’Histoire Palladienne (1555)
Ten years after the publication of Don Florando came the first foreign translation of its
Part I, which recounted the exploits of Paladiano, Florando’s son (hence the name
change). L’Histoire Palladienne38 was published in 1555 (FB 40370–73) in folio, with
roman type in single column, covering 134 pages, with an introductory epistle by
Etienne Jodelle,39 commendatory verses (by Jodelle, Nicolas Denisot, Jean-Pierre de
Mesmes, and Olivier de Magny), and a table of contents. The book was printed four
times in 1555; entries 40370 to 40372 in French Vernacular Books had the same
printer, Étienne Groulleau, but three different booksellers: Groulleau himself, Jan
Dallier and Vincent Sertenas.40
38 According to François Cornilliat, the title is clearly derivative from Amyot’s L’Histoire Æthiopique
(1547), see “Le roman pris au piège d’un ‘docte’: Jodelle préfacier de l’Histoire Palladienne de Claude
Colet,” in Le Roman à la Renaissance, Actes du colloque international dirigé par Michel Simonin
(Université de Tours: Centre d’études supérieures de la Renaissance, 1990), published online by Christine
de Buzon (Lyon; RHR, 2012), accessed 3 February 2016, http://www.rhr16.fr/ressources/roman-
renaissance. Jacques Amyot’s translation of the work of Heliodorus enjoyed great popularity during the
Renaissance and exerted an enduring literary influence, which clearly justifies Colet’s choice of title. For
the influence of Amyot’s translations, see Laurenze Plazenet,“Jacques Amyot and the Greek Novel: The
Invention of the French Novel,” in The Classical Heritage in France, ed. Gerald Sandy (Leiden: Brill,
2002), 237–280.
39 Jodelle (Paris, 1532–1573), author of the play Cléopatre captive and member of the literary circle the
Pléiade. Enea Balmas provides a full account of his life and works in Un poeta francese del
Rinascimento, Etienne Jodelle. La sua vita, il suo tempo (Florence: Olschki, 1962).
40 The volumes are extant in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Rés. Y2 146), see fig. 2 for a facsimile
of the title page; Bibliothèque de l’École Nationale Supérieur des Beaux Arts (Masson 02000),
Bibliothèque de l’Institut de France (2º 567 B [Res]), Musée Condé in Chantilly (cote X–A–024), British
Library (shelf marks G. 10560 and C.39.i.7), National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh (shelf mark
H.23.b.3), Houghton Library in Harvard University (call number Tyo 515.55.671), Staatsbibliothek
Preuβischer Kulturbesitz in Berlin (4'' Xx 868) and Russian State Library in Moscow (MK VII–12764).
Entry 40373 in the FB indicates a different 1555 edition, with Jean Longis as printer and a volume extant
in the University Library of Princeton; but the online catalogue of that library displays Gaillot du Pré as
the printer (call number 3240.686.356q). A quarto reprint of L’Histoire Palladienne was made in 1562
Introduction
xxiii
The afore-mentioned printers and booksellers (Groulleau, Sertenas, Dallier, and
also Jean Longis), led by Sertenas, formed a long-time partnership in order to invest in
the publication of a luxurious edition of Amadis de Gaule, thus sharing the profits and
mitigating any potential financial risks. Amadis de Gaule (1540), translated by Nicolas
Herberay des Essarts41 and edited by Denis Janot – from whom Groulleau would inherit
the business by marriage – turned out to be a successful commercial venture, making
the readers lose interest in Arthurian fiction and paving the way for a new vogue of
chivalric translations.42 By the time L’Histoire Palladienne saw the light, the Sertenas
group had already published the first eleven livres of the Amadis series – at a rate of
almost one per year –, as well as regular re-editions of the first five livres, Thresors with
a selection of texts from the books, and the French translations of two other Iberian
(FB 40375) in Antwerp by Jan Van Waesberghe, and there are volumes extant in the British Library
(shelf mark 12450.e.15), Bibliothèque Royale in Brussels (L.PP.8.259 A1), Stadt-und
Universitätsbibliothek in Bern (z125; XXIII n57), Biblioteca Universitaria in Bologna (4 A4 B–08 Pa4),
Österreichische Nationalbibliothek in Vienna (*48.E.35), and Newberry Library in Chicago (call number
Case Y 762. P189). The last two entries in the FB (40376–7) correspond to a 1573 revised octavo edition
of L’Histoire Palladienne by Gaillot du Pré for Claude Micard. The only extant volume of FB 40376
remains in Leeds University Library (Brotherton Collection H de W COL). There are volumes of FB
40377 in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Y2–42476, marked sans date ni lieu), Public Library of
Cleveland (382.6745 F661H), and Cornell University Library (Kroch Library PQ 1653.P26 1573).
41 On Des Essarts, his relationship with the French printers, and his role in the production of the Amadis
series, see Michel Simonin, L’encre & la lumière: quarante-sept articles (1976–2000) (Geneva: Droz,
2004), 192–207;
42 For further information on the decline of Arthurian fiction and the influence of the Amadis in sixteenth
century readership in France, see Jane H. M. Taylor, Rewriting Arthurian Romance in Renaissance
France (Cambridge: D. S. Brewer, 2014), 147–52; Nicole Cazauran, “Amadis de Gaule en 1540: un
nouveau ‘roman de chevalerie’?” in Les Amadis en France au XVIe siècle, ed. Nicole Cazauran and
Michel Bideaux (Paris: Éditions Rue d’Ulm, Presses de l’École normale supérieure, 2000), 21–39; and
Marian Rothstein, “Le lecteur, la langue et l’écoute d’Amadis de Gaule” in Le Roman à la Renaissance,
accessed 4 February 2016, http://www.rhr16.fr/ressources/roman-renaissance.
Introduction
xxiv
books of chivalry: Palmerin d’Olive (1546) and Primaléon de Grèce (1550).43 Both
Palmerin and Primaleón would also be rendered into English by the translator Anthony
Munday, whose time and oeuvre I will expound in subsequent sections.
Des Essarts undertook the translation of Amadis up to the eighth book, printed in
1548, and was succeeded by Jacques Gohory, Guillaume Aubert, and the champenois
Claude Colet, who would eventually become the French translator of Don Florando de
Inglaterra.44 Colet fulfilled a variety of literary employments before his arrival in the
realm of chivalric translation. He was the proofreader of Guillaume Coquillart’s Œuvres
(1551) and emended Hélisenne de Crenne’s Œuvres (1551), a literary success of the
time, in which he transformed a large amount of obscure terms into more familiar and
commonly used words. Both books were new editions printed by Etienne Groulleau.45
It seemed likely that Colet would succeed Des Essarts (d. c. 1557) as the official
translator of chivalric romances within the Sertenas group. He had revised Gilles
Boileau’s translation of the Neufiesme Livre d’Amadis (1551; Colet’s version in 1553),
and began to work on the next project, L’Histoire Palladienne, regarded by Anna
Bettoni as the only work over which he could claim full paternity.46 Due to his sudden
death in 1553, he could not see the the printed edition of the book, which was
posthumously published in 1555.
43 For a bibliography of the fourteen first French livres, see Les Amadis en France, 209–10; for a rough
chronology of publication of the livres I–VIII and their reprints, see Taylor, Rewriting Arthurian
Romance, 217–22.
44 For further information about Claude Colet’s work, see Anna Bettoni, “Claude Colet e L’Histoire
Palladienne,” in Il romanzo nella Francia del Rinascimento dall’eredità medievale all’Astrea (Fasano:
Schena editore, 1996) 179–206.
45 Ibid., 185.
46 Ibid., 189.
Introduction
xxv
The prefatory material of the book stands out in its own right as a reflection of the
situation of the genre in sixteenth-century France. Although Colet believed that
chivalric romances sometimes enclosed the truth and were a useful tool to improve
writing and speaking skills,47 this idea was not shared by his humanist friends.48 The
introduction to L’Histoire Palladienne was a collective laudatory work by Colet’s
literary circle, which stemmed from friendship and the desire to grant the translator a
proper eulogy, rather than fondness for the chivalric. As the poet and playwright
Étienne Jodelle expressed in the epistle to the reader, those kinds of stories only served
“d’amusement ou d’espouventail aux indoctes” [to amuse or scare the unlearned]. He
even went so far as to restrict the genre “pour le contentement des Damoyselles de
nostre siecle” [to the entertainment of the damsels of our age]; adding a clear
nationalistic shade to his words by describing it as “menteries espagnoles” [Spanish
lies]; and undermining any potential educational value, since romances were “la
corruption de nostre iunesse, la perte du temps, le iargon des valetz de boutique, le
tesmoignage de nostre ignorance” [the corruption of our youth, the waste of time, the
jargon of the shop valets, the evidence of our ignorance].49 Despite Jodelles’s baleful
47“[L]a fable quelquesfois enclorre la verité: vn discours fait à plaisir, aprendre mieux aux hommes
l’ornement d’ecrire, & de parler, que ne fait l’histoire, qui nous amuse du tout au sens,” Etienne Jodelle,
epistle to the reader in Claude Colet, trans., L’Histoire Palladienne (Paris: Estienne Grouleau, 1555), ã2v.
48 For an overview of the humanist critique on chivalric literature in sixteenth century France, see Marc
Fumaroli, “La herencia de Amyot: La crítica de la novela de caballería y los orígenes de la novela
moderna.” in Anales Cervantinos 39 (2007): 254–55.
49 Jodelle, epistle in L’Histoire Palladienne, ã2r–ã3v. For further insight into the debates about chivalric
romances held between Colet and Jodelle, see Henry Thomas, Spanish and Portuguese Romances of
Chivalry, 216–17 and H. Carrington Lancaster, Adventures of a Literary Historian; a Collection of His
Writings Presented to H. Carrington Lancaster by his Former Students and Other Friends in Anticipation
of His Sixtieth Birthday, November 10, 1942 (1942; repr., Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1968),
162–65; Ullrich Langer, “Humanism’s Antidote to Romance: L’amant resuscité de la mort d’amour
(1555),” in Conjunctures: Medieval Studies in Honor of Douglas Kelly, eds. Keith Busby, Norris J. Lacy
Introduction
xxvi
opinion, the market for these stories continued to grow and indeed spread beyond the
limits of Paris, reaching the country gentlemen and their peasantry. The genre was
warmly welcomed at court, mainly among (although not restricted to, as Jodelle
suggested) the ladies, and was also appreciated by a different sector of the intellectual
elite, who acknowledged the benefits of the comparison between the new world and the
old world portrayed in romances.50
Colet’s translation
The culture of translating in the early modern culture regarded translations from a
foreign language as brand-new works in which the translator assumed the role of author
or co-author. From a Renaissance point of view, translating was a creative process
which often involved a considerable work of invention, embellishment and
abridgement.51 This process of reformulation is very much apparent in L’Histoire
Palladienne, as Anna Bettoni demonstrates in her article Claude Colet e L’Histoire
Palladienne. Claude Colet performs a continuous process of amplification throughout
the text in order to enhance the verisimilitude of the source and adapt it to the taste of
the reader of his time.
(Amsterdam: Rodopi, 1994), 281–92; and Cornilliat, “Le roman pris au piège d’un ‘docte’: Jodelle
préfacier de l’Histoire Palladienne de Claude Colet,” 1.
50 See Bettoni, “Claude Colet e L’Histoire Palladienne,” 191–203.
51 See Gabriela Schmidt, “Introduction” to Elizabethan translation and literary culture, ed. Gabriela
Schmidt (Berlin: De Gruyter, 2013), 1–9. For an overview on European culture of translation, see Peter
Burke’s lecture Lost (and found) in Translation: A Cultural History of Translators and Translating in
Early Modern Europe (Wassenaar: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and
Social Sciences, 2005).
Introduction
xxvii
Firstly, the brief and frugal – or in fact crude – Spanish text is expanded to
provide longer and more detailed dialogue. As a result, Colet’s text puts greater
emphasis on the decorum and the discourse of the lovers. Secondly, Colet provides a
more sensible explanation of the spatial and temporal progress of the story. The account
for the travels and the lapse of time involved in Don Florando is somewhat whimsical
and more concerned with narrative economy than with actual realism. In L’Histoire
Palladienne this is amended by providing an amplification and explanation of the travel
routes and their durations, which facts are often omitted by the author of the Iberian
text. Colet also uses spatial invention when necessary. As an example, Bettoni explains
how, in Don Florando, Palladine and Orbiconte’s handmaid travelled from Hungary to
Ireland in one sentence without further ado, only to travel back to Spain in a couple of
days to attend a joust. The same event is retold in L’Histoire by Colet, but changing the
spatial setting to a more sustainable choice: Palladien and the handmaid go from
Hungary to the same joust in Bulgaria, instead of Spain.52 Colet also enhances the
verisimilitude of the length of the duels (bien dos oras in the Spanish text versus bien
un grand quart d’heure in the French text) and their stays in places (a celebration of
mas de treynta dias in the Spanish text versus huit jours entiers in the French text).53
Thirdly and finally, Colet introduces what Bettoni refers to as “creations ex nihilo”; new
passages that are completely absent in the original text. These additions include the
advice given by Orbiconte (in the form of a quatrain) in Palladien’s dream, after he falls
asleep in l’Isle du feu while trying to finish an adventure which was not destined for
him;54 Orbiconte’s letter to Palladien written from the ship docked in London,55 the
52 Bettoni, “Claude Colet e L’Histoire Palladienne,” 198.
53 Ibid., 199.
54 Colet, L’Histoire Palladienne, fol. lxxir.
Introduction
xxviii
song of King Milanor’s maistre des Chantres;56 and the two final letters which Brisalda
and Palladine write to each other.57 All the afore-mentioned resources of amplification
result in a substantial lengthening of the French text in relation to the Spanish source,
from forty-six brief chapters in the original to the sixty-six lengthy chapters of Colet’s
translation.58
55 Ibid., fol. cxxvv.
56 Ibid., fol. cxxviiv.
57 Ibid., fol. cxxxiir–cxxxiiir.
58 For a more detailed account of Claude Colet’s devices of amplification, see Bettoni, “Claude Colet e
L’Histoire Palladienne,” 193–202.
Fig. 2
L'Histoire Palladienne (Étienne Groulleau, 1555), title page. BNF Rés. Y2 146
Introduction
xxx
Palladine of England (1588) and Anthony Munday: his time and oeuvre
The coming of prose fiction is considered one of the gifts of the Elizabethans to English
literature. It began with a period of transition or apprenticeship in which the English
letters developed by translating foreign prose works.59 Anthony Munday (1560–1633)60
was one of those “apprentices”, and although he was partly responsible for the
popularity of the chivalric romance during the late sixteenth century, his work as a
translator was not properly brought into light until the second half of the past decade.
The critics of the twentieth century dismissed his work as mediocre either because of
his acitivty as a hack writer or due to the questionable morality of his actions: “Anthony
Munday [...] exemplifies the life of commercial authorship at its lowest level and has
more place in the history of police methods than in that of literature. He was a
playwright except when attacks on the theatre became saleable, a spy, an agent
provocateur, an evidence, the commune refugium [...] of tottering prosecutions, the dirty
59See J. W. H. Atkins, “Elizabethan Prose Fiction” in The Cambridge History of English and American
Literature: An Encyclopedia in Eighteen Volumes, ed. A.W. Ward, A.R. Waller et al. Vol. III (1907–
1921; repr., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1969–1978), 339–41.
60 For a summarised biography of Anthony Munday, see David M. Bergeron, “Munday, Anthony (bap.
1560, d. 1633),” in ODNB; J. Payne Collier, ed. Introduction to John A Kent and John A Cumber; A
Comedy by Anthony Munday (London, The Shakespeare Society, 1851), xxvii–lv; M. St. Clare Byrne,
“Anthony Munday and his books,” The Library, 4th series, 1(1920–1921): 225–26; Helen Moore,
“Anthony Munday,” in The Oxford History of Literary Translation in English: Vol. 2 1550–1660, eds.
G. Braden, R. Cummings and S. Gillespie (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010), 74–77; Helen Moore,
Introduction to Amadis de Gaule. Translated by Anthony Munday (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2004), xxiii–lvi;
and Anthony Munday, The English Roman Life, ed. Philip J. Ayres (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1980), iii–
xix. For an extensive biography of the author, see Donna B. Hamilton, Anthony Munday and the
Catholics, 1560–1633 (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2005); Tracey Hill, Anthony Munday and Civic Culture
(Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2004); and Celeste Turner, Anthony Munday: An Elizabethan
Man of Letters (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1928).
Introduction
xxxi
card that even government plays last.”61 C. S. Lewis’s vehement criticism on Munday is
not an isolated case, but it seems to be biased by several biographical details that have
been widely discussed in the past few years, but should nonetheless be put aside when
dealing with his literary production. Furthermore, his – now acknowledged – important
role as a translator of chivalric romances goes unnoticed.
Anthony Munday (also Monday and Mundy) was born in the City of London,
parish of St. Gregory, in 1560. He was the son of Jane (d. 1599) and Christopher (d.
1571), a stationer who had been an apprentice of printers and booksellers. Munday first
came into contact with the business of literature when he was taken on as an apprentice
by the printer John Allde, father of Edward Allde,62 who would later be responsible for
printing Palladine of England. After he became Allde’s apprentice in 1576, Munday
began his multiple and various literary endeavours, which he would continue until his
death in 1633. Some of his works were even reprinted well into the seventeenth century,
with Palladine being one of them. Anthony Munday was a versatile author, but he
focused his efforts primarily on a certain genre during each different period.63
61 C. S. Lewis, English Literature in the Sixteenth Century, excluding Drama (Oxford: Clarendon Press,
1968), 400.
62 Edward Allde (active 1584–1628) was made free of the Company of Stationers in 1584 and continued
his father’s business. He would eventually become one of the most active printers of that period with
editions such as the works of Marlowe, Thomas Dekker or Samuel Daniel. For a biography of Allde, see
Ian Gadd, “Allde [Alldee], Edward (1555x63–1627),” in ODNB; see also R. B. McKerrow, ed. A
Dictionary of Printers and Booksellers in England, Scotland and Ireland, and of Foreign Printers of
English books 1557–1640 (London: Bibliographical Society, 1968), 5.
63 For a bibliography of the works of Munday, see Hamilton, Catholics, 199–206; to compare the bulk of
Munday’s production, who had one of the longest biographies of his age, with other translators, see the
General Bibliography of Translations included in the Oxford History of Literary Translation in English,
471–560.
Introduction
xxxii
His early works, during the 1577–1580 period,64 were a mixture of genres such as
ballads, commendatory and moralising verses, prefaces, news reports; a versification of
Old Testament narratives such as The Mirrour of Mutabilitie (1579, STC 18276);
Zelauto. The Fountaine of Fame (1580, STC 18281), a prose work which borrowed
elements from the chivalric romance; and pamphlets (both translations and his own). He
studied Latin, French and Italian, and in 1579 he entered the English College in Rome
as a scholar, a period that he documented in The English Romanyne Lyfe (1582, STC
18272). Munday diversified his work in every way he could: he had been an actor, but
he translated the anti-theatrical “Third blast” in A Second and Third Blast of Retrait
from the Plaies and Theatres in 1580 (STC 21677). Paradoxically enough, he would
become a praised playwright some years later.
Between 1581 and 1588, Munday, together with most writers of the time,
experienced a period of adjustment due to the political and religious unrest in the
country: his strategy was to show himself as a loyal and conforming subject of the
Crown.65 The multiplicity and variety of his works led Munday to be disregarded as a
hack writer,66 but the reality of his period must not be forgotten. He produced his work
at a time when the standards for artistic creation were changing and starting to be
observed through a prism of rationality: a work of art was no longer “suddenly and
wholly inspired by a muse of poesy”, as Arthur F. Kinney points out.67 Early modern
literature presents a conjunction of hard work, the unrelenting search for a patron, and
64 For a detailed account of this period, see Hamilton, Catholics, 1–30.
65 Ibid., xviii.
66 For comments on Munday as a hack writer, see Hill, Anthony Munday and Civic Culture, 1–3.
67 “Introduction,” in The Cambridge Companion to English Literature 1500–1600, ed. A. F. Kinney
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000), 6.
Introduction
xxxiii
the will to make a good social impression, all with the hope of reaping financial gains.
To use the term applied by Roger Chartier, the literary artist wrote in a state of
“dependence” on patronage, subsidy and the market.68 Munday’s line of work shared
the ethos of practicality of the English and Spanish printers of the age: just as
Shakespeare did, they wrote and printed as their way of earning a living.69 The notion of
author as a person who governs his or her texts and profits from them was yet to
emerge, and until then writers would lose control over their work once it was sold to the
printer, a sale from which they would receive only one payment, which was usually
meagre.70 Thus, “to publish was not to profit”,71 and writers had to struggle to keep
afloat. In the case of Munday, this meant constant and varied writing intermingled with
what has been described as an “apparent unscrupulousness”72 towards patronage-
seeking and commercial interest. Munday was quite the opportunistic type, and it has
been suggested that Ben Jonson regarded him as a rival for patronage in the early
68 Roger Chartier, The Order of Books (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1994), x. For the
circumstances around the production of a translation, see Gordon Braden, “An Overview,” in Oxford
History of Literary Translation in English, 5–8.
69 See María Marsá, La imprenta en los Siglos de Oro: 1520–1700 (Madrid: Ediciones del Laberinto,
2001), 15.
70 For further information on the working conditions and fees of the writers of the age, see David Kastan,
“Print, Literary Culture and the Book Trade,” in The Cambridge History of Early Modern English
Literature, eds. David Loewenstein and Panel Mueller (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002),
108–116; Wendy Wall, “Authorship and the Material Conditions of Writing,” in The Cambridge
Companion to English Literature 1500–1600, 64–89; and Michelle O’Callaghan, “Publication: Print and
Manuscript,” in The Oxford History of Literary Translation in English, 86–87
71 Catherine Bates, “Poetry, Patronage, and the Court,” in The Cambridge Companion to English
Literature 1500–1600, 90.
72 Hill, Anthony Munday and Civic Culture, 37.
Introduction
xxxiv
seventeenth century.73 Munday strived to make himself known in different social circles
(the City, the court) in order to obtain patrons, and he would abandon a certain patron if
his or her social integrity seemed to be questionable, mainly based on the suspicion of
controversial religious affiliations. An opportunistic approach indeed, but a necessary
one to survive, since, as Hamilton explains, “the security of writing within a patronage
system lasts only as long as the patron is secure and effective”.74 For instance, his
Palladine of England bore the following dedication: “TO THE RIGHT | Honorable,
Robert Deuorax, Earle | of Essex, and Ewe: Viscount of Hereford and | Bourchier: Lord
Ferrers of Chartley, Bourchier | and Louayne: Maister of the Queenes | Maiesties
Horsse: A. M. | wisheth increase of all | hapinesse.”75 Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of
Essex, was a cousin and favourite of Queen Elizabeth, and proved to be a military asset
against the Spanish in the Netherlands; but his ambitions and disobedience provoked his
swift fall from favour.76 Showing his keenness to gain profit and realising the perils of
the whimsical relations in high places, Munday began to dedicate his works to the
bourgeoisie of the City, a much more reliable source than the figures related to the
Elizabethan court.77
73 Ibid., 75.
74 For Munday’s changes of patron, see Ibid., 85–97. For an overview of Elizabethan patronage, see
Graham Parry, “Patronage and the Printing of Learned Works for the Author,” in The Cambridge History
of the Book in Britain: Volume IV 1557–1695, ed. John Barnard and D. F. McKenzie (Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 2002), 174–79.
75 Anthony Munday, trans., The Famous, Pleasant and Variable Historie of Palladine of England.
(London: Edward Allde, 1588), *3.
76 For a biography of Robert Devereux, see Paul E. J. Hammer, “Devereux, Robert, Second Earl of Essex
(1565–1601),” in ODNB, last modified October 2008, accessed 12 June 2012.
77 See Hill, Anthony Munday and Civic Culture, 85–86.
Introduction
xxxv
During the 1580s and the 1590s, Munday held different official capacities, as
proven by the signature placed in several of his works: “Servaunt to the Queenes most
excellent Majestie” in A Banquet of Daintie Conceits (entered 1584), and “Messenger of
Her Majesty’s Chamber” in both Palladine of England and Palmerin d’Oliva (both in
1588), which he used until 1596, in Primaleon. Not only did he strive to climb the
social ladder, but he also took great interest in commercial issues linked to his own
writing. For instance, it would not be a safe business to translate or print a book which
had not proven to be successful abroad, and L’Histoire Palladienne was an obvious
succesful case, with French editions in 1555, 1562 and 1573. Tracey Hill has given
evidence of Munday’s interest in commercial success, as was clearly shown in the
prefaces of his translations,78 which were also a display of interesting intertextual
commentary taken from French traductological practice of the time.79 In the colophon of
Palladine, Munday reveals information on some of his other works in progress: “The
historie of Palmendos and Primaleon,80 promised in my two partes of Palmerin d’Oliua,
as leysure will permit shall be perfected: in meane while (for Countries sake) bid
Palladine welcome, which the French haue published in the honor of England.”81 As I
mentioned previously, Munday’s reputation as a hack writer caused critics to dismiss 78 Ibid., 44–49.
79 Louise Wilson provides an analysis of the paratextual content of Munday’s work in relation to the
French Humanist paratexts of the period in “Front Matter of Munday’s Iberian Romance Translations,” in
Renaissance Paratexts, ed. Helen Smith and Louise Wilson (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
2011), 121–32
80 Leticia Álvarez-Recio provides an accurate account of the relationship between Palmendos and
Primaleon, the former referring to the first 32 chapters in the French Primaleon de Grece (1550, FB
44731), the French translation of the Spanish Book I of Primaleón de Grecia (1512, IB 16739). See
Leticia Álvarez-Recio, “Chapters Translated by Anthony Munday in The History of Palmendos (1589): A
Long-Standing Error,” in Notes and Queries 62, no. 4 (2015): 549–51.
81 Munday, Palladine of England, 2A4v.
Introduction
xxxvi
him as a second-rate author, and his works have not been subjected to major studies
until recent years. Nevertheless, he did receive some contemporary praise. In 1586
Thomas Webbe, in his Discourse of English Poetrie (STC 25172), commended several
authors for their “singuler inuentions of Poetrie”. Among them he mentions Anthony
Munday: “an earnest traueller in this arte, and in whose name I haue seene very
excellent workes, among which surely, the most exquisite vaine of a witty poeticall
heade is shewed in the sweete sobs of Sheepheardes and Nymphes: a worke well worthy
to be viewed, and to bee esteemed as very rare Poetrie.”82
Especially during the 1590–1602 period,83 Munday cultivated drama, with plays
such as John a Kent and John a Cumber (1590, manuscript, Huntington Library, HM
500), Sir Thomas Moore (1592–94, manuscript, British Library Harley 7368), The
Downfall of Robert, Earle of Huntington (1601, STC 18271), The Death of Robert,
Earle of Huntington (1601, 18269), and several collaborations with playwrights such as
Thomas Dekker84 or Michael Drayton.85 In 1598, Palladis Tamia. Wits Treasury by the
Minister Francis Meres (STC 17834) was published. It was a comparative work
between the best English poets, painters and musicians, and their classical Greek, Latin
and Italian counterparts. It was his opinion that “the best for Comedy amongst us be
Edward [Vere], Earl of Oxford; Doctor Gager, of Oxford; Master Rowley, once a rare
scholar of learned Pembroke Hall in Cambridge; Master Edwardes, one of Her
82 William Webbe, A Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586, ed. Edward Arber (Westminster: Archibald
Constable and Co., 1895), 35.
83 For a detailed account of this period, see Hamilton, Catholics, 113–52.
84 For a biography, see John Twyning, “Dekker, Thomas (c. 1572–1632), Playwright and Pamphleteer,”
in ODNB.
85 For a biography, see Anne Lake Prescott, “Drayton, Michael (1563–1631),” in ODNB.
Introduction
xxxvii
Majesty’s Chapel; eloquent and witty John Lilly, Lodge, Gascoigne, Greene,
Shakespeare, Thomas Nash, Thomas Heywood, Anthony Munday, our best plotter;
Chapman, Porter, Wilson, Hathway, and Henry Chettle.”86 It would appear that despite
the fact that Munday was “condemned to gall back into the literary gutter, [...] one of
the bottom-feeders in the sea of Elizabethan literature,”87 he left a positive impression in
several layers of the literary critique of his time, and it has been suggested that his
influence may have reached the writings of the Bard himself.88
During the 1602–1633 period,89 Munday built a steadfast relationship with the
government of the City of London, which provided him with public recognition and
sustenance until his death. He became an entertainer who wrote Lord Mayor’s shows90
such as Camp-bell, or The Ironmongers Faire Feild (1609, STC 18265), Chruso-
thriambos (1611, STC 18267), Himatia-Poleos (1614, STC 18274), Chrysanaleia
(1616, STC 18266), Sidero-Thriambos (1618, STC 18279), and his final work: the
86 Edward Arber and Thomas Seccombe, eds., An English Garner - Critical Essays & Literary Fragments
(Westminster: Archibald Constable and Co., 1903) 15–16 (my italics).
87 David Womersley, “Shakespeare and Anthony Munday,” in Literary Milieux: Essays in Text and
Context Presented to Howard Erskine-Hill, ed. David Womersley and Richard McCabe (Newark:
University of Delaware Press, 2008), 72.
88 Ibid., 72–91.
89 For a detailed account of this period, see Hamilton, Catholics, 153–96.
90 The Lord Mayor’s shows were festivities held annually in October in London, featuring parades, plays,
fireworks and speeches by prominent dramatic authors, such as Middleton, Dekker, Heywood or Munday,
with the purpose of praising the new mayor. John H. Astington, “The Ages of Man and the Lord Mayor’s
Show,” in Other Voices, Other Views: Expanding the Canon in English Renaissance Studies, ed. Helen
Ostovich, Mary V. Silcox, and Graham Roebuck (Newark: University of Delaware Press, 1999), 74. For
an extensive account of Munday’s pageants, see David M. Bergeron, ed. Pageants and Entertainments of
Anthony Munday: A Critical Edition (New York: Garland, 1985).
Introduction
xxxviii
second emendation of John Stow’s The Survey of London (1633, STC 23445), a report
on the customs, society and architecture of the city.
The translation of chivalric romances was a constant occupation throughout
Munday’s career, especially during the periods 1588 to 1602 and 1618 to 1619, and it
deserves a more thorough discussion here.
Anthony Munday as a translator of chivalric romances
Recently, the role of Munday as a key figure in better understanding the early modern
cultural context has been taken into consideration and analysed more closely than in
previous decades. He has been included in the second volume of The Oxford History of
Literary Translation in English as one of the four translator case studies, and his
presence throughout the book is conspicuous. Helen Moore considers that “[i]n many
respects, the success of Spanish romance in England is attributable to the efforts of one
man”:91 Anthony Munday.
Munday was an eclectic translator, and the most prolific of his era. He did not
devote all his time to the translation of chivalric romances, and yet he found the time to
produce translations of an astonishing amount of Iberian books of chivalry: Palmerin of
England parts I and II (editio princeps lost, probably produced in 1581);92 Palmerin
d’Oliva parts I and II (1588, STC 19157; no copy of part II has survived); Palladine of
England (1588, STC 5541); Palmendos (1589, STC 18064); Amadis de Gaule part I
91 Helen Moore, “Romance,” in A Companion to English Renaissance Literature and Culture, ed.
Michael Hattaway (Oxford: Blackwell, 2000), 320.
92 See Jordi Sánchez-Martí, “The Publication History of Anthony Munday’s Palmerin
d’Oliva,” Gutenberg Jahrbuch 89 (2014): 190–93.
Introduction
xxxix
(1590, STC 541); Amadis de Gaule part II (1595, STC 542); Primaleon of Greece part I
(1595, STC 20366); Primaleon of Greece part II (1596, STC 20366a); Amadis de Gaule
part V (1598, STC 542.5); Palmerin of England part III (1602, STC 19165); and
Amadis de Gaule parts III and IV (1618, STC 543).
Which were Munday’s techniques and habits as a translator? Do they consist in
the “expansion of romantic elements, humorous additions, and excisions or alterations
of religious references”, as Hamilton suggests?93 To what extent did he transform his
source text? Munday gives a brief explanation of his translation philosophy in the initial
epistle of Palladine of England: “If you happen to fynde any mislike in the translation,
or that it is not so currant English as fyne eares hunt after: let this serue as a sufficient
excuse for mee that in translating, men are bound to their Writers words, and such as
roue at random, may set downe what they please.”94 Munday writes an apologetic
epistle to the reader where he justifies his potential mistakes by claiming a textual
fidelity towards his author, Claude Colet.95 This fidelity is, however, rather dubious.
Taking into account that Munday focused on the commercial dimension of the book
rather than on its artistic value and the creative possibilities which translation offered, it
seems natural that his English version begins with an almost verbatim rendition of the 93 Hamilton, “Anthony Munday’s Translations of Iberian Chivalric Romances. Palmerin of England, Part
I as Exemplar,” in Catholic Culture in Early Modern England, Ronald Corthell et al. (Notre Dame:
University of Notre Dame Press, 2007), 218
94 Munday, Palladine of England, *4.
95 There are no references to the Iberian origin of L’Histoire Palladienne in either of the translations,
except for Étienne Jodelle’s derogatory “Spanish lies” in the introduction to the book, which was directed
to the genre in general, not to that precise work. To the best of Munday’s knowledge, Claude Colet was
the sole author, as he states in the colophon of Palladine of England: “Heere did Claudius Colet of
Champaigne, who wrote this Worke in the French toong, make a full conclusion of the Historie: and I
hauing no further scope, but bound to follow the direction of mine Author, heere doo I likewise knit vp
the famous discourse of Prince Palladine.” Munday, Palladine of England, 2A4v.
Introduction
xl
French text. When the two texts are collated, few alterations per page are found. When
analysed separately, those alterations do not seem to be significant. However, when they
are considered as a whole, it becomes clear that Munday uses a series of textual
resources systematically, creating a pattern or style. In order to demonstrate this I have
gathered a selection of examples which I have divided into two distinct groups:
amplifications and omissions.
Amplifications
Munday tends to amplify Palladine in several ways with a varying degree of subtlety.
He introduces adjectives which add emphasis to the original French meaning,
sometimes to intensify love, adventure and honour, or more often to increase the sense
of epic grandeur. Munday also expands the use of courtly elements and good manners,
departing from a source which is much more direct, informal and sometimes even
disrespectful. Nationalistic elements extolling the virtues of England are also inserted in
the text. Sometimes, the afore-mentioned elements and devices intertwine.
The following excerpts are found within the verbatim translations of several
passages, the words in bold type being the innovations introduced by Munday:
[his lady’s affection] which touched him inwardly with such assaults, as feeling a sudden weaknesse to surprise him. (Ch. VI, line 89)
blood [...] issue from him so aboundantly (Ch. VII, line 78)
The three Knightes verie louingly embraced each other (Chap. VIII, line 65)
All of the above insertions add strength and dramatic force to the original without
altering its general sense and meaning. These examples appear only once, but Munday
Introduction
xli
also adopts certain resources that are used several times throughout the text, such as the
following narrative tag lines:
such a maruelous aduenture, as no registred memorie records the like (Ch. I, lines 44–45)
in strangenesse to surpasse the memorie of all former aduentures (Ch. I, lines 108–109)
Some additions to the characters’ lines of dialogue are found, in contrast with Munday’s
usual practice of reducing or eliminating direct speech:
[Is this my recompence after honouring and entertaining you in my house?], doost thou reward me with this villanie? (Chapter IX, line 77)
Adjectivation
The following examples are very common in the text. Here again, Munday
provides a verbatim translation, but enhances the common noun in the phrase with a
qualifying adjective of his choice to create a sense of awe or mystery:
vntill the Knight came that conquered these monstrous men (Ch. I, line 91)
as well for your rare vertues (Ch. V, line 93)
enchaunted by a wicked Sorcerer (Ch. VI, line 28)
the clanching of his weapon made a wonderfull noise (Ch. VII, line 87)
secret loue between them had caused this chaunge (Ch. IX, line 21)
In some cases, the qualifier introduced is an adjective that is present almost every other
time the noun phrase appears in the French text. Therefore, if one of the instances lacks
the adjective, Munday inserts it:
vnder the gouerment of the great Turke (Ch. IX, line 54)
Introduction
xlii
Courtesy
The French text is sometimes too direct or even informal in certain situations,
mainly those dealing with behaviour in court and courtly conversation: the characters
act and speak straightforwardly regardless of the fact that they are addressing a person
of much higher rank. In the French version, when several kings and officials are visiting
the court, waiting to be seated on the scaffolding in order to watch the knights try the
adventure of the statues that come to life, the dignitaries sit and the trial starts
immediately. In the English text, Munday includes observations regarding protocol:
No sooner were they placed as beseemed their estates (Ch. II, line 52)
[The trial does not start until] they had done reuerence to the Kings (Ch. II, line 55)
In the French text, some knights address the King directly as soon as they meet, without
any show of reverence. Not so in the English version. Manteleo of Milan, Palladine’s
best friend, finds King Milanor in the garden. Manteleo pays the king due respect before
talking to him:
he came and kneeled before [the King] (Ch. V, lines 13–14)
The last example clearly illustrates the ideal of chivalric honour. When the knight
Manteleo tells his father, the Duke of Milan, that he will travel to London in order to
finish the adventure of the enchanted statues, Munday includes a final remark
concerning honour and chivalric values which has no parallel in the French version:
let me dye ere I be dishonored with feare or dismaying (Ch. V, line 35–36)
Introduction
xliii
Expansion of national elements
The examples I will use to illustrate this point are extracted from Chapter V of the
Spanish text, which corresponds with Chapter X of both the French and the English
versions. As I mentioned previously, Claude Colet expanded on the contents of the
Spanish text substantially, which resulted in an increase in the final chapter count. The
French and English versions still coincide at this point, although Munday’s omissions
will increase progressively from Chapter XV to Chapter XXXVIII, where the departure
from the French text becomes more apparent. The correlation between the first five
Spanish chapters and the first ten French chapters is as follows:
Don Florando de Inglaterra L’Histoire Palladienne I I–II–III–IV II V III VI IV VII–VIII V IX–X
In this chapter, Palladine of England and Manteleo of Milan, recently dubbed
knights, travel from the city of London to Hungary after finishing a magical
enchantment. While on the road, they meet four knights who are travelling to London
with the aim of solving the already finished adventure. The reaction of the knights once
they learn that Palladine and Manteleo were victorious varies a great deal from the
original to the English version. In the Spanish text of 1545, the leader of the four
knights states mockingly that the magical enchantments are probably matters of little
importance, since two young noblemen have been able to finish an adventure of that
sort:
Por cierto, respondio el cavallero, agora acabo de crer que toda cosa de encantamiento es vanidad, pues que dos donzeles acabaron la aventura. (Ch. V, fol. 6v)
Introduction
xliv
The Spanish word donzeles refers to an inexperienced young man or nobleman who has
not yet been dubbed, thus undervaluing Palladine and Manteleo’s exploits. Paladiano
does not fail to grasp the meaning and, furious, he charges at the knight, defeating him
in no time. The narration of the fight takes up no more than a sentence:
Tomando [P]aladiano su lança bien cubierto de su escudo se fue para el caballero que ya contra el venia muy ayrado por lo que le dixera: y se dieron tales encuentros que el caballero vino al suelo quedando la lança sana (Ch. V, fol. 6v)
This Spanish excerpt recounts how Paladiano takes his lance and, well covered by his
shield, charges against the angry knight. They give each other such blows that the rival
knight falls to the floor. The style of the wording here, direct and concise, makes it a
useful sample to analyse the divergence between the Spanish and the French texts. In
the French translation of 1555, the same segment introduces some nuances. The four
knights do not mock the protagonists because of their youth: they make fun of their
nationality. According to the leader of the four knights, the enchantment is still
unimportant, but the reason this time is that it has been completed by an Italian and an
Englishman. According to the villain, Italians are not good knights, but pompous and
boastful; and English knights are even worse, since they have the reputation of being
unadventurous in feats of arms:
L’un, dist Palladien, est Angloys & l’autre Milannoys, lors le Chevalier en se riant, par dieu, dist il, s’il est ainsi, je cognais bien que l’enchantement n’estoit pas fort dificile à deffaire & qu’el n’estait pas fait de l’esprit d’un bon maistre, puis qu’un Italien & un Angloys l’ant mis à fin car on voit bien peu d’Italien bons Chevaliers, il y a ordinairement en eux plus d’ostentation & de bravades, que d’effect, & aux Angloix encore moins, qui ont le renom en plusiurs païs: d’etre peu hardis au fait des armes. (Ch. X, sig. C6r)
Introduction
xlv
As in the Spanish text, Palladien charges against the insolent knight, but this time,
Claude Colet expands the narration considerably (my bold type):
Incontinent Palladien sans attendre autre chose mist la lance en l’arrest & courut contre celluy qui avoit parlé pour tous les autres lescelz (s’estans recullez d’une bonne carrier) se preparoient pour faire leur devoir, or se recontrerent les deux champions de telle vehemence que l’Espagnol rompit bravement sur le Prince sans toutesfois l’offenser en rien à cause de la bonté de son harnoys qui estoit tout blanc & bien poly: mais l’Espagnol n’en eschapa pas ainsi: car le Prince luy mist la lance á travers le bras gauche don’t il sentit telle dolur que, laschant la bride de son cheval, il se laissa cheoir de dessus toit pasmé (Ch.X, sig. C6r–C6v)
The events in the Spanish text were explained in two lines as a fast encounter, an
exchange of blows, and a fall, but are carefully described in the French text as a
vehement clash in which the insolent knight breaks his lance against the prince without
hurting him, thanks to the quality of Palladien’s armour. After the clash, Palladien
pierces the knight through his left arm, inflicting great pain and causing him to let go of
the reins of his horse. The English translation of 1588 stands halfway between the
original and the French translation in terms of narration and description: although
Munday follows Colet’s text faithfully, he disregards several descriptive elements, such
as Palladine’s armour or the kind of wound inflicted on the other knight. In this sense,
Munday’s discourse proves to be much more fluid than in the previous versions,
striking the balance between brevity and verbosity. Nevertheless, the main distinctive
feature in Munday’s version of Chapter X is the emphasis placed on nationality. As a
general rule, he finds a middle ground between the conciseness of the Spanish text and
the detail of the French, but the situation changes when Colet’s amplification recounts
the affront of a Spanish knight towards an English one. In Palladine, the leader of the
four knights says that
the enchauntment was no hard matter to finish, nor was any hidden vertue to be discernd therein, when an Italian and an Englishman could bring it to ende. Very few good Knightes are founde among the Italians, in whome is more ostentation
Introduction
xlvi
and brauadoes, then matter of moment and effect: and in Englishmen is much lesse, being reputed in all Countreys for men of little estimation (Ch X, lines 16–21)
According to the OED, the most common meaning (now obscure) for “estimation” in
the Renaissance was “the condition of being esteemed; ‘account’ or worth in the
opinion of others; esteem considered passively; repute”. The situation is identical to that
of the French text, but the power of the insult is greater here, where the insolent knight
is not only rating the English as bad knights, but underestimating all of English
manhood. Thus, the translator creates a greater sense of animosity towards the Spanish
knights. In the last part of the following extract, unparalleled in the French text, the
feeling of national pride starts to grow when Palladine states his will to confront the
knight, since
the offence was first made to me. Beside, they are in my Countrey, it belongeth then to me to correct their folly, making by proofe what an Englishman is able to doo. (Ch X, lines 34–36)
In the original text, English nationality is mentioned only once, and as I have
already pointed out, there is no mention of Spanish nationality whatsoever. Colet uses
“Anglois” four times and “Espagnol” three times. Munday mentions the word
“Englishman” seven times, and “Spaniard” five times. Munday’s emphasis on
Spanish/English enmity could be conscious, thus indicating his knowledge that it was a
resource that would work among English readers. One way or another, the final thesis of
the English translation of chapter X is made starkly clear when we read the very last
Introduction
xlvii
sentence, uttered by Palladine and translated in a climate of political tension,96 which
was non-existent in all previous versions:
Now may yee depart when ye please, said Palladine, and say, that Englishmen are better Knightes then Spanyards (Ch. X, line 86–87)
Omissions
The omissions in the English text represent the greatest form of departure from the
French version. It is not unusual for Munday to eliminate or attenuate references to
physical pleasure or sex; some unseemly elements unrelated to sexual intercourse are
also omitted, and a variety of lengthy events – usually combats or descriptions of
ornamental aspects – are summarised.
Sexual content
Although Munday sometimes resorts to verbose amplification when speaking of
courtly love, he tones down the more implicit erotic references (my bold type):
[ Fr.] ce qu’il desiroit tant auoir d’elle qui estoit le fruict de douce iouïssance (Ch. V, B4r)
[En.] and graunt him the honor he earnestly desired (Ch. V, lines 148–149)
96 It is interesting to note that Munday would later dedicate his Palmendos (1589) to Sir Francis Drake,
English hero of the Anglo-Spanish War. Álvarez-Recio states that this dedicatory signified Munday’s
partial acknowledgement of “the interplay between chivalric romance and Elizabethan colonial or
imperial discourse, thus allowing for different readings of his translation”. See “Anthony Munday’s
Palmendos (1589) in the Early Modern English Book Trade: Print and Reception,” in Atlantis. Journal of
the Spanish Association of Anglo-American Studies, 38.1 (2016): 56n.
Introduction
xlviii
[Fr.] la iouïssance (Ch. VII, C1v)
[En.] the sweetes of loue (Ch. VII, line 95)
[Fr.] en telle sorte qu’il delibera de faire toutes les choses à luy possibles pour en auoir la iouïssance (Ch. IX, C4v)
[En.] became enamoured of her (Ch. IX, line 60)
The English translator systematically omits the word iouïssance, meaning “usage and
possession of something” (including a woman and her love),97 in reference to the
physical enjoyment of the sexual act, and disguises it under more decorous alternatives,
some of them open to a free interpretation and charged with subtlety. In cases such as
the following, a fanciful romantic phrase is rendered into a more formal and rational
alternative:
[Fr.] pas moins agitée d’amoureuses fantasies (Ch. V, B4r)
[En.] [the princess] nothing inferiour to him in amorous opinions (Ch. V, line 150)
More noteworthy still is the substantial summary of the first – and very explicit – sexual
encounter of the book, which occupies four folios in the French version (F1r–F2v) and
which Munday shortens euphuistically:
As for Marcelina and Florea, such as haue felt the weight of affection, and know that absent louers make a heauen of their meeting: such I thinke will heere allow, that freends so intirely combined together, would hardly now fall out with one another. If then their silent passionate desires, sorted out time and place conuenient, where gracious loue might fauour their endeuours, and quench the
97 See Le Dictionnaire de l’Académie Française (1694), s.v. “jouïssance”. The OED also recognizes the
obscure term “jouisance” as (1) “The possession and use of something affording advantage” in a sense
equal to “the action or state of deriving gratification from an object. Also, in weaker sense, the possession
and use of something which affords pleasure or advantage” and (2) “Pleasure, delight; merriment, mirth,
festivity” in a sense equal to “gratification, pleasure; concr. something which gives pleasure”.
Introduction
xlix
furie of so violent impressions: leaue them contented with their fortunate successe (Ch. XVI, lines 78–84).
Bawdy and unseemly situations
Under this heading I have grouped a series of omissions which share only one
feature in common: they deviate from what would be considered “proper” in a text
focused on praising the old chivalric values and courtly manners. Munday turns the
jaunty French text into a narrative where there is no room for the coarse or the bawdy.
In the first example, a small Scotsman is introduced. He is ugly and misshapen,
but Munday omits the fact that he has swarthy skin, a snotty nose and scabietic skin:
[Fr.] au reste d’vne couleur basanée & tousiours morueux & gratelleux par tout le corps (Ch. III, A6r)
[En.] a man in euery part very much mishapen (Ch. III, line 42)
Nudity and the image of a nobleman caught off-guard seem to trouble Munday.
Therefore, he also omits a passage in which a group of nobles go to Manteleo’s room to
converse with him, but he is still undressed. The words in bold have no parallel in the
English text:
[Fr.] le prince Palladien acompagné de plusieurs Gentilzhommes, vint bucquer à la porte de là chambre de Mantilée qui n’estoiy encores abillé (Ch. VI, B4v)
Munday protects the image of nobility and its well-mannered demeanour in several
ways: he adds rules of decorum, as I mentioned in the section on amplification above;
he omits details that could portray a ridiculous image, as in the previous example; and
Introduction
l
he also restrains the unseemly actions or speech of noblemen, which are sometimes
gaudy and ungentlemanly. In the following instance, the king threatens to punish a
villain by saying that his body would not weigh an ounce of dust before the evening
ended if he was there. Munday tones it down with courtly speech:
[Fr.] ie croy que ie luy ferois bien deffaire l’enchantement ou son corps ne peseoit vne once de pouldre auant qu’il fust le vespre (Ch. VI, B5r–B5v)
[En.] either would I cause him to end the enchauntment himselfe, or recompence him with his iust desarts (Ch. VI, lines 47–48)
Lengthy events
As mentioned in previous sections, Claude Colet obtained sixty-six lengthy
chapters from the forty-six brief chapters of the Spanish original. Condensing Colet’s
sixty-six chapters, Anthony Munday produces forty-two, most of which are shorter. The
following table shows in the left column the French chapters which are contained in the
corresponding chapter of the English translation in the right column:
L’Histoire Palladienne Palladine of England I I II II III III IV IV V V VI VI VII VII VIII VIII IX IX X X XI XI XII XII XIII–XIV XIII XV XIV XVI–XVII XV XXIV–XXVI XX XXVII–XXXI XXI XXXII–XXXIII XXII XXXVI–XXXVII XXV XXXIX–XL XXVII XLI–XLII XXVIII XLIII–XLIV XXIX XLV–XLVI XXX
Introduction
li
L–LIII XXXIV LIV–LV XXXV LVI–LIX XXXVI LX–LXI XXXVII LVI–LVII–LVIII–LIX XXXVI LXII XXXVIII LXIII XXXIX LXIV XL LXV XLI LXVI XLII
There is a key moment of divergence between the texts: Munday summarises the French
chapter XIV within the English chapter XIII. As a consequence, the French chapter XV
becomes chapter XIV in the English text, and so on. This divergence from the original
capitulation is further accentuated by Munday’s condensation of several French chapters
into a single English one, a recurrent feature in chapters XIII to XXXVI of the English
text.
This abbreviation occurs due to several reasons. Wherever there is a lengthy and
detailed account of ornamental passages or events which are secondary to the core
chivalric plot, Munday summarises. In figure 3 below, the French text provides the
reader with a detailed account of the festivities taking place in London to celebrate the
arrival of the Kings of Scotland and Northern Wales during Palladine’s baptism. It
covers a folio and a half recounting courtly proceedings, pomp, ceremonies, games and
entertainment, etc. Munday sums everything up in just a few lines, amplifying the text
with phrases of his own (here in bold type):
When the day was come that the yong Prince should be Christened, as the King and his father had requested, he was named Palladine: and afterward, to honor the time and the royall companie, there wanted no worthy deuises, with exquisite Chiualrie perfourmed both at the Tilt and Tourney, wherein the King of Scots bare great estimation, being a yong Prince, aged sixe and twenty yeeres, and one, that in Knightly exercises carried especiall account. Yet was not this ioy alone in the Court, but in London likewise the Citizens shewed the like, where the Conduits ranne diuers sorts of Wines, the Streetes were stored with Tables before the dores, and all kinde of good cheere placed thereon, with such ringing of Belles and making Bone-fiers, as neuer was the like seene before that time. It were too
Introduction
lii
long a matter to rehearse, what braue Theatres were erected, and therein presented most excellent Comedies, with Maskes, Mommeries, and all kinde of delightfull inuentions, during the time of this Feast, which continued fifteene deyes together. (Ch. II, lines 21–33)
As a general rule, Munday also omits specific details regarding fights, such as the
paraphernalia of war or the places where the knights are wounded. He often summarises
the quarrels to offer the reader only the beginning and end of the affair. A good
illustration of this kind of omission can be found in the following example. At the
beginning of the French text, twelve knights try to end the adventure of the statues. The
attempt of nine of those knights is narrated throughout three folios, in a highly detailed
manner, step by step, together with the commentaries and jokes that the members of the
nobility make about their performances. Of the last three knights, we are only told that
they have suffered the same fate as the previous nine. Munday’s version, in just a few
lines, narrates the fate of only the first and eighth of those knights. He abbreviates the
attempts of the remaining ten knights with a succinct description:
Like fortune fell to the rest of the twelue, some shewing greater magnimitie in fight then other did (Ch. II, lines 64–65)
Munday also ignores several sub-plots in which the main characters of L’Histoire
Palladienne are not the protagonists and which have no relevance in the central plot: the
story of a poor man who yells outside the castle where the lead characters are having
dinner because he is starving to death (D5v); a humorous dialogue between the knights
and a deaf man, whom they ask if he has seen any other knights, but who only gives
answers about wine (E6r); or the protagonist’s involvement in the vengeance of the
knight Durcande, whose brother Limedes is by a certain Durnelfe to ravish his mistress
Introduction
liii
without opposition, an adventure which takes up the majority of French chapters
XXVIII to XXX.
Thus, we can assert that, despite his initial claim of fidelity towards “his author”,
Anthony Munday did indeed modify the contents of the French text a great deal. His
additions and omissions were a necessary tool for the adaptation of the original text to
the taste of the public during a very specific period, and he clearly knew his audience
and his era well.
Fig. 3
L'Histoire Palladienne (Étienne Groulleau, 1555), A3v.
BNF Rés. Y2 146
lv
Textual history of Palladine of England
Palladine of England was entered in the Registers of the Company of Stationers of
London on 20 November 1587, as the following record shows:
Edward Alldee Entred vnto him for his copie vpon condycon yat he gett yt
orderly aucthorised and alowed to the print when it is
translated into English Histoire palladienne &c per CLAUDE
COLLETT &c98
The register had a cost of six pence and was entered under warden Henry Conneway.
This meant Allde was granted a printing copyright which protected him against piracy,
but it also meant that the translation had to be authorised before being printed.99
Palladine of England was printed at Edward Allde’s Long Shop in the Poultry, and
finished before Easter term in 1588. Munday therefore kept his commercial promise that
“by Easter Tearme this worke should be published”,100 taking into account that he signs
his epistle to the readers on the “23. of Aprill”101 of that year. The book was sold by
John Perrin, a bookseller active from 1580 to 1592 under the sign of the Angel, in St.
Paul’s Churchyard.102
98 Edward Arber, ed. A Transcript of the Registers of the Company of Stationers of London; 1554–1640
A.D. vol. 2 (London: privately printed, 1875), 480. For an introduction on the registration of books and
the organization of the Stationers, see McKerrow, ed. A Dictionary of Printers and Booksellers 1557–
1640, ix–xix.
99 See Lyman Ray Patterson, Copyright in Historical Perspective (Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press,
1968), 49–72.
100 Munday, Palladine of England, *4r.
101 Ibid., *4v.
102 See “Perrin, John” in McKerrow, ed. A Dictionary of Printers and Booksellers 1557–1640, 214.
Introduction
lvi
The book is still extant in the British Library (shelf mark C.56.d.9.)103 and the
Huntington Library in San Marino, California (call number 60799). The British Library
copy, used here for the bibliographical description, belonged to the Bibliotheca
Heberiana of Richard Heber (1773–1833) and was auctioned for £4.16s. on 8 April
1835. Other romances translated by Munday were auctioned during that day; namely
Parts 1 and 2 of Palmerin d’Oliva (1588 and 1597), Palmendos (1589), Part 3 of
Palmerin of England (1602), and a 1664 edition of Palmerin of England.104 The book
reappears in the auction of the Britwell Court Library of 1920, its last owner being
Samuel Christie-Miller (1810–1889). Christie-Miller had inherited the library from his
father, William Henry Miller (1789–1848), who was most likely the purchaser of the
book from Heber’s collection in 1835.105 In 1920, the book was auctioned in Sotheby’s
as lot 91, among the rest of the collection of early English tales, novels and romances of
the Britwell Library.106 It was bought by Quaritch for £126107 on 14 June 1920 and
103 See fig. 4 for a facsimile of the title page.
104 See entries 3216 to 3221 in Biblioteca Heberiana. Catalogue of the Library of the Late Richard Heber.
Vol. VI (London, 1835), 236. For the textual history of Palmendos, see Leticia Álvarez-Recio,
“Palmendos in the Early Modern English Book Trade,” 53–64. For the publication history of Palmerin
d’Oliva, see Sánchez-Martí, “The Publication History of Palmerin d’Oliva,” 190–207.
105 For further information on the history of the Britwell Court Library and its possessors, see Seymour de
Ricci, English Book Collectors of Books & Manuscripts (1530–1930) and Their Marks of Ownership,
(1929–1930; repr. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2010), 102–118.
106 Christie-Miller Family, Catalogue of a Remarkable Collection of Early English Tales, Novels and
Romances from the Renowned Library Formerly at Britwell Court (London: William Clowes and sons,
1920), 13.
107 See Book-prices Current: a Record of the Prices of Which Books Have Been Sold at Auction, From
October, 1919, to August 1920 (London: Elliot Stock, 1920), 184. Quaritch refers to Bernard Quaritch
Ltd., booksellers, founded by Bernard Quaritch (1819–1899). Both Bernard Quaritch and his son were
deceased at the time, so the purchase may have been made by F. S. Ferguson, who worked for Quaritch
Ltd. since 1897. Ferguson would later contribute to the STC and Title-Page Borders Used in England &
Introduction
lvii
purchased by the British Museum within the following month. The book bears the red
stamp of the British Museum dated “14 JY 1920”.
Palladine of England was reprinted in quarto in 1664 (Wing C5090) by a certain
T. J., probably Thomas Johnson, who ran two printing presses in 1664, at the Key or
Golden Key in St. Paul’s Churchyard, and at the White Cock on Rood Lane, Margaret
Pattens in St. Dunstans in the East.108 The book was printed for the booksellers Andrew
Kembe at St. Margaret’s Hill in Southwark109 and Charles Tyus at the Three Bibles on
London Bridge.110 The volume is extant in the Huntington Library (call number
147052),111 the University Library of Princeton (call number 3883.27.1664), and the
British Library (shelf mark 12459.d.7).112 The copy of the British library was also part
Scotland 1435–1640 and eventually work on a catalogue of Early English books for the British Museum.
For a biography, see E. W. F. Tomlin, “Ferguson, Frederic Sutherland (1878–1967)”, in ODNB.
108 Henry Plomer, A Dictionary of the Booksellers and Printers Who Were at Work in England, Scotland
and Ireland from 1641–1667 (London: Bibliographical Society, 1910), 107.
109 Ibid., 109.
110 Ibid., 185.
111 The 1588 and 1664 texts extant in the Huntington Library were part of the Earl of Bridgewater’s
library, acquired in 1917 by Henry E. Huntington. The entry for the 1664 text in John Payne Collier’s
catalogue of the library reads: “How many times it was reprinted between that date [1588] and 1664,
when the edition before us came out, it is not perhaps possible to determine. It seems to have been
extremely popular.” See John Payne Collier, Catalogue, Bibliographical and Critical, of Early English
Literature Forming a Portion of the Library at Bridgewater House, the Property of the Rt. Hon. Lord
Francis Egerton, M. P. (London: Thomas Rodd, 1837), 204.
112 See fig. 5 for a facsimile of the title page.
Introduction
lviii
of the Britwell Court Library and was auctioned on the same day as the 1588 edition. It
was sold as lot 92 to Heffer for £10.113
A second edition of the 1664 text appeared in octavo in 1700 (Wing C5090A),
though the year is uncertain. It was printed by J. F. (probably John Foster) at the
Greyhound in Pye Corner114 for John Marshal at the Bible in Gracechurch Street.115
Copies are still extant in the British Library (shelf mark 12450.b.18.),116 the Library of
Congress (call number PR975.P3), and the Newberry Library in Chicago (call number
Case Y 1565.P15).
113 Possibly Ernest Willian Heffer (1871–1948), president of the Antiquarian Bookseller’s Association in
1933 and son of William Heffer (1844–1928), founder of the long-standing bookshop W. Heffer & Sons
(Cambridge). See the website of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association; ABA Past Presidents 1930–
1942, accessed 8 May 2017, http://www.aba.org.uk/About-the-ABA/More-About-the-ABA/Past-
Presidents/ABA-Past-Presidents-1930-1942.
114 Plomer, A Dictionary of The Booksellers and Printers 1668 to 1725, 120.
115 Ibid., 198.
116 See fig. 6 for a facsimile of the title page.
Fig. 4
Palladine of England (Edward Allde, 1588), title page.
© British Library Board, BL C.56.d.9.
Fig. 5
Palladine of England (T. J., 1664), title page.
© British Library Board, BL 12459.d.7.
Fig. 6
Palladine of England (J. F., 1700?), title page.
© British Library Board, BL 12450.b.18.
lxiii
| Bibliographical description |
PALLADINE OF ENGLAND, translated by Anthony Munday, 1588.
THE | Famous, pleaſant, | and variable Hiſtorie, | of Palladine of | England. | Diʃcourʃing
of honorable Aduentures, | of Knightly deedes of Armes and Chiualrie: | enterlaced
likewiʃe with the loue of ʃundrie noble | perʃonages, as time and affection limi- | ted
their deʃires. | (∵) | Heerein is no offence offered to the wiſe by wanton | ſpeeches, or
encouragement to the looſe by | laſciuious matter. | Tranʃslated out of French by A. M.
one of the meʃʃengers | of her Maieʃties Chamber. | Patere aut abʃtine. | AT LONDON, |
Printed by Edward Allde for Iohn Perin, dwelling | in Paules Churchyard at the ʃigne of
the Angell, | And are there to be ſould. | 1588.
Explicit] 2A4r: FINIS.
HT] [woodcut: a baby holding two branches between two satyrs surrounded by vines
and flowers, with a deer entering a leaf on the left side and coming out of the leaf
on the right side, 16 72 mm.] THE | Famous, pleaſant, | and variable Hiſtorie | of
Palladine. | Diſcourſing of Knightly and woorthy deedes of | Armes: and vnfolding
the loue of many great Princes | and Lords, but eſpecially of PALLADINE, | Sonne to
the King Milanor of England, | and the faire Selerina, ſiſter to the | King of
Portugall, &c.
RT] The pleaſant Hiſtorie | of Palladine of England. A1v – 2A4r
The Epiſtle. *3r
To the freendly Readers. *4r
To the Gentlemen Readers. 2A4v
Bibliographical description
lxiv
Coll] 4º: *4, A–Y4, 2A4 [$3(-*1,2) signed]
Foliation] 96 leaves, ff. [4] 1–92. Arabic numbers aligned to the right in headline. 22
misnumbered as 24, 24 as 22.
Contents] *1: blank. *2: title. *3: [woodcut: baby holding two branches between two
satyrs surrounded by vines and flowers, with a deer entering a flower on the left
side and coming out of the flower on the right side, 16 72 mm.] | ‘ TO THE
RIGHT | Honorable, Robert Deuorax, Earle | of Eſſex, and Ewe: Viſscount of
Hereford and | Bourchier: Lord Ferrers of Chartley, Bourchier | and Louayne:
Maiſter of the Queenes | Maieʃties Horſſe: A. M. | wiſheth increaſe of all |
happineʃʃe.’ roman followed by single rule and text in italics with 8-line initial
(30 32 mm.), ending in verso with four-line type-ornament followed by catchword
‘To’. *4: [woodcut: same woodcut] | ‘To the corteous and freendly | Readers.’
roman followed by single rule and text in roman with 7-line initial (30 32 mm.),
ending ‘Yours to bee commaunded, | Anthony Munday.’ in verso. A1: HT with text
in black letter (first line in italics) with 8-line initial (30 32 mm.), headed ‘CHAP.
I. | * Of the birth of Prince PALLADINE, and the | ſtrange aduenture that happened
on the day of his | birth, in the Citie of London, before the Pallace of | King
Millanor.’ On 2A4r: ‘FINIS. ’ 2A4v: colophon ‘To the Gentlemen Readers.’ italics
with 9-line initial (30 32 mm.), ending ‘Honos alit Artes. | Your well wiſhing
freend | Anthony Munday.’; below, a note on errata.
CW] D3v Sonne [fonne] H4v brough [brought] N4r where- [whereupon] 2A1r
perfour- [perfourmed]
Bibliographical description
lxv
Type] 36 lines + headline and direction-line 150(164) 87 mm. (A3r); text, black letter
(and some roman and italic) 81 mm. for 20 ll.; epistle: italic 75,5 mm. for 20 ll.
(*3v); to the readers: roman 87,5 mm. for 20 ll. (*4v); colophon: italic (with some
roman and black letter) 75,5 mm. for 20 ll.; headline, roman; direction-line, black
letter.
Notes] STC 5541, British Library Copy (shelfmark C.56.d.9.). Bound in calf, title
‘PALLADINE | OF | ENGLAND’ and ‘1588’ tooled in gold on spine. Laid paper with
horizontal chain lines except for the rear free endpaper, with vertical chain lines. The
rear free endpaper bears an upside down watermark of the Arms of Amsterdam
(crowned shield with three X-shaped crosses and lion supporter).1
Front free endpaper: pencil manuscript ‘Heber VI - £4.16/’;2 ink manuscript
“Entred vnto him for his copie vpon condyc’on yt he get yt orderly aucthorised and
alowed to ye print when yt is translated into English Histoire palladienne &c per Claude
Collet. WA. 1241, II”.3
1 The use of the Arms of Amsterdam in the book printed in 1588 is of great relevance, since it is
commonly accepted that the use of this popular Dutch paper began in the seventeenth century; “[i]n 1635
the shield with arms of Amsterdam began to appear, apparently the first Dutch watermark, but in fact the
paper was made in France, principally in Angoumois in mills financed by Dutch capital.” Marie Christine
Enshaian, “Watermarks and dating,” in Old Master Prints and Drawings: A Guide to Preservation and
Conservation, trans. and ed. Marjorie B. Cohn (Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 1997), 54.
2 Reference to Biblioteca Heberiana, loc. cit.
3 Verbatim rendition of the record from the Registers of the Company of Stationers for Edward Allde’s
copy of L’histoire Palladienne. The reference is taken from a list of works printed or licensed by Allde in
Joseph Ames, Typographical Antiquities: Or An Historical Account of the Origin and Progress of
Printing in Great Britain and Ireland: Containing Memoirs of Our Ancient Printers and a Register of
Books Printed by Them, from the Year 1471 to the Year 1600, Vol. II, ed. William Herbert (London:
Printed for the editor, 1786), 1241. Although the manuscript “WA” is clear, I do not dismiss the
possibility of it being “WH”, which would suit with the initials of the editor.
Bibliographical description
lxvi
*1r: manuscript ‘This romance is enumerated among others by Meres in his Wits
Treasury . 1598. p.268’. *1v: blank with manuscript ‘unique’ on the upper-left corner;
manuscript ‘B.56.d.9’ on page centre. *2v: blank with British Museum red stamp at the
centre of the page. 2A4v: British Museum red stamp with date ‘14 JY 1920’ on bottom
centre. Corners with folio number 86 and 87 destroyed.
lxvii
| Editorial policy |
General aspects
This edition provides a version of Palladine of England that is as close as possible to
the text that Anthony Munday originally intended.1 Editorial intervention has been kept
to a minimum and is restricted to correcting obvious errors, misprints or accidental
departures from the original sense. Following G. Thomas Tanselle’s principles, the
present edition aims to provide a clear text to ensure a free-flowing read, both for the
scholarly specialist and for the occasional reader.2 The copy-text selected is the editio
princeps of 1588, and no historical collation has been provided given that the work was
not reprinted until 1664, more than thirty years after Munday’s death. Munday’s
corrections on his own text, mentioned in the final Errata of Palladine, are included in
the present edition. As W. W. Greg recommends, all emendations are made to conform
to the spelling conventions of the copy-text.3
Treatment of the text for the present edition
Binder’s marks
There are remnants of the early modern binding process, such as signatures and
catch-words, which lose their raison d’être in a contemporary edition and have thus
1 See Ronald B. McKerrow, Prolegomena to the Oxford Shakespeare. A Study in Editorial Method
(Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1939) , 14.
2 G. Thomas Tanselle, “Some Principles for Editorial Apparatus,” in Studies in Bibliography 25 (1972):
41–46.
3 W. W. Greg, “The Rationale of the Copy-Text,” Studies in Bibliography 3 (1950/1951): 30.
Editorial policy
lxviii
been removed. The 1588 foliation has been ignored to conform to the modern editorial
pagination.
Decoration
The decorative elements of the original text (woodcut title-borders and type-
ornaments) have not been replicated. Ornamental woodcut capital letters have been
reproduced as regular roman type capital letters.
Typography4
In the main body of text, every choice of typography revolves around the
reproduction of black letter with roman type. Italics are generally used for toponyms
and verse in the original text, and they have been maintained here. Roman type is
generally used for proper names and verse in the original text, but it has been
reproduced with italics here to strike a contrast with the main body of text in the
original version. There are other general remarks:
Swash types have been rendered as italics.
Special typographic characters such as asterisms (...) or paragraphs (¶) have been
reproduced with the equivalent modern symbols or those which they resemble
most.
The long ʃ has been naturalised into s. 4 I have adopted R. B. McKerrow’s notes on characters, ligatures, punctuation marks and other signs,
abbreviations and contractions; see An Introduction to Bibliography for Literary Students. (1927; repr.
Delaware: Oak Knoll Press, 1994) 309–24.
Editorial policy
lxix
Early modern use of i / u / v has been maintained.
VV has been modernised into W.
Ligatures have been ignored and silently reproduced as individual letters.
There are several recurrent features throughout the text that deserve individual
commentary:
On the title-page, both roman and italic type have been maintained.
In the epistles and address to the readers, both roman and italic type have been
maintained. There are three words printed in black letter in the epistle to the
readers, corresponding to Munday’s errata; the words have been reproduced in
roman type.
The chapter titles were originally printed in roman type (with italics for
toponyms and proper names) in the original text. The typography has been
inverted in the present edition (italics with roman type for toponyms and proper
names) in order to maintain the typographical distinction between these lines
and the main body of text.
Epistolary communication: the original text uses italics (with roman type for
proper nouns) in salutations, whereas the opposite happens in the complimentary
closings thereof. This practice has been maintained.
Abbreviations and contractions
Vowel contractions with an omission of the following n or m have been silently
expanded.
Editorial policy
lxx
Contracted forms such as “q.” or mirrored “q” for “quoth”, the symbol “+” for
“and”, “wt” for “with”, “ye” for “the” or “yt” for “that” have been silently
expanded.
Chapter headers (“CHAP.” in the original text) have been silently expanded.
Spelling, punctuation, and capitalisation
Accidentals concerning early modern spelling are maintained, except in cases
where there is a clear error or a dubious variant form not included in the OED
that occurs only once in the text. All changes are duly noted.
Early modern punctuation is respected, except in cases where an obvious
mistake occurs, the dubious use of punctuation leads to a clear misunderstanding
of the sense, or the quality of the copy-text makes the interpretation of
punctuation uncertain. All changes are duly noted.
The usage of upper case is respected. Any exceptions, such as single instances of
a word in small caps when the rest of the occurrences of that same word are
capitalised, are emended and duly noted.
In the original text, every chapter begins with an ornamental capital letter, which
has been rendered into a typographical capital letter in the present edition. These
capital letters are followed by an upper-case letter or a whole word in upper case
in most instances. I avoid the occurrence of two contiguous upper-case letters.
Discursive or explanatory notes
Explanatory notes are included as footnotes in the main body of text, referenced with
Arabic numbers. These notes include historical, geographical and literary information
Editorial policy
lxxi
that helps to clarify meaning or give context. Although the glossary is intended to
display the meaning of obscure or archaic words, I have provided brief comments for
particular words which seem unclear.
Traductological notes
There are many additions and omissions in Munday’s translation, which I have
registered. They provide useful material for future research, but they do not aid in the
immediate comprehension of the text. A list of traductological notes has been placed
after the glossary, referenced with the corresponding chapter and line number.
Emendations
The list of emendations has been placed at the end of the text, referenced with Roman
numbers. Each emendation is displayed as a lemma, followed by the accidental from the
original text. The collation of the French reading is included if necessary:
riciprocal] rich procall; Fr. au reciproque (Z2r)
The symbol ~ may be used to avoid repeating a word, which is common when only the
punctuation is emended:
them.] ~,
In some cases, a textual note may be used for explanatory purposes if necessary to
clarify the meaning or the decision for an emendation.
lxxii
lxxiii
| Bibliography |
Anninger, Anne. Spanish and Portuguese 16th century books in the Department of
Printing and Graphic Arts: A Description of an Exhibition and a Bibliographical
Catalogue of the Collection. Cambridge: The Harvard College Library, 1985.
Aksin Somel, Selcuk. The A to Z of the Ottoman Empire. Plymouth: Scarecrow Press
Empire, 2003.
Allen, Robert. Dictionary of English Phrases. London: Penguin, 2008.
Álvarez-Recio, Leticia. “Chapters Translated by Anthony Munday in The History of
Palmendos (1589): A Long-Standing Error.” Notes and Queries 62, no. 4 (2015):
549–51.
---. “Anthony Munday’s Palmendos (1589) in the Early Modern English Book Trade:
Print and Reception.” Atlantis. Journal of the Spanish Association of Anglo-
American Studies 38, no. 1 (2016): 53–69.
---. “Spanish Chivalric Romances in English Translation: Anthony Munday’s
Palmendos (1589).” Cahiers Élisabéthains: A Journal of English Renaissance
Studies 91, no.1 (2016): 5–20.
Arber, Edward, ed. A Transcript of the Registers of the Company of Stationers of
London; 1554–164 A.D. 5 vols. London: privately printed, 1875–77.
---, and Thomas Seccombe, eds. An English Garner - Critical Essays & Literary
Fragments. Westminster: Archibald Constable and Co., 1903.
Balmas, Enea. Un poeta francese del Rinascimento, Etienne Jodelle. La sua vita, il suo
tempo. Florence: Olschki, 1962.
lxxiv
Barber, Charles. Early Modern English. London: Andre Deutsch, 1981.
Barnard, John, and D. F. McKenzie, eds. The Cambridge History of the Book in Britain:
Volume IV 1557–1695. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Bennett, Matthew, ed. The Hutchinson Dictionary of Ancient & Medieval Warfare.
Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers, 1998.
Bergeron, David M., ed. Pageants and Entertainments of Anthony Munday: A Critical
Edition. New York: Garland, 1985.
Bibliotheca Heberiana. Catalogue of the Library of the Late Richard Heber. Vol. VI.
London, 1837.
Bordman, Gerald. Motif-index of the English Metrical Romances. Folklore Fellows
Communications 190. Helsinki: FF Communications, 1963.
Broughton, Bradford B. Dictionary of Medieval Knighthood and Chivalry: Concepts
and Terms. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1986.
Brunet, Alexander. The Regal Armory of Great Britain from the Time of the Ancient
Britons to the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. London: H. K. Causton,
1839.
Bowers, Fredson. Principles of Bibliographical Description. Winchester and New
Castle, Delaware: St Paul’s Bibliographies and Oak Knoll Press, 2012.
Braden, G., R. Cummings and S. Gillespie, eds. The Oxford History of Literary
Translation in English: Vol. 2 1550–1660. Oxford: Oxford University Press,
2010.
Bibliography
lxxv
Bueno Serrano, Ana Carmen. Índice y estudio de motivos en los libros de caballerías
castellanos (1508–1516). Ph.D. diss., University of Saragossa, 2007.
Burke, Peter. Lost (and Found) in Translation: A Cultural History of Translators and
Translating in Early Modern Europe. Wassenaar: Netherlands Institute for
Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences, 2005.
Burrow, J. A. Gestures and Looks on Medieval Narrative. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 2002.
Busby, Keith, and Norris J. Lacy, eds. Conjunctures: Medieval Studies in Honor of
Douglas Kelly. Amsterdam: Rodopi B. V., 1994.
Cazauran, Nicole and Michel Bideaux, eds. Les Amadis en France au XVIe siècle. Paris:
Éditions Rue d’Ulm, Presses de l’École normale supérieure, 2000.
Carrington Lancaster, H. Adventures of a Literary Historian; a Collection of His
Writings Presented to H. Carrington Lancaster by His Former Students and Other
Friends in Anticipation of His Sixtieth Birthday, November 10, 1942. 1942; repr.,
Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1968.
Castillo Martínez, Cristina. “Algunas consideraciones acerca del Florando de Inglaterra
[1545].” Edad de Oro 21 (2002): 367–74.
---. “Florando de Inglaterra” (Partes I–II): Guía de lectura. Alcalá de Henares: Centro
de Estudios Cervantinos, 2001.
---. “Florando de Inglaterra” (Parte III): Guía de lectura. Alcalá de Henares: Centro de
Estudios Cervantinos, 2006.
Chartier, Roger. The Order of Books. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1994.
lxxvi
Cirlot, Juan E. Diccionario de símbolos. Madrid: Siruela, 2007.
Coleman, Julie. Love, Sex, and Marriage: A Historical Thesaurus. Rodopi: Amsterdam,
1999.
Cohn, Marjorie B., trans. and ed. Master Prints and Drawings: A Guide to Preservation
and Conservation. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 1997.
Collier, John Payne. Catalogue, Bibliographical and Critical, of Early English
Literature Forming a Portion of the Library at Bridgewater House, the Property
of the Rt. Hon. Lord Francis Egerton, M. P. London: Thomas Rodd, 1837.
Cornilliat, François. “Le roman pris au piège d’un 'docte': Jodelle préfacier de l’Histoire
Palladienne de Claude Colet,” in Le Roman à la Renaissance, Actes du colloque
international dirigé par Michel Simonin. Université de Tours: Centre d’études
supérieures de la Renaissance, 1990.
Corthell, Ronald, et al. Catholic Culture in Early Modern England. Notre Dame:
University of Notre Dame Press, 2007.
Craig, Leslie Ann. Wandering Women and Holy Matrons: Women As Pilgrims in the
Later Middle Ages. Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2009.
Cressy, David. Birth, Marriage & Death. Ritual,Rreligion, and the Life-Cycle in Tudor
and Stuart England. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.
Davis, Alex. Chivalry and Romance in the English Renaissance. Cambridge: D.S.
Brewer, 2003.
Dawson, Lesel. Lovesickness and Gender in Early Modern English Literature. Oxford:
Oxford University Press, 2008.
Bibliography
lxxvii
Delgado Casado, Juan. Diccionario de impresores españoles (Siglos XV–XVI). 2 vols.
Madrid: Arco Libros, 1996.
Doob, Penelope B. R. Nebuchadnezzar’s Children: Conventions of Madness in Middle
English Literature. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1974.
Dudley Fosbroke, Thomas. Encyclopædia of Antiquities, and Elements of Archaeology,
Classical and Mediæval. 2 vols. London: John Nichols and son, 1825.
Eisenberg, Daniel and Mª Carmen Marín Pina. Bibliografía de los libros de caballerías
castellanos. Zaragoza: Prensas Universitarias de Zaragoza, 2000.
Evangelista, Nick. The Encyclopedia of the Sword. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1995.
Fumaroli, Marc. “La herencia de Amyot: La crítica de la novela de caballería y los
orígenes de la novela moderna.” Anales Cervantinos 39 (2007): 235–64.
Funes, L. and J. L. Moure, eds. Studia in honorem Germán Orduna. Alcalá de Henares:
Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, 2001.
Gaselee, Stephen, rev. The Golden Ass: Being the Metamorphoses of Lucius Apuleius
with an English Translation by W. Adlington (1566). London: William
Heinemann, 1922.
Goldman, Lawrence, ed. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Online edition.
Grimal, Pierre. Diccionario de mitología griega y romana. Barcelona: Paidós, 2015.
Hamilton, Donna B. Anthony Munday and the Catholics, 1560–1633. Aldershot:
Ashgate, 2005.
lxxviii
Hattaway, Michael, ed. A Companion to English Renaissance Literature and Culture.
Oxford: Blackwell, 2000.
Hayes, Gerald R. “Anthony Munday’s Romances of Chivalry.” The Library 4, no. 6
(1925): 57–81.
Heitlinger, Paulo. “German Gaillard (séc. XVI).” Tipografía. Accesed May 8, 2007.
http://tipografos.net/historia/gaillard.html
Hill, Tracy. Anthony Munday and Civic Culture. Theatre, History and Power in Early
Modern London 1580–1633. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2004.
Hornblower, Simon and Antony Spaforth, eds. The Oxford Classical Dictionary. 4th ed.
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.
Hosley, Richards. A Critical Edition of Anthony Munday’s “Fedele and Fortunio”.
New York & London: Garland Publishing, 1981
Hwang Degenhardt, Jane and Elizabeth Williamson, eds. Religion and Drama in Early
Modern England: The Performance of Religion on the Renaissance Stage.
Farnham: Ashgate, 2011.
Johns, Adrian. The Nature of the Book: Print and Knowledge in the Making. Chicago:
University of Chicago Press, 1998.
Keen, Maurice. Chivalry. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1984.
Kinney, A. F. The Cambridge Companion to English Literature 1500–1600.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000.
---. A Companion to Renaissance Drama. Oxford: Blackwell, 2002.
Bibliography
lxxix
Krueger, Roberta L., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Medieval Romance. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 2000.
Lewis, C. S. English Literature in the Sixteenth Century, Excluding Drama. Oxford:
Clarendon Press, 1968.
Lewis, Charleton T., and Charles Short, eds. A Latin Dictionary. Founded on Andrews’
edition of Freund’s Latin Dictionary. 1879; repr. London: Oxford University
Press, 1998.
Loewenstein, David, and Panel Mueller, eds. The Cambridge History of Early Modern
English Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Low, Jennifer. Manhood and the Duel: Masculinity in Early Modern Drama and
Culture. New York: Palgrave, 2003.
Lucía Megías, José Manuel. Libros de caballerías castellanos en las bibliotecas
públicas de París: catálogo descriptivo. Madrid: Universidad de Alcalá; Pisa:
Universitá degli Studi di Pisa, 1999.
---. Imprenta y libros de caballerías. Madrid: Ollero y Ramos, 2000.
---. De los libros de caballerías manuscritos al Quijote. Madrid: SIAL Ediciones, 2004.
Marín Pina, Mª Carmen. Páginas de sueños. Estudios sobre los libros de caballerías
castellanos. Zaragoza: Institución Fernando el Católico, 2011.
Marsá, María. La imprenta en los Siglos de Oro: 1520–1700 . Madrid: Ediciones del
Laberinto, 2001.
lxxx
McKerrow, R. B. An Introduction to Bibliography for Literary Students. 1927; repr.
Delaware: Oak Knoll Press, 1994.
---. Title-Page Borders Used in England & Scotland, 1485–1640. London: Printed for
the Bibliographical society at the Oxford university press, 1932.
---. Prolegomena to the Oxford Shakespeare. A Study in Editorial Method. Oxford:
Clarendon Press, 1939.
---, ed. A Dictionary of Printers and Booksellers in England, Scotland and Ireland and
Foreign Printers of English books 1557–1640. London: Bibliographical Society,
1968.
---, ed. Printers’ & Publishers’ Devices in England & Scotland, 1485–1640. Mansfield:
Martino Publishing, 2003.
Mendiola Fernández, Mª Isabel. “Usos, costumbres y normas en la tradición de la
minoría morisca.” Revista de Derecho UNED 9 (2011): 193–209.
Michel, Francisque, ed. La Chanson des Saxons par Jean Bodel. 2 vols. Paris: Maulde
et Renou, 1839.
Miethe, Terance D., and Hong Lu. Punishment: A Comparative Historical Perspective.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005.
Mikics, David. A New Handbook of Literary Terms. New Haven: Yale University Press,
2010.
Monmouth, Geoffrey of. The history of the kings of Britain. Edited by Michael D.
Reeve, translated by Neil Wright. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 2007.
Bibliography
lxxxi
Moore, Helen, ed. Amadis de Gaule. Translated by Anthony Munday. Aldershot:
Ashgate, 2004.
Munday, Anthony. The English Roman Life. Edited by Philip J. Ayres. Oxford:
Clarendon Press, 1980.
Nicholson, Kitty. “Making Watermarks Meaningful: Significant Details in Recording
and Identifying Watermarks.” The Book and Paper Group Annual, vol. 1 (1982).
http://cool.conservation-us.org/coolaic/sg/bpg/annual/v01/bp01-18.html
Ostovich, H., Mary V. Silvox and Graham Roebuck. Other Voices, Other Views:
Expanding the Canon in English Renaissande Studies. Newark: University of
Delaware Press, 1999.
Ovid. Ovid’s Metamorphoses: the Arthur Golding translation, 1567. London : Collier-
Macmillan, 1965.
Ovidio. Metamorfosis. Madrid: Cátedra, 2013.
Patterson, Lyman Ray. Copyright in Historical Perspective. Nashville: Vanderbilt
University Press, 1968.
Payne Collier, J., ed. John A Kent and John A Cumber; A Comedy by Anthony Munday.
London: The Shakespeare Society, 1851.
Perez Fernandez, J. M. and E. Wilson-Lee, eds. Translation and the Book
Trade. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press: 2014.
Place, Edwin B. “Amadis of Gaul, Wales, or What?,” Hispanic Review 23 (1955): 99–
107.
lxxxii
Plomer, H. R. A Dictionary of the Booksellers and Printers Who Were at Work in
England, Scotland and Ireland From 1641–1667. London: Bibliographical
Society, 1907.
---. A Dictionary of the Printers and Booksellers Who Were at Work in England,
Scotland and Ireland from 1668 to 1725. London: Bibliographical Society, 1922.
Relihan, C. and G. Stanivukovic, eds. Prose Fiction and Early Modern Sexuality, 1570–
1640. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003.
Ricci, Seymour de. English Book Collectors of Books & Manuscripts (1530–1930) and
Their Marks of Ownership. 1929–1930; repr. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press 2010.
Rigall Casas, Juan. La materia de Troya en las letras romances del Siglo XIII hispano.
Santiago de Compostela: Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 1999.
Robson, Thomas. The British Herald, or Cabinet of Armorial Bearings of the Nobility
& Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland. Sunderland: Turner & Marwood, 1830.
Rodríguez de Montalvo, Garci. Amadís de Gaula. Edited by Juan Manuel Cacho
Blecua. 2 vols. Madrid: Catedra, 2012.
Il romanzo nella Francia del Rinascimento dall’eredità medievale all’Astrea. Atti del
Convegno Internazionale di Studi, Gargnano, 7–9 ottobre 1993. Fasano: Schena
editore, 1996.
Rouse, W. H. D., ed. Shakespeare’s Ovid, being Arthur Golding’s translation of the
Metamorphoses. London: At the De la More Press, 1904.
Bibliography
lxxxiii
Sánchez Martí, Jordi. “‘A Fowler Man Ther May Non Be’: The Wild Man in Ipomadon
A.” English Studies 87, no. 6 (2006): 644–652.
---. “The Publication History of Anthony Munday’s Palmerin d’Oliva.” Gutenberg
Jahrbuch 89 (2014): 190–207.
---. “Anthony Munday’s Palmerin d’Oliva and ‘Ogyer the Dane in Færia’.” Notes and
Queries 61, no. 2 (2014): 217–18.
---. “Zelauto’s Polinarda and the Palmerin Romances.” Cahiers Élisabéthains: A
Journal of English Renaissance Studies 89, no. 1 (2016): 74–82.
Sandy, Gerald, ed. The Classical Heritage in France. Leiden: Brill, 2002.
Schmidt, Gabriela, ed. Elizabethan Translation and Literary Culture. Berlin: De
Gruyter, 2013.
Simonin, Michel. L’encre & la lumière: quarante-sept articles (1976–2000). Geneva:
Droz, 2004.
Smith, Helen, and Louise Wilson, eds. Renaissance Paratexts. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 2011.
Speake, Jennifer, ed. Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs. Oxford: Oxford University Press,
2015.
Spikes, Nigette M. Dictionary of Torture. Bloomington: Abott Press, 2014.
Southey, Robert, ed. Palmerin of England by Francisco de Moraes. Vol. I. London:
Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, 1807.
lxxxiv
St. Clare Byrne, M. “Anthony Munday and His Books.” The Library 4, no. 1 (1920–
1921): 225–56.
Sylvester, Richard S., ed. The History of King Richard. New Haven: Yale University
Press, 1976.
Tanselle, G. Thomas. “Some Principles for Editorial Apparatus.” Studies in
Bibliography 25 (1972): 41–88.
Taylor, Jane H. M. Rewriting Arthurian Romance in Renaissance France. Cambridge:
D. S. Brewer, 2014.
Tilley, Morris Palmer. A Dictionary of The Proverbs in England in the Sixteenth and
Seventeenth Centuries. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 1966.
Turner, Celeste. Anthony Munday: An Elizabethan Man of Letters. Berkeley: University
of California Press, 1928.
Thomas, Henry. Spanish and Portuguese Romances of Chivalry: The Revival of the
Romance of Chivalry in the Spanish Peninsula, and Its Extension and Influence
Abroad. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1920.
Thomson, Stith. Motif-Index of Folk-Literature: A Classification of Narrative Elements
in Folktales, Ballads, Myths, Fables, Mediaeval Romances, Exempla, Fabliaux,
Jestbooks, and Local Legends. 6 vols. Bloomington: Indiana University, 1966.
Vaganay, Hugues. Amadis en français. Essai de bibliographie. Florence: Leo S.
Olschki, 1906.
Ward, A. and A.R. Waller, eds. The Cambridge History of English Literature. 1907–
1921; repr., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1969–1978.
Bibliography
lxxxv
Webbe, William. A Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586. Edited by Edward Arber.
Westminster: A. Constable and Co., 1895.
Womersley, David. “Shakespeare and Anthony Munday” in Literary Milieux: Essays in
Text and Context Presented to Howard Erskine-Hill, edited by David Womersley
and Richard McCabe, 72–91. Newark: University of Delaware Press, 2008.
lxxxvi
1
THE
Famous, pleasant,
and variable1 Historie,
of Palladine of
England. 5
Discoursing of honorable Aduentures,
of Knightly deedes of Armes and Chiualrie:
enterlaced likewise with the loue of sundrie noble
personages, as time and affection 10
limited their desires.
(∵)
Herein is no offence offered to the wise by wanton
speeches, or encouragement to the loose by 15
lasciuious matter.2
Translated out of French by A. M. one of the messengers
of Her Maiesties Chamber.3 1 variable The OED does not provide a suitable definition for this sense of the word. In this sense, the
adjective variable means “varied, with diversity of situations; and as a consequence, entertaining”,
ultimately stemming from the Latin varietas, meaning “difference, diversity, variety”; see Charleton T.
Lewis and Charles Short, eds., A Latin Dictionary. Founded on Andrews’ edition of Freund’s Latin
Dictionary, 2 vols. (1879; repr. London: Oxford University Press, 1998), s.v. “varietas”. Furthermore, the
Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary registers variable as an adjective with similar
meaning to “various, varied” during the 1432/50–1613 period; see Christian J. Kay et al., eds. Historical
Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009), s.v. “variable”,
01.06.01.08. (adj.).
2 Heerein ... matter The basis for Munday’s preemptive warning lies in his awareness of the controversy
surrounding books of chivalry. During the sixteenth century the genre was popular enough to be read by
both sexes belonging both to the lower and upper classes. At the same time, books of chivalry were the
target of a vehement humanist critique, which stigmatized them as false, frivolous and indecent. For a
detailed account of the situation of the various artistic representations of chivalry during the early modern
period, see Alex Davis, Chivalry and Romance in the English Renaissance (Cambridge: D.S. Brewer,
2003), especially 6–98.
Title-page
2
20
Patere aut abstine.4
AT LONDON,
Printed by Edward Allde for Iohn Perin, dwelling
in Paules Churchyard at the signe of the Angell, 25
And are there to be sould.
1588.
30
3 one of the messengers of Her Maiesties Chamber Although messenger usually alludes to one who
takes dispatches to or from the Sovereign, Munday is linked to a more obscure meaning of the word: a
royal officer enabled to execute warrants. In this case, his role was mainly to inform on or apprehend
Catholic traitors. For further detail, see Joseph L. Black, “Handling religion in the Style of the Stage:
Performing the Marprelate controversy” in Religion and Drama in Early Modern England: The
Performance of Religion on the Renaissance Stage, eds. Jane Hwang Degenhardt and Elizabeth
Williamson (Farnham: Ashgate, 2011), 165.
4 Patere aut abstine Latin for “suffer or desist”, a motto taken from Etienne Groulleau’s printer’s device,
which had been inherited from Denis Janot by marriage. Louise Wilson suggests that Munday used two
different mottos; the one being Patere aut abstine for his translations, and the other being Honos alit artes
(i.e. “honour comes before art”) for other instances of his literary production. Wilson implies that
Munday used the mottos deliberately with the intention of “fashioning his status as a translator separately
from his other literary output”, but the idea might not be quite correct, since both are used in Palladine;
Honos alit artes can be found as a colophon to the section “To the Gentlemen Readers”. The same
happens in Munday’s Palmerin d’Oliva; Patere aut abstine appears on the title-page, whereas Honos alit
artes can be read after the explicit of the first part. For the commentary on the mottos used by Munday,
see Louise Wilson, “The publication of Iberian Romance in Early Moden Europe”, in Translation and the
Book Trade, eds. J. M. Pérez Fernández and E. Wilson-Lee (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
2014), 211.
The Epistle
3
¶ TO THE RIGHT
Honorable, Robert Deuorax, Earle
of Essex, and Ewe: Viscount of Hereford and
Bourchier: Lord Ferrers of Chartley, Bourchier
and Louayne: Maister of the Queenes 5
Maiesties Horsse: A. M.
wisheth increase of all
hapinesse.1
mong those (right Honorable) that offered incense in the Temple of 10
Iupiter, in plates of Golde according to the custome, a simple
Heardsman religiously affected, brought his offering on a broken
potsheard: for which he being reprooued by Iupiters Priest, boldly returned this
aunswere. The Gods that dispose all, knowe all, rich men are discerned by their great
gifts, and poore men by their simple, yet happily their zeale is not alike: for rather had I 15
be thought vnmannerly by this homely present, then vndutifull by want of better abilitie.
In like manner, right noble Lord, among those ripe and curious wittes, that offer
to your learned view matter of valew, squared and leueld by deepe knowledge and
experience: a simple zealous man, more deuoted in affection to your honors welfare,
then able to expresse the same as other can, presents this rude and vnpullished peece of 20
worke, not handled with arte, because I want it, nor glozed with borrowed phrases,
because I am loth to become indebted: but equall with the poore Heardsmans
potsheard, and with him chusing rather to be thought homely, then vndutifull, knowing
that the Eagles eyes of Iupiter,2 can search into the substance of the one and other.
1 See Introduction, xxxiv.
2 In Greek and Latin mythology, the eagle plays the roles of symbol, armor-bearer and messenger of
Jupiter.
A
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
4
This woorke of Palladine, with all his imperfections, I humblie commit to your 25
honorable protection: knowing, that in respect of your owne loue to Chiualrie,3 you will
thinke well of him, and because he is an Englishman, in the better sort fauour him.
For my selfe, as I neuer knew honor partiall in opinion, but with vpright
iudgement to ballance each mans deseruing: so in this assurance, with reuerence, I end,
as forward as any in affection to your honor. 30
A. Monday.
3 loue to Chiualrie The Earl of Essex was invested as a Knight of the Garter in 1588 and degraded in
1601. See the website Heraldica; Knights of the Garter, 1348–present, accessed 12 May 2017,
http://www.heraldica.org/topics/orders/garterlist.htm
To the freendly Readers
5
To the corteous and freendly Readers.
y promise was, that by Easter Tearme1 this worke should be
published, and according to my promise, heere doo I send it: not
doubting but you will so fauourably censure theron, as my paynes, 5
and the pleasure of the Historie deserueth. If you happen to fynde any mislike in the
translation, or that it is not so currant English as fyne eares hunt after: let this serue as a
sufficient excuse for mee that in translating, men are bound to their Writers words, and
such as roue at random, may set downe what they please.
And this I am to intreate on the Printers behalfe, and mine owne, whereas in 10
dyuers places there are faultes escaped, as woordes verie much mistaken, many left out,
and others common: that you will freendly let passe such ouer-sightes, and at the next
Impression they shall bee amended; for I beeying often absent, and the Printer carefull
to end his worke by appoynted time, haue beene the cause of all these escapes.2 Thus
1 by Easter Tearme Munday’s promise to the readership in the afterword of Palmerin d’Oliva (1588,
STC 19157; no copy of part II has survived), published a few weeks before Palladine, is thus fulfilled:
My promise performed, and Palmerins famous Historie finished: for my long labour,
Gentlemen, I request but your friendly speeches, an easie matter to be giuen by you, yet
nothing can bee more welcome to me. If I may speed in so small a request, Palmendos
will leaue his Mother the Queen of Tharsus, and Primaleon hasten his order of Knight-
hood, that you may bee acquainted with their rare aduentures. In meane while, the famous
Palladine of England is arriued, and to feed you with varietie of delights, his History by
Easter tearme next will be with ye: till when, vse such fauour to Palmerin, as Prince
Palladine be not hindered.
Postface to the 1616 edition of the second part of Palmerin d’Oliva (STC 19159a, sig. Bb7v), which
duplicates that of the 1588 editio princeps. See Sánchez-Martí, “The Publication History of Anthony
Munday’s Palmerin d’Oliva,” 204.
2 Munday accepts partial responsibility for potential mistakes in the text. It was likely that an author
would correct the final proofs in those days and, as Jordi Sánchez Martí suggests, Munday probably took
M
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
6
committing my Booke and my selfe to your fauourable iudgement, I ceasse. From my 15
house without Cripple-gate3 this 23. of Aprill.
Yours to bee commaunded,
Anthony Monday.
his time to undertake that task in his previous translation, Palmerin d’Oliva; see ibid., 197. In fact, his
thorough correcting of Palmendos attests to his interest in providing a solid, professional product; see
Álvarez-Recio, “Palmendos in the Early Modern English Book Trade,” 57.
3 my house without Cripple-gate Munday lived very close to the premises of both John Charlewood
(printer of Palmerin d’Oliva, who also operated in Cripplegate) and Edward Allde, who operated in the
Poultry, roughly half a mile from the parish church of St. Giles Cripplegate; cf. Sánchez-Martí, “The
Publication History of Palmerin d’Oliva,” 196–97.
THE Famous, pleasant,
and variable Historie
of Palladine.
Discoursing of Knightly and woorthy deedes of 5
Armes: and vnfolding the loue of many great Princes
and Lords, but especially of PALLADINE,
Sonne to the King Milanor of England,
and the faire Selerina, sister to the
King of Portugall, &c. 10
CHAPTER I.
*Of the birth of Prince PALLADINE, and the strange aduenture that happened on the
day of his birth, in the Citie of London, before the Pallace of King Milanor. 15
t what time the puissant and spacious Empire of Greece and most fertile
Asia, was held in subiection by the great Turke, and the Romaine
Monarchy was commaunded by the wise Emperour Iustinian,1
Gouernour of both high and nether Allmayne: raigned in great Brittayne, now called 20
England, a King named Milanor, who from his youth was so well instructed in good
1 At what time ... Iustinian The name Justinian is inaccurately used to convey historical validity. Justinian
was one of the emperors that succeded Constantine, and lived the longest-lasting reign of the Eastern
Roman empire, from 527 to 567.
A
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
8
letters, and the Sciences liberall,2 as among the most learned Doctors he was reckned
peerelesse, before he came to the age of eighteene yeeres. During this time of his
education, his Gouernors to make him perfect in all things beseeming so great a Prince,
caused him to practise the managing of great Horsses, to vse the Tilt and Tourney, with 25
all other feates of agilitie incident to Armes: wherein right soone he grew so prompt and
excellent, as all the Lords and Subiects of his Realme were not onely abashed at his
forwardnes, but thought themselues especially blessed, to liue vnder the regiment of so
braue a King. Nor was this ioy alone to them, but many other nations and foreigne
Princes did participate therein, especially the Kings of Scottes and Norgalles3 his 30
neighbours, who hearing of the great bountie, prowesse, magnanimitie, and other
lawdable vertues in this King, determined to be freends to him and his, holding this
opinion, that being confederate with England in loue, no other King or Prince durst
molest them with warres. Vpon this consideration, they sent their Ambassadours to his
Maiestie, to promise and sweare peace, amitie and inuiolable concord, with obeysance, 35
and acknowledging him their Superiour, where they were receiued honourably, and with
content, a matter greatly auailing them afterward, as you shall perceiue by the following
discourse of our Historie.
2 good letters ... Sciences liberall The seven liberal arts were the verbal arts or trivium (grammar,
rhetoric and logic or dialectic) and the mathematical arts or quadrivium (arithmetic, music geometry and
astronomy). They provided the basis of intelectual life for hundreds of years starting in the fifth century.
David L. Wagner, “The Seven Liberal Arts and Classical Scholarship”, in The Seven Liberal Arts in the
Middle Ages, ed. David L. Wagner (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1983), 1.
3 Norgalles i.e. North Wales.
Chapter I
9
The King of Portugall4 vnderstanding the manifold vertues, and power of King
Milanor, as also that so many Kings and Princes desired his friendly alliaunce, 40
preuayled so well by his sundry Embassades, as the King of England married with his
sister named Selerina, faire in perfections, yong and gratious among all the Ladies in
her time, and to continue holy loue betweene this King and Queene, soone after she was
conceyued with a goodly Sonne, at whose birth happened such a maruelous aduenture,
as no registred memorie records the like. 45
At what time the Queene was in trauayle, suddenly was the Citie of London
couered with a darke and fearefull Clowde, the heauens deliuering such thunder and
lightning, the earth likewise shaking and trembling so straungely, as the Citizens
expected death euery moment, imagining the end of the world was come vpon them.5
For the space of two houres this wonderfull tempest endured, vntill the Queene was 50
deliuered of her burthen, when the Clowde began to vanish away, and the heauens
looked fayre and cheerefull as before. After this despairing Storme, the people who with
feare and terror of the thunder, had hid themselues in vaultes and caues, amazed and
fearefull, began to shew themselues: but when the Gentlemen in the Kings Pallace came
to open the windowes, they beheld in the great waste place before the Court, three 55
Statues of Copper, each one about eight foote in height, and by each of them stoode a
Collomne of blacke Marble, on the formost whereof, hanged a Sheeld of fine and pure 4 Portugall The friendship between Portugal and England is an old one: in 1386, Richard II and King
John I of Portugal signed the Treaty of Windsor, which is the world’s oldest recorded alliance still in
force today.
5 Extraordinary natural phenomena during the birth or death of a hero, such as metereological alterations
of various kinds, have been traditionally portrayed in different cultures; see motif F960.1 in Stith
Thompson, Motif-Index of Folk-Literature: a Classification of Narrative Elements in Folktales, Ballads,
Myths, Fables, Mediaeval Romances, Exempla, Fabliaux, Jestbooks, and Local Legends (Bloomington:
Indiana University, 1966), and Ana Carmen Bueno Serrano, Índice y estudio de motivos en los libros de
caballerías castellanos (1508–1516) (Ph.D. diss., University of Saragossa, 2007), 726.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
10
Steele, right curiously engrauen and pollished, and enriched with many pretious stones
and iewelles: in breefe, such was the workemanship and deuise thereof, as neyther
sword, launce, or bullet from an Harquebuze, could any way pierce or enter it. Abouti 60
this Sheeld on the same piller,6 was engrauen these verses in faire Greekeii letters,
whereto the Statue pointed with one of his fingers.
Pallas the wise Goddesse,7 whose skill thus framed me,
Ordaind I must be giuen, vnto the cheefe in chiualrie. 65
The second Statue shewed on his Piller, the God of loue Cupid, being framed of
massie Orientall Pearle,8 holding a golden bowe in his hand, and his arrowes in a Quiuer
of golde by his side, vnder his feete on the Piller was engrauen these verses in Romanic
letters. 70
No one so stout or affable, can take me from this place,
Except in loyaltie of loue, all other he surpasse.9
6 piller The pillar, or French perron (A1v), is a recurrent element in romances, associated with pas
d’armes or passage of arms and rites of challenge. The use of the perron originated in Chrétien de
Troyes’ Ywain, where it had magical properties. See Maurice Keen, Chivalry (New Haven and London:
Yale University Press, 1984), 204–205.
7 Pallas the wise Goddesse Pallas is the epithet for Athena, usually known as Pallas Athena, a Greek
warrior goddess identified with the Roman Minerva. The daughter of Zeus (Jupiter), she was considered
the goddess of Reason, arts, literature and crafts.
8 being framed of massie Orientall Pearle Fr. “fait d’vne pierre de Strin” (A2r). According to César
Oudin’s Tesoro de las dos lenguas francesa y española, the “strin pierre precieuse” is a precious gem
closely resembling crystal.
9 Munday omits the last verse of the Fr. poem “Car ie suis des amans le dieu” (A2r; for I am the God of
lovers).
Chapter I
11
The third Statue, made in forme of a goodly beawtifull woman, shewed on the 75
Collomne standing by her, the Image of the Goddesse Venus,10 in white Alablaster,
hauing on her head a Crowne of Golde, embellished with many Rubies, Diamonds,
Emeraulds, and other precious Stones of great value. This Image of Venus held in her
left hand a flaming firebrand, and pointed with her right hand to the Crowne. Vnder her
feete hung a Table, wherein was written two French verses, thus Englished. 80
This Crowne is for the Ladie framd,
That chiefe in beautie shall be namd.
The two first Statues seemed like two fierce and strong Sauage men,11 each of 85
them hauing a great fauchion hanging in Skarffes by their sides, and in such sort were
they charmed, as whosoeuer made offer to take the Crowne, or touch the God of Loue,
was inmediatly assayled by one of the men, who would not giue ouer till he had
vanquished him. Many Knightes of England, and other Countreys, aduentured their
fortunes at these Statues, but were still repulsed, vntill the Knight came that conquered 90
these monstruous men, as heereafter shall be declared.
10 Venus Latin goddess assimilated to the Greek Aphrodite. She is the deity of gardens, love and beauty.
The firebrand or torch with which she is represented is often used as an allegory of truth.
11 Sauage men The wild man is a pseudo-human character recurrent in the literature of the Middle Ages,
with features such as discoloured or black skin, long body hair and a long beard, a physical deformity or
great size, etc. See Penelope B. R. Doob, Nebuchadnezzar’s Children: Conventions of Madness in Middle
English Literature (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1974), 134. Statues coming to life are very
common in Iberian books of chivalry and are often found in folk literature (motif D435.1.1; see Motif-
index FL and LCC, 657).
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
12
In like manner, at the Image of Venus, the Ladyes profered to take away her
Crowne, but the Statue standing by, repelled them continually, so that they which once
had assayed, durst meddle no more: wherefore, the Crowne remayned vnconquered,
vntill the Lady came that surpassed all other in beawty, to whome the honor of the 95
Crowne was vowed.
After they had long beheld and considered this aduenture so admirable, and
vnable to coniecture the meaning thereof, diuers went to aduertise the King of this
accident, who was no lesse abashed heereat then the other were, especially the Queene,
whose feare was not a litle, hearing the terrible thunder and tempest that happened, by 100
which occasion she had more speedie deliuerance then was expected, and with greater
ease, then commonly women haue: yet was the child in such goodly shape, resembling
his Father, as the Mother was highly pleased therewith, hoping this Infant would
remaine an inuiolable league of loue betweene the King and her, and the rather,12 the
intelligence of this new spectacle animated her therewith. 105
The King giuing little credite to this strange report, went in person with all the
Princes and Lords of his Court to behold the same, and seeing that it was true indeede,
confessing likewise the thing in strangenesse to surpasse the memorie of all former
aduentures: he sent immediately for the most skilfull Philosophers13 in his Realm, who
hauing learnedly considered thereof, assured the King, that at the instant appearing of 110
those rare spectacles, a Child should be borne, that in bountie, prowesse and loyaltie,
should exceede all the Knightes in the world: for whose renowne, a wise Nigromancer
had appointed that occasion, that each curious eye might discerne his rare vertues,
12 and the rather Meaning “on this account” or “for this reason”.
13 Not in the current sense, but in the archaic sense of “an adept in occult science, as an alchemist,
magician, diviner of dreams, weather-prophet” (OED).
Chapter I
13
among all that should aduenture for the Sheeld and Trophe of Cupid. Nor can we iudge
my Lord, sayd these wise men, that the same is reserued for any other, then your new 115
borne Sonne, at whose houre of birth, the Statues appeared, or (at leaste) some other that
shall issue from him: for our iudgemente in his Astracisme doth perswade vs,14 that he
shall be valiant and renowmed in feates of Armes, and in loyaltie was neuer man found
his second.
As for the Image of Venus, that beareth the rich Crowne, we gesse (my Lord) it is 120
meant to some Daughter you shall haue heereafter, who in beautie and gratious nature,
shall exceede all of her time. If it like your Maiestie, to make experience of what we
haue sayd, you must send for all the fairest Ladies in your Realme, and permit them to
trie their vertue, in taking the Crowne from the head of the Image, in which attempt, you
shall receiue occasion of exceeding pleasure: for the brazen statue which you behold 125
standing by it, will repulse the Ladies in such sort, as they shall repent their bold
aduenture.
The King very ioyfull to heare these newes, said: By the faith of a Prince, I will
cause proofe to be made heereof within these few dayes, and first, the Ladies of our
Citie of London shall begin, if they can not speede in their attempt, the Ladies through 130
our Realme shall be aduertised thereof, as also they of Scotland and Norgalles, which
haue commendation beyond other Nations for beautie. In the meane while I will go
conferre with the Queene heereon, who (as I thinke) will not be a little glad, to heare
that such good fortune is reserued for our yong Sonne. As he was about to depart
thence, he beheld the inscriptions engrauen on the Pillers, which causing to be read, and 135
14 for our iudgemente in his Astracisme doth perswade vs Munday is much more precise than the Fr.
“car nous auons ia de long temps preueu” (A2v; as we had already foreseen a long time ago) when it
comes to the methods of divination used by the prophets or diviners, introducing astrological reading or
the horoscope.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
14
vnderstanding the effect of them all three: In sooth (quoth he) I will for the loue of
Pallas, who framed this faire Sheeld, that my Sonne at his Christening15 shall be named
Palladine, which came so to passe, as you shall reade heereafter.
15 Christening Munday explicitates the baptismal meaning of the Fr. “sur le fons” (A3r; at the font).
CHAPTER II.
¶ How the King Milanor recounted the meruaile of the three Statues to the Queene, and
of the great Triumphs was made1 at the Baptizing of the yong Prince, who was named
Palladine. 5
he King hauing aduisedly considered this strange accident, and vnderstood
to what end it was appointed, went very ioyfully to the Queenes Chamber,
and there to her rehearsed what the wise men had said, which newes were
so welcome to her, as nothing could be more. It now behoueth vs Madame (quoth he) to 10
forethinke on the Baptizing of our Sonne, who shall be his Sureties in that holy
Sacrament, to which I can request no fitter persons, then our freendly brethreniii and
neighbors, the Kings of Scotland and Norgalles, so please you Madame to ioyne me in
opinion. The Queene was so well contented with this motion, as Ambassadours were
immediately dispatched, who so well executed the trust committed to their charge, as 15
the Kings reputed themselues highly honored by this request, and all things are now
preparing for the Baptisme of this noble yong Prince. At the arriuall of these two
Kings,2 great ioyes and triumphs were made by the Citizens of London, and as
concerning their entertainment at the Court, you must thinke it was according to their
high estates, withall, that Englishmen are not to learne to welcome Strangers. 20
1 great Triumphs was made Despite de apparent lack of agreement between noun and verb, this free
variation of the plural past form was acceptable in early modern English.
2 these two Kings The two kings are in Fr. “Les deux parrains” (A3v; the two godparents), the king of
Scotland and North Wales. Munday does not include the reference to “la marraine” (A3v; the godmother),
who is “femme d’vn des plus grandz Princes d’Anglaterre” (A3v; wife to one of the greatest princes of
England).
T
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
16
When the day was come that the yong Prince should be Christened,3 as the King
his father had requested, he was named Palladine: and afterward, to honor the time and
the royall companie, there wanted no worthy deuises, with exquisite Chiualrie
perfourmed both at the Tilt and Tourney, wherein the King of Scots bare great
estimation, being a yong Prince, aged sixe and twenty yeeres, and one, that in Knightly 25
exercises carried especiall account. Yet was not this ioy alone in the Court, but in
London likewise the Citizens shewed the like, where the Conduits ranne diuers sorts of
Wines, the Streetes were stored with Tables before the dores, and all kinde of good
cheere placed thereon, with such ringing of Belles and making Bone-fiers,4 as neuer was
the like seene before that time. It were too long a matter to rehearse, what braue 30
Theatres were erected, and therein presented most excellent Comedies, with Maskes,
Mommeries,5 and all kinde of delightfull inuentions, during the time of this Feast,
which continued fifteene dayes together. It shall suffise me to tell yee, how the King
Milanor hearing that the Kings of Scotland and Norgalles would now returne home
againe, was desirous to haue the aduenture tried of the threes Statues before they went, 35
and therefore caused to be proclaimed by sounde of Trompet, through all the streetes in 3 Christened Fr. “batisé & nommé par les parrains” (A3v; baptised and named by the godfathers). Note
that in the French version the baby is baptised in “la grande Eglise” (A3v; the big Church), probably a
cathedral.
4 Conduits … Bone-fiers The fountains with wine, bells and bonfires are elements introduced by
Munday in the English translation. They were common on occasions such as the proclamation of a king.
For similar historical examples, see Thomas Dudley Fosbroke, Encyclopædia of Antiquities, And
Elements of Archaeology, Classical and Mediæval, vol. 2 (London: John Nichols and son, 1825), 558
(s.v. “rejoicings”).
5 Mummers’ plays were a popular form of folk drama during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The
usual structure of the play was: Introduction – Battle – Lament for the hero – Cure; and the quête or
traditional act of begging for food or alms, to the accompaniment of a folk song. The usual themes were
the wooing of the lovers, sword plays and the battle between St. George and the dragon. See David
Mikics, A New Handbook of Literary Terms (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2010), 193.
Chapter II
17
London, that all Knights and Gentlemen should on the morrow come to the Pallace, to
aduenture their fortune for the rich Sheeld, and the God Cupid, so that if any one could
take them from the Statues, with right good will they should enioy them. The like
protestation was made of the Image of Venus, and the rich Crowne, which was 40
destenied to the most accomplished Lady in beautie, the fame whereof, called faire
beauties darlings to the Court on heapes, each one thinking to beare away the Crowne,
by the benefite of her amiable lookes. Wherefore, the place and houre being appointed,
God knowes how they laboured to augment their naturall beautie by arteficiall meanes,
as oyntments, distilled waters, perfumes, and other like extraordinarie matters, which 45
many Gentlewomen (who haue any naturall imperfection) at this day vse to make them
seeme more amiable.
But now is the day come to make triall of the aduenture, when the King Milanor,
with the Kings of Scotland and Norgalles, and all the Ladies of the Court, went to the
voyde place before the Pallace, and there on a faire Skaffolde couered with rich 50
Tapistrie, sate downe to take view of the valiant Knightes, who durst presume to take
the Sheeld from the Piller. No sooner were they placed as beseemed their estates, but
twelue English Knightes, esteemed of greatest courage and valour in the Countrey,
presented themselues (well armed) to trie their fortune.
After they had done reuerence6 to the Kings and Estates present, he that imagined 55
himselfe of highest resolution among them, stept vp on foure of the staires before the
Piller, thinking to reach the Sheeld that hung thereon, but the enchaunted Image
drawing his fauchion, with such furious strokes repulsed him downe againe, as he durst
6 After they had done reuerence There is no reverence in the French text, only the unwillingness of the
knights to try their fortune in case the King or the godfathers would like to do the honour. Fr. “mais ilz ne
voulurent commencer … mes comperes aussi” (A4r).
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
18
not presume to meddle any more, to the no little maruaile of the King and his companie,
who were not wont to behold such vncouth spectacles. 60
Next, came a gallant yong Knight, well prouided with a Romaine Target, and a
short arming Sword,7 and with maruellous valour, he ranne vp the steps before the
Colomne, and attained to the highest step of all, but he went downe againe sooner then
he expected, for the Image threw him so violently backe againe, as he tumbled headlong
downe the staires to the ground. Like fortune fell to the rest of the twelue, some 65
shewing greater magnanimitie in fight then other did, yet their foile was alike, and this
Sheeld of honor could not be wonne by any of them.
Then came the Queene to the Skaffold, where the Kings sate, and vnderstanding
how the Knightes had sped in this first Aduenture, she sayd. Straunge is it (my good
Lords) that no one of our Knightes can preuaile, let the Gentlemen prooue the aduenture 70
of the second Statue, whereon the God of loue sheweth himselfe, which must be
conquered by none (as I heare) but by the most loyall Knight in the world, by this
meane shall we know them that haue best deserued toward their Ladies, and who
exceedeth all other in constancie. Madame, aunswered the King Milanor, we thinke
your councell verie necessarie, for long will this Sheeld hang heere, if no other Knightes 75
then of our Realme come to trie their fortune: such therefore as hold best opinion of
their owne loialtie, make triall of your vertue at the God of Loue, and free libertie we
graunt to all straunge Knightes, as to them of our Realme, which our Heralds shall
signifie for their better assurance.
7 arming Sword “The arming sword was a short, thrusting sword used primarily as an auxiliary weapon.
In the early Middle Ages, it was hung in readiness from the saddle when on horseback or slid through
rings on the belt when on foot.” Nick Evangelista, The Encyclopedia of the Sword (Westport: Greenwood
Press, 1995), 25.
CHAPTER III.
¶ How many Knightes and Gentlemen of England, Scotland and Norgalles, aduentured
to winne the Image of Cupid, destenied to the most loyall, and how they were all
repulsed: and the Ladies likewise in their triall for the rich Crowne. 5
hen the Herald had publikely deliuered his charge, the King
commaunded all the Knightes to vnarme themselues, for loyaltie
(quoth he) is not to be discouered by armes, but by the hidden vertue
and thought, consisting in the hart of a man. My Lord, sayd the Queene, had you not 10
assured me to whome this aduenture is reserued, I would haue intreated your Maiestie to
make the first triall. Then Madame, quoth the King, you haue some suspition of my
loyaltie. Not so my Lord, sayd she, for nothing is lesse in my thought, and so certaine
perswasion do I hold thereof, as I feare not that all present should behold your vertue, to
the greater enlarging of your honor and mine owne. 15
While these speeches passed, a yong English Gentleman came to mount the steps,
that enuironed the Colomne whereon the God of Loue stoode, but as he lifted his foote
to the nethermost step, the Statue tumbled him backe, with his heeles vpward, so that
euery one laughed hartely thereat. In sooth my freend, said the King, verie little loyaltie
remaines in you, whome loue cannot abyde the sight of, if your Lady be in this 20
company, good occasion hath she to get a better seruant.
Then came another, who had many times inuocated on the name and fauour of his
Mistresse, and without any impeachment mounted on the third step, making an offer to
attaine the fourth, but the Statue thrust him downe againe, whereby he might perceiue
his owne insufficiencie.iv Beleeue me, quoth the Queene, he hath done much better than 25
W
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
20
the other, and the Lady he loueth, is greatly beholding to him, for iustly may he be
accounted loyall, in that the Image suffered him to ascend so high.
Then one of the King of Norgalles Knightes came to trie his fortune, whome the
Statue repulsed with such shame, as all the day after he would not be seene.v I promise
ye Gentleman, said the King his maister, you might haue spared the labour in comming 30
so farre, to returne home with so foule a rebuke, and little neede had ye to shew vs your
great inconstancie. Brothervi quoth the King of Scots, be not offended with him, for well
he knowes, that his Mistresse is not in this companie. You say true brother, aunswered
the King of Norgalles, but if I knew her, I would aduertise her of his excceeding vertue.
Heere commes another of my Knightes to make a better proofe, and yet perhaps, 35
will amend his fellowes dishonor. The Knight attained the highest step, without any
disturbance, and as he lifted his hand to take the Image of Cupid, the Statue tooke him
by the arme, and set him on the ground againe.vii I see then, said the King of Norgalles,
each one must heere be iudged according to the greatnesse and defect of his loyaltie.
Afterward1 came a little Scottishman, as thicke as tall, his beard growing 40
scattering like bristles, his nose flat to his face, two teeth standing before gagd out of his
mouth, a man in euery part very much mishapen,2 and seruing as a Iester to make the
King laugh, he had married a woman as handsome as himselfe, yet was he iealous of
her out of all measure. This proper Squire seeing so many repulsed by the Statue, by
breach of their loyaltie to their Wiues and Ladies, considered with himselfe, that he had 45
1 Afterward Munday omits the unsuccessful performance of several gentlemen. Among them there is a
knight who, in an attempt to jump the queue, trips and falls down, causing great laughter. Fr. “Tandis
qu’il … confusion” (A6r).
2 a little Scottishman … mishapen The hideous features of the character have been softened by Munday,
who omits the Fr. “au reste d’vne couleur basannée & tousiours morueux & gratelleux par tout le corps”
(A6r; and also of a swarthy hue and always snotty-nosed and scabby all over his body). The mention of
his being the King of Scotland’s jester has no parallel in the Fr. text.
Chapter III
21
neuer violated the bonds of marriage, but euermore kept his faith to his wife, therefore
he would hazard his good hap, not doubting but to carie the Image of Cupid with him
into Scotland. Hauing demaunded leaue of the King his Maister, with a little cudgell in
his hand, he came to the Collomne, and went vp to the verie highest step, the Statue not
offering any signe of resistance: but as this deformed fellow would haue embraced the 50
Image of Cupid, the Statue snatched the cudgell out of his hand, and so rapt him
therewith about the shoulders, as he was constrained to hye him downe againe, the
Kings and all present merily laughing at this iest. Alas poore foole, said the King of
Scots, how durst thou presume to shew thy selfe in this action? Why my Lord,
aunswered the Queene, your little man is yet found the most loyall, and no Gentleman 55
this day hath witnessed the like. Beleeue me Madame, aunswered the King of Scots, it is
against his will that he is so loyall, for being so euill fauoured and deformed, how can
he finde any woman to offend with him? Come hether little fellow said the King
Milanor, you haue beene beaten with your owne cudgell, because ye came no better
prouided: but that the honor of the day may remaine to you,3 I will that at this present no 60
further triall shall bee made, enough hath beene done by men, let now the Ladyes by
their beautie aduenture for the rich Crowne of Venus, and let it suffise that a little fellow
hath stained4 all our Knightes. The Queene in person began the enterprise, but reiected
as vnworthy of the fatall Crowne, and after her followed the Ladies of the Court, whose
fortunes were like or worsse in effect, to their no little disgrace in their owne conceites, 65
who prized their beauties at the highest rate. The London Dames had likewise their time
3 Alas poore foole … remaine to you Munday omits an intervention of the Queen, who intercedes for the
Scotsman’s honour; and also omits a fit of rage of the latter, who curses the statues and whoever put them
there, making everybody laugh. Fr. “Toutesfoys, Sire … se rioit” (A6v).
4 This is the first instance of the word stain recorded in the OED for this sense (v. 1c).
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
22
of proofe, yet could their daintie faces carie no pawne in this attempt,5 for the Crowne
was reserued for the onely Lady, who might not be parangonned by any other
whatsoeuer.
5 in this attempt Munday omits the fact that, after the ladies of the court fail, the ladies of the city and of
foreign countries also try. Being so many, they get in the way of one another, so much so that when the
statue pushes one of them, three or four fall down. Great laughter arises among the ladies of the court,
who are relieved not to have lost their honour against the citizens. Fr. “Apres celà vindrent … auoient
failly” (A6v).
CHAPTER IV.
¶ How after all the Triumphs were ended, perfourmed at the Baptisme of the yong
Prince Palladine, and the aduentures thus left of the three Statues, the Kings of
Scotland and Norgalles tooke their leaue of the King Milanor and the Queene, and 5
returned from England into their owne Countreys.
y this time were all the Princes and Ladyes throughly satisfyed with the
pastimes, wherefore with sound of Trompets, Clarions and Cornets, they
returned to the Pallace, where was prepared for them a most roiall banquet: 10
and bicause the Kings of Scotland and Norgalles were to depart on the morrow, the
Citizens of London in honor of their Prince, came with diuers stately Maskes to the
Pallace, where they behaued themselues to their credit, and the Kings good liking.
Afterward entred the hall twelue Gentlemen of the Court, in complete Armour,
with blunt Foyles and Targets, when deuiding themselues sixe against sixe, hauing for 15
their barre two Pykes, which were held ouerthwart by two of the Kings Guard, they
layde on each other such eager strokes, as their swords flew in peeces, and their Armour
was battered in many places.1 Then they withdrew themselues, giuing place to twelue
other, who Combatted with the Pyke, arming Sword and Battle-Axe, and thus was the
night consumed in such disports, to delight the Kings of Scotland and Norgalles, who in 20
the morning tooke their leaue of the King and Queene, and were conducted on their
1 The late Middle Ages saw the development of several safety measures and procedures of jousting and
tourneying, such as the use of blunt weapons and a barrier between combatants. These measures underline
the increasingly theatrical or artistic intention of these happenings towards the end of the Middle Ages,
although, as Keen points out, the real ocuppations of war and the tourneys held for entertainment were
actually closely connected. See Chivalry, 205–10.
B
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
24
iourney by many English Lords. The King Milanor and his Queene beeing not a little
contented, that the Princes had done them such honor in their Realme, but greatest of all
was their comfort in their Sonne Palladine, who in prowesse and loyaltie should
surpasse all other of his time, and was carefully nourished by a vertuous Gentlewoman, 25
wife to an aged Squire, named Romandrin of Gaule, with whome he remained, till he
came to the age of fiue yeeres.2
About this time the Queene trauailed againe, and was deliuered of two goodly
Daughters beeing Twinnes, the one whereof was named Marcelina, and the other
Florea: these sweete babes were tenderly regarded in the Court, and there will we leaue 30
them with the Queene their Mother, remembring yong Palladine, who is in custodie of
graue and learned tutors, enstructed in the Languages, as also in the Greeke and Latine,3
wherein he profited so well, as at tenne yeeres he could speake them as perfect as his
English toong. Heerewithall he practised Knightly Chiualrie,4 to manadge great
2 carefully nourished … fiue yeeres Munday omits the character of a wet-nurse who fell ill when
Palladine was a baby, causing the King to send for a new one who was healthy, considerate and with a
good complexion so that the baby could retain those qualities; Fr. “Ce pendant … amender à veuë d’oeil.”
(B1v). The employ of wet-nurses was common among the privileged classes and raised a debate during
the Early Modern period in England. It was commonly thought that moral qualities were also transmitted
though breast-feeding, and the medical works of the period which defended this practice recommended
finding wet-nurses who had good colour and complexion, large breasts, honest conversation and mild
manners. See David Cressy, Birth, Marriage & Death. Ritual, Religion, and the Life-Cycle in Tudor and
Stuart England (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997), 87–92.
3 grave … Latine Fr. “d’vn homme fort docte & exercé es langues grecque & latine” (B2r; of a very
learned man and expert in the Greek and Latin tongues). Munday turns the original “homme” into several
“tutors”, and discriminates between Latin and Greek (i.e. the learned languages), and “the Languages”
(i.e. vernacular languages such as Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch or German).
4 he practised Knightly Chiualrie Fr. “sous la charge d’vn bon vieil Cheualier & d’vn iune escuyer”
(B2r; entrusted to a good old knight and a young squire).
Chapter IV
25
Horsses, and all Gentlemanlike exercises,5 searching the bowelles of the cheefest 35
Historians,6 from them to learne the practises and sleights of Millitarie profession. And
when the time would not serue him to Hawke and Hunt, he would keepe himselfe from
idlenesse with his Lute, Bandora and Virginalles,7 with diuers other sweete Instruments,
wherein he tooke delight, and grew verie excellent.
This yong Prince thus giuen to all honest and vertuous quallities, began to haue 40
some feeling of his high and magnanimous spirit, so that to experiment and trie his
owne strength, he would cope with diuers yong Lords and Gentlemen of his age, to
runne in the Listes, to breake Launces,8 to Combate with the Maze, the Arming-Sword,
and all other weapons, both on horssebacke, and on foote. In all which exercises, he
found not his equall, which made him desirous of the order of Knighthood, to the end he 45
might seeke after strange Aduentures, as the King his Father had done in his youthfull
time. Thus continued he sixe or seauen moneths in this desire, not daring to aquaint the
King his Father therewith, least he should refuse his request in respect of his yong
yeeres, but the destenies, who foresawe the maruellous deedes of Armes he should
accomplish, and the straunge enchauntments that should be finished by him, would not 50
suffer him to remaine long slothfull in his Fathers Court among the Ladies and
5 Gentlemanlike exercises Fr. “escrimer & bien manier toutes sortes d’armes” (B2r; fencing and good
wielding of all kinds of weapons).
6 searching the bowelles of the cheefest Historians i.e. thoroughly reading the books of the main
historians.
7 Lute, Bandora and Virginalles Fr. “du luth, de l’espinette & aultres instrumens armonieux” (B2r; the
lute, the spinet and other melodious instruments). The lute and the bandore are very similar stringed
instruments, both resembling a guitar. According to the OED, the virginal was a keyed musical
instrument resembling a spinet, but set in a box or case with no legs. All were common in England in the
16th century, and the lute had been in use since the 14th century.
8 To break a lance with: to enter the lists against, enter into competition with (OED).
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
26
beautifull creatures, but bringing his desires to perfection, found the meane that he
should be Knighted by the King his Father, as heereafter you shall reade more at large.
CHAPTER V.
¶ How the Duke Temoreo of Millaine,1 sent his Sonne Manteleo into England, to be
made Knight with the Prince Palladine, and how Manteleo became enamoured of the
Princesse Marcelina. 5
uring this time, the Duke of Millaine had a Sonne named Manteleo, a
yong Prince, and of vertuous nature, brauely disposed to Knightly
resolutions, and being aged about eighteene yeeres. He hauing often-
times heard the famous report, euery where bruted of the Prince Palladine of England, 10
and what a strange aduenture happened at his birth, which could not as yet be ended by
any, was very desirous to go see him, that he might be aquainted with the Prince
renowmed. And one day finding the Duke his Father walking in his Garden, he came
and kneeled before him, desiring license for three or foure moneths, to trauaile into
England that he might be aquainted with the Prince Palladine, of so especiall report, as 15
also the wise and debonaire King Milanor his Father, with whome (quoth he) all Kings
and Princes louers of vertue, haue euermore desired freendly allyance. Witnesse heerof
is the King of Portugall, the Kings of Scots and Norgalles, and diuers other Princes
straungers: by his hand my Lord, so it stand with your liking, would I receiue my order
of Knighthood, which he I hope will not denie me, in respect of his owne gratious 20
humanitie, and the consideration he will haue of your person, when he shall vnderstand
that I am your Sonne.
1 Millaine Milan was an Italian signoria (independent state) and duchy during the 14th and 15th
centuries.
D
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
28
The Duke hearing his Sonne in these tearmes, was well pleased to behold him of
so good a mind, and contented likewise to graunt what he demaunded, saying. In sooth
my Sonne, seeing Fraunce and England are now in peace together, the lesse do I doubt 25
of thy going thither, and boldly mayst thou assure him, that he hath a perpetuall freend
of me, determine then to depart when thou wilt, foorthwith shall I giue order for thy
prouision in trauaile: but returne not till thou hast tried the aduenture so renowmed,
which hapned before the Kings Pallace on the day of his Sonnes birth, and if thy good
fortune may bring it to an end, well mayst thou intreate the King for thy Order, in that 30
thou shalt well deserue thy Knighthood, seeing so many haue fayled in triall thereof.
Manteleo hauing humbly thanked the Duke his Father, for graunting him the thing he
onely desired, said. I promise you my Lord, that I will not returne thence without proofe
of my fortune, albeit I were sure to be repulsed more sharply then any hath beene
heeretofore: yet since the aduenture is so ordeyned, let me dye ere I be dishonored with 35
feare or dismaying. Heereupon, the Duke called the maister of his Horsse, to whome he
gaue charge to prouide his Sonnes estate toward England, and that all things might be
readie for his departure within three daies following: which was accordingly
perfourmed, and so the Prince Manteleo with his trayne set forward from Millaine, in
the weeke next after Pentecost,2 making such expedition in trauaile, as hauing passed 40
the fairest Cities in Fraunce, which he was desirous to see, he came to Bullin,3 where he
tooke shipping, and with a merry gale of winde, in lesse then eighteene houres, he
landed in England.
2 the weeke next after Pentecost Fr. “le lendemain” (B2v; the day after). Pentecost (Gr. “the fiftieth
day”) was a central reference for knightly celebrations and undertakings.
3 Bullin Boulogne (or Boulogne-sur-Mer), one of the ports for cross-channel journeys.
Chapter V
29
The King Milanor aduertised of his arriuall, was greatly contented therewith,
commaunding in all the Townes where-through he should passe, that he should be 45
receyued and intreated honorably. And when he drew neere London, the Gouernours
were charged to meete him on the way,4 the Prince Palladine likewise to welcome him
at the Citie gates, and the King with his Queene and Ladies, remained at the Pallace to
entertaine him. Euerie thing thus perfourmed in greatest maiestie, the Prince of
Millaine, was receiued with generall ioy of the Citizens, and the Prince Palladine 50
accompanied with many great Lords of England, to whome Manteleo behaued himselfe
with honorable modestie, as well he could his Courtship in those affayres, and riding
along with the English Prince, he entred into these speeches.
The fame of so many lawdable vertues, accompanyed with heroicall prowesse and
magnanimitie, which amply are discerned in your dayly cogitations, hath earnestly 55
prouocked me (good Prince) to be aquainted with you, for which onely occasion, I left
my natiue Countrey, to see this Realme, euery where named happie, by the honorable
regiment of the King your Father, whose vertues you imitate so effectually, as you
remaine a wonder to them that neuer saw you. And long may good successe attend your
dayly actions, heauen making me so fortunate, to winne acceptance in your eyes, in that 60
I haue deuoted my selfe to esteeme of you aboue all other.
Sir Manteleo, answered the Prince Palladine, as I knowe my selfe farre vnworthie
these titles of prayse, so am I perswaded, that your speeches proceed of good affection
towards me, flying reports are oftentimes found vntrue: yet do not I mislike your
opinion of me, which hath sorted out the meane to see and knowne you in this 65
Countrey, as our honorable and well wishing freend. Of the King my Father haue I 4 to meete him on the way Fr. “d’aller au deuant de luy iusques à vn grand quart de lieuë de là” (B3r; to
go before him up to a great quarter of a league from there). The lieue ancienne used in France until the
17th century was roughly equivalent to 2.018 Imperial miles or 3.248 kilometres.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
30
heard of your parents, and good acquaintance hath he had with the Duke your Father,
when as a Knight errant he sought after aduentures: assure your selfe therefore right
welcome hither, and gladly shall I accept of you as my freend and companion. Thus
beguiled they the time, til they came to the Pallace, where the Prince of Millaine stayed 70
to behold the Statues, reading the deuises he had so long desired to see, whereat, not
able to maruaile sufficiently, they went on into the great Hall, where the King embraced
him verie louingly, the Princes and Lords likewise present, entertained him with
exceeding kindnesse and humanitie, in that they had heard the King many times report,
the worthie chiualrie of the Duke of Millaine his Father. 75
After the King had welcomed this stranger with manyfold courtesies, and had
vnderstood the cause of his comming to his Court, he sent him with the Prince
Palladine to salute the Queene and her Daughters. But loue, whose puissance as yet he
had neuer felt, finding time and opportunitie so conuenient, when Manteleo had done
his reuerence to the Queene, comming to the Princesses that attended on her, hauing 80
kissed the first,5 named Marcelina, he found his sences so strangely inueigled, as he
stoode silent before her a prettie while, being not able to deliuer one word, so was he
rauished with contemplation of her beautie. Which the Princesse well noting, and
imagining this passion to proceede by bashfulnesse, or feare, which oftentimes preuents
yong Gentlemen when they enter the presence of great Ladies, she tooke the Prince by 85
the hand, and thus began.
My Lord, your are so welcome, as your owne hart can wish, great hath beene your
payne and trauayle, comming so farre to see this Court, no sufficient recompence can
the King our Father make yee, nor we poore Ladies, for this exceeding kindnesse. These
words forcing Manteleo to recouer his spirits, caused him returne this aunswere. 90
5 the first Fr. “la premiere née” (B3r; the firstborn).
Chapter V
31
In comming hither (sweete Madame) haue I sustayned no paine or trauaile, but
rather comfort, pleasure, and pastime. For long since is it, that I desired to offer my
seruice to the King your Father, as well for the rare vertues which makes him farre
renowmed, as also to renew the auncient amitie, that yee and the Duke my Father haue
had together, when they as Knightes errant trauayled straunge Countreys. Another and 95
cheefe cause, was to see my Lord your Brother, whose second in prowesse is not to be
found: and you likewise faire Ladies, whome heauen hath not onely enriched with
especiall vertues, but also with rare and most perfect beautie. And though my Starres
alotted me no greater good heereby, then to behold the surpassing worke of nature in
you both, yet would I repute my trauaile more largely requited, then were I created 100
Emperour of the world, adioyning heereto, if any seruice remayned in me that might be
to your liking.
During these speeches, he threw many piercing lookes on the Princesse
Marcelina, and she returned the like on him, thinking he had neuer seene a more comely
Knight in all perfections, her Brother Palladine excepted, gathering by his looks and 105
yeelding countenance, that she had wonne some earnest in his loue: with which
imagination, her hart was highly contented,6 and to continue him in this good affection,
she thus replyed.
Not a little doo I think my selfe beholding to you, my good Lord, noting your
forward zeale to the King my Fathers seruice: loth am I to presse yee with such regard 110
6 he threw many piercing lookes ... her hart was highly contented These intentional looks are a form
of non-verbal communication full of meaning, coined by St Augustine as “visible words” or verba
visibilia. Love-gazing was a resource with which lovers kept secrecy and avoided the potential rebuff. See
J. A. Burrow, Gestures and Looks on Medieval Narrative (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
2002), 1–4, 91–95.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
32
towards me, in that my deseruings are altogether too simple, let my good will then
excuse my want, assuring your selfe of a maydens prayers wheresoeuer you go.
As Manteleo would haue aunswered, the Prince Palladine came, and thus brake
off their talke. I beseech yee my Lord and companion, to withdraw your selfe into your
Chamber, there to repose your selfe after your iourney, for of necessitie you must be 115
sore wearied, hauing spent so little time betweene Millaine and England.
Manteleo departed to his Chamber with Palladine, and in two lodgings ioyning
together lay these new freends. There did the Millayne Prince cloath himselfe in braue
and sumptuous garments, not forgetting the gracious speeches of fayre Marcelina, who
likewise so soone as he departed, could not keepe in her owne opinions, but with her 120
Sister fell in commendation of Manteleo: setling the loue of him so neere her heart, as
she resolued neuer to haue any other Husband, so pleased the King and Queene to giue
their consent. Continuing in this determination, thence forward her extreame desires
made her pensiue and solitarie, yet would she not impart her disease to any one, because
she would first make triall of the Princes constancie, least his loue might be impeached 125
with dissembling dalliaunce.
But now is the houre of Supper come, when the amorous Prince Manteleo was
placed at the table, right ouer against his beloued Marcelina, neither of them being
offended at this good hap, but vsing the same as an especiall benefite, with secret
glaunces to court each other. Which the Princesse Florea diligently marked, and seeing 130
her Sister so often to chaunge her couller, coupling therewith many bitten in sighes, she
tofore hauing neuer shewed the like: became iealous of the matter, thinking the Prince
should as soone affect her as her Sister,7 yet made she no outward shew of this conceite.
7 thinking the Prince should as soone affect her as her Sister Thinking that the prince should feel as
attracted to her as to her sister. It is worth noting that Florea and Marcelina are twins.
Chapter V
33
But when the Tables were withdrawne, and each one preparing themselues to daunce,
Manteleo tooke his Lady Marcelina, without making any offer to Florea, wherewith she 135
became so mal content8 as to despight them, she would euery day after sit so neere
them, as they could not speake one word to each other, but she might easily vnderstand
what they said.
The Prince well noting how hee was crost, would the oftner entertaine Marcelina
to Daunce, taking the benefite at the end of each Measure, which gaue them libertie to 140
conferre together, no one in those excused times being able to impeach them, whereat
Florea greatly repined, seeing them talke with such affectionate protestations.
The Pastimes ended, the King and Queene went to their lodgings, Manteleo
humbly giuing them the good night, not forgetting the Saint he serued in desires,9 and
afterward the Prince Palladine accompanied him to his Chamber, where after many 145
other speeches between them, they concluded on the morrow to request their
Knighthood of the King. So Palladine left Manteleo for that night, whose mind was
busied with his Ladies fauorable words, not doubting but to shew himselfe so forward in
Armes, as the Princesse should receiue good occasion to affect him, and graunt him the
honor he earnestly desired. In this good hope he laid him downe to rest, the Princesse 150
Marcelina nothing inferiour to him in amorous opinions, and that night her brother
Palladine had told her, that Manteleo and he would intreate their Order of the King,
wherewith she was not a littleviii contented, determining thence forward, to entertaine
the Prince of Millaine as her Knight.
8 mal content Munday retains the word from the French “mal contente” (B4r).
9 the Saint he serued in desires This reference to “the Saint” has no parallel in the Fr. text. It can be
assumed that he is referring to Cupid, the god of Love.
CHAPTER VI.
¶ How the Princes Palladine and Manteleo, with many other great Lords, were
Knighted by the King Milanor: and of an aduenture that happened in the Court,
which Palladine and Manteleo ended. 5
aire Aurora1 chasing away the clowdie night, the Prince Palladine,
accompanied with many Gentlemen, came to bid Manteleo good morrow.
Why? my Lord and companion, quoth he, it seemes you haue forgotten what
we determined yesternight. Pardon me good Prince, aunswered Manteleo, my memorie 10
is not so short: but so sweetly haue I slept this night, as hindered me from rising sooner.
Then went they to salute the King,2 and intreated his Highnesse to graunt them their
Knighthood. When his Maiestie perceiuing their forwardnesse, and noting the earnest
desire of Manteleo, thus aunswered.
Loth I am to denie your request, albeit as yet you are ouer-yong, but the good 15
opinion I haue of your prowesse, and fortunate successe that may befall ye heereafter:
doth supply your want of yeeres, wherefore, this night perfourme the holy watch, and to
morrow will I giue ye your Order. The two Princes humbly thanking his Maiestie, went
to giue order for their Armour and furniture, and at night they entred the Chappell,
1 Aurora Latin personification of the dawn.
2 the King Munday makes no reference to the rest of the characters present or the religious service they
are attending; Fr. “au Roy, à la Royne & aux Infantes lesquelles ilz menerent à la messe du Roy” (B4v;
the King, the Queen, and the Infantas, whom they were leading to the Mass of the King).
F
Chapter VI
35
where spending the time in the accustomed religious exercise,3 they expect the houre of 20
their long desired honor.
In the morning, the King with his Nobilitie entred the Chappell, and as he was
busied in the Ceremonies vsed in such affaires, there entred two Damosels verie brauely
apparelled, each of them hauing a goodly Sword in her hand, and with them was an
armed Knight: then one of the Damosels comming before the King, vpon her knee 25
deliuered these speeches.
Mightie and renowmed King, excelling in vertue all Princes liuing, vnderstand,
that this Knight my Brother, is enchaunted by a wicked Sorcerer, for not graunting to
accomplish his carnall desire, so that since the time of his refusall, he hath not
conuersed with any woman in the world, not with his owne Wife heere present, but 30
hateth all Women to the death, to the no little greefe of me and my faire Sister, seeing
her selfe so despised of her husband, without giuing any occasion of offence. And many
Countreys haue we trauailed, to finde the man or woman that can end this
enchauntment, yet hetherto haue we lost all our labour. But true is, that as we passed
through the lesser Aigipt, we happened to meete with an auncient Lady, who gaue vs 35
these two Swords, which (as she said) cannot be drawne by any, but by two Knightes,
the most valiant and loyall of their time. These worthie men shall vncharme this Knight,
and to them belong these Swords, being the best that euer were framed, and their names
that shall draw these Swords out of their scabbards, are engrauen on the weapons, yet 3 the holy watch ... religious exercise Munday omits the presence of the ladies and the fact that the mass
was performed by the archbishop of Autun, thus suppressing the reference to a Catholic ritual that was
banned in Elizabethan England; Fr. “le Roy & les Dames vindrent qui ouyrent la messe que
l’Archeuesque d’Autone celebra” (B5r; the king and the ladies came to listen to the mass the archbishop
of Autun performed); and he adds a religious nuance (holy) to the Fr. “la veille” (B5r; the vigil). Some
elements of a 14th century dubbing ceremony included a ritual bath on the eve of the dubbing, a vigil in
the church and the hearing of mass the following day. See Maurice Keen, Chivalry (New Haven and
London: Yale University Press, 1984), 64–82.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
36
not to be seene till they be drawne. Wherefore right mightie King, we humbly intreate, 40
that this sad aduenture may be tried by your Knightes, for very often haue we heard, that
this Court is stored with men of greatest vertue.
If the King and all present, were amazed at the comming of the Damosels and the
Knight, much more were they by hearing the reason of the enchantment.
In sooth, said the Queene, I cannot but pittie the poore Gentleman, that for the 45
carefull regard of his loyaltie, he should receiue so great discourtesie. Doubtlesse, quoth
the King, he was a cruell villaine that enchaunted him on this occasion, and were he
heere, either would I cause him to end the enchauntment himselfe, or recompence him
with his iust desarts. As for you Lady that are Sister to this Knight, right gladly do I
graunt what you haue requested, and neuer could you haue come in better time, for the 50
greatest part of the Knightes in our Realme are heere at our Court, besides, diuers other
am I presently to endue with the Order, which being done, they shall all trie their
fortune in this aduenture. Heereupon, the newe Knightes were immediatly dubbed, and
each after other laboured to pull foorth the enchaunted Swords, which they could not
stirre the length of halfe a foote, except Orliman of Flaunders, and Durandell of Cleue,4 55
who drew them wel-neere to the middest.
The new Knightes Palladine and Manteleo, seeing no one could altogether
vnsheath them, tooke the Swords to trie what they were able to do, and they drew them
foorth so easily as they had beene their owne weapons, each one reioysing the aduenture
was ended, especially Marcelina, who by this first proofe perceiued, what Knightly 60
bountie and loyaltie remained in her freend. The Damosels being glad of this good hap,
the Knightes Sister thus spake to the King.
4 The German county of Cleves, which became a duchy in the 15th century, had its capital town of the
same name on the western border of the country.
Chapter VI
37
Yet is not this all Sir, so it may stand with your liking my brother must dub these
Knightes with these Swords, and they are to graunt him one request, which he shall
afterward demaund of them. For that I am content, sayd the King, but let vs see whose 65
names are engrauen on the Swords. Palladine shewed his to the King, and thereon was
engrauen in great Romane Letters5 these words, Palladine of Aquilea,6 whereat he was
both ioyfull and amazed, that the Surname of Aquilea was giuen to Palladine: for
Aquilia was a Realme vnder the gouernment of the Pagans,7 and Palladine was a
Christian, nor could he tell what to imagine heereof, but desired Manteleo to shew his 70
Sword: whereon was engrauen in the like Characters, Manteleo the Millaynois, which
made him equall with his companion in gladnesse, but most of all faire Marcelina, in
whose brest loues fire more and more enkindled.
The strange Knight feeling himselfe released from enchauntment, tooke the
Swords, and therewith gaue the Order to the two Princes, afterward thus speaking to 75
them. Will yee (my Lords) graunt me now one boone? That shall we Sir, quoth they, the
King hath alreadie promised, we must not then denie it. My request is, sayd the Knight,
that you would depart hence with me within these three dayes, and accompanie me to
the place whither I shall conduct yee. Heereof will we not faile, aunswered Palladine, 5 Romane Letters i.e. in the Latin alphabet, but also in the traditional Roman script typically used for
inscriptions.
6 Prophetic engraving concerning Palladine’s destination, cf. Chapter XVI, line 87.
7 There is a northern Italian town of Aquileia, located at the head of the Adriatic Sea, one of the
wealthiest cities of the Roman empire and one of the many possessions and trading ports that the
Republic of Venice had along the eastern Mediterranean coasts from the 13th century onwards. The
Ottoman expansion into the Adriatic brought the two powers into continuous conflict, and their
boundaries changed constantly well into the 18th century, but I have not found any evidence of Aquileia
being under the Ottoman rule. For a summarised account of the conflict between Venice and the Ottoman
empire, see Selcuk Aksin Somel, The A to Z of the Ottoman Empire (Plymouth: Scarecrow Press Empire,
2003), 319–20. For the origins of Aquileia, see Simon Hornblower and Antony Spaforth, eds., The
Oxford Classical Dictionary, 4th ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012), 129.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
38
so please yee to set forward to morrow. Not so, quoth the King, you must forethinkeix in 80
what equipage you are to depart hence, as also what companie you must haue with yee:
beside, I will that the Knight and the Ladyes rest themselues awhile in our Court.
If Palladine was ioyfull to follow aduentures, you must thinke Manteleo was as
sorie, seeing he must so soone forsake his Marcelina. who hauing likewise heard what
was concluded, shewed by the change of her vermilion collour to pale and wan, how 85
greatly this seperation displeased her, deuising by what meanes she might hinder this
voyage.
Manteleo beholding the teares in his Ladies eyes, imagined the cause, and thereby
her earnest affection towards him, which touched him inwardly with such assaults, as
feeling a sudden weaknesse to surprise him, he was forced to leane in his Squires 90
shoulder, whereat the King maruailing, said. How now Sir Manteleo? are you not well?
In sooth my Lord, quoth he, neuer was I in so straunge an alteration before. I perceiue
said the King the cause heereof, these Ladies aduenture hath kept you too long fasting,
high time is it that you had some refection. The Prince was contented to allow this fit
excuse, least otherwise his secret loue should be disclosed. Let vs meate then, sayd the 95
King, for long fasting is hurtfull, and mine owne stomache telles that it is dinner time.8
8 Dinner time is not to be confused with its current meaning, but its original sense of chief meal of the
day, eaten about midday.
CHAPTER VII.
¶ Of the feast was made, after the two Princes Palladine and Manteleo were Knighted,
and how they tried the aduenture of the Statues, which they could not finish.x
5
o departed the King from the Chappell, and in the great Hall the Tables were
couered for dinner, where wanted no store of choyse and daintie delicates,
exceeding the rather at this time, for the honor of the new made Knightes.
The Prince Manteleo sate in his wonted place before Marcelina, but vnhappy was it for
her, that her Sister Florea sate so neere her, who still remained suspitious of their 10
silence, by which occasion, these tormented louers durst not speake to each other, but
all dinner time with humble and affectionate regards, they deliuered the secret messages
of their hearts. When the Tables were withdrawne, some falling to dauncing, and others
to deuise with their Ladyes: by good hap, one of the new Knightes, being one of the
cheefest Lords in the Court, intreated the Princesse Florea to daunce, meane while the 15
Millanois had leysure to courte his mistresse.
Well my good Lord, quoth she, is there no remedie but we must loose your
companie within these three dayes? beleeue me, little did I thinke you would haue left
vs so soone. Assure your selfe Madame, said the Prince, there is nothing can be more
displeasant to me, but in respect, I cannot with honestie, and without great impeach to 20
mine honor, gain-say the matter so absolutely promised, let me intreate ye not to
misdeeme of any thing. And heere I bow by the religious faith I owe to your
excellencie, that hither will I returne againe so soone as I can possible. Beside, if the
Knight whome we must accompanie, shall offer to stray farre from this Realme, some
sufficient excuse will I finde to forsake his companie. Meane while, let me intreate ye to 25
S
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
40
afford me thus much fauour, to accept me as your Knight and seruant: and if as yet I
haue deliuered no desart, whereby I might attaine to such a tipe of happinesse, I hope
such shall be my behauior heereafter, as you shall haue no cause to repent your gift.
Ah my Lord, quoth she, such soueraigntie haue you gained ouer my thoughts, as
nothing can I refuse, what you with honor request: I accept you then as my Knight (with 30
which words she tooke a rich Diamond from her finger) in signe whereof, take this
iewell, and weare it for my sake wheresoeuer you come heereafter. He taking the ring
with exceeding reuerence, thus aunswered.
Sweete Madame, most humbly doo I thanke ye for this fauour, which I will keepe
as mine owne life. And needlesse is it for you to giue me any thing, whereby I might the 35
better remember ye, for so liuely is your diuine figure imprinted in my hart, that no
fortune, how good or bad so euer, can haue power to blemish or deface. As she was
about to aunswere, the King started from his chaire, and comming to the Prince
Manteleo, sayd, Better leysure to daunce shall we haue after supper, let vs now go see
our yong Knightes in the Listes, to trie if since their order was giuen, their strength is 40
impaired or increased.
Then ceassed the instruments and the dauncing, the Knightes going all to arme
themselues, each one verie ioyfull of this occasion, but especially the Prince Manteleo,
for the great desire he had to be seene in the Ioust, yet remembring the aduenture of the
Statues, faine would he trie his fortune there ere he entred the Listes, and mouing the 45
King thereof, his Maiestie liked it very well, who with the Queene, and all the Courtly
assistants, came to their wonted Scaffold, when the Prince Palladine was the first that
aduentured for the Sheeld, saying. I haue heard that such as laboured to win this Sheeld,
haue beene verie sharply repulsed by this Statue, but I thinke it was through want of
Chapter VII
41
demaunding licence to take it, therefore will I reason with the keeper thereof,1 to knowe 50
if this Sheeld be destenied to me. So aduancing himselfe to the Statue, armed at all
points verie brauely, he thus spake. Suffer me (faire Image) to take this Sheeld downe
without the Combate, or if I may not haue it otherwise, determine to defend thy selfe.
The Statue in resemblance of a sauadge man, thus replied. I will not Combate with one
so yong, and a Knight so vnexperienced as thou art, therefore I councell thee to go make 55
proofe of thy bountie else-where, then will I deale with thee in Combate, otherwise,
neuer thinke to win this Sheeld. I see well said Palladine to Manteleo, that the end
heereof is not reserued fortune. Try (my Lord) if your fortune be any better then mine.
Heereupon, Manteleo mounted the steps, thinking to go take downe the Sheeld, but the
Statue thrust his hand before it, saying. Nor is it (as yet) for thee, that thou shouldest 60
attempt to take this Sheeld, it behoues thee to be much more exercised in armes, and
therefore content thy selfe. Good reason haue I to thinke, said Manteleo, that I haue not
as yet merited so high a guerdon, by reason of my insufficiencie in martiall affaires,
therefore I will presume no further: but in the aduenture of Cupid predestinated to the
most loyall, after you Sir Palladine will I hazard my selfe. 65
By my faith, quoth the Prince, I will not meddle with him, for (as yet) I haue
nothing to do with the God of Loue, nor know I what puissance he hath ouer humaine
creatures, therefore will I stand foorth of his reach. The like may I say, quoth Manteleo,
yet will I attempt to win his portrait: so giuing a piercing glaunce on the Princesse
Marcelina, he drew his Sword, and with resolued assurance approched the Statue, who 70
presently snatching his fauchion from his side, resisted him in such sort, as betweene
them was a long and doubtfull Combate, to the great admiration of the King and all
1 Palladine advocates for courtesy instead of violence and decides to seek permission to take the shield.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
42
present. Yet maugre the peasant strokes of the brazen Image,2 he attained to the highest
step of all, each one then thinking that Cupid was his owne: but so weightie were the
cruell charges of the Statue, as he was enforced to fall downe backward in a swoune, to 75
the great greefe of the King, Queene, and Palladine, but cheefely of Marcelina, who
seeing his Armour broken in so many places, and the blood (as she thought) to issue
from him so aboundantly, perswaded her selfe that he had yeelded vp his ghost. Ah
gentle Prince, quoth she to her selfe, if thou be dead, I am the onely cause thereof, for
well I know, that for my loue thou didst enterprise this aduenture, too deere hast thou 80
bought thy comming into England and the earnest affection thou didst beare to me.
While Marcelina continued these regrets, the Prince Palladine with other
Knightes recouered Manteleo, and vnarming him, perceiued he was not wounded at all,
but weary and ouer-trauailed, with so long resisting the cruell blowes of the Image,
whereon could none of the Princes strokes be discerned, though the clanching of his 85
weapon made a wonderfull noise. Manteleo finding himselfe fresh and lustie, would
haue returned againe to the Statue, but the King stayed him with these words.
Me thinks3 (my Lord) you haue done inough alreadie, let others now haue time for
their triall. At which speeches, the other Knightes followed as their turnes came, each
one being as roughly handled as the Prince Manteleo: who greeued that he had not 90
ended the aduenture, thinking that Marcelina would withdraw her affection, reputing
him vnworthie her loue, that could deliuer no better proofe of his loyaltie. And in truth
at the first she was iealous thereof, but in the end she perswaded her self, that such a
2 maugre ... Image Munday’s addition. The form peasant is not included among the variants of peisant,
pesant (i.e. heavy) in the OED.
3 Me thinks Meaning “it seems to me”.
Chapter VII
43
hidden vertue could not be discerned in a man, vntill he receiued the sweetes of loue by
his Lady, which opinion made her zeale more vehement to the Prince. 95
The King seeing the day was farre spent, referred the rest of the sports till the
morrow, when Manteleo had good hope to recouer his honor in the Ioust, to the
especiall good liking of his Lady and mistresse. So the King with his Lords returned to
the Pallace, and the Knightes hauing vnarmed themselues, came into the Chamber of
Presence,4 where the Prince deuising with his faire Goddesse, with many perswations 100
excused his bad successe, which she could not but take in good part, considering that
intire loue couers all occasions of dislike.
4 The Chamber of Presence, a place prepared for ceremonial presence or attendance, is added by Munday.
CHAPTER VIII.
¶ How Manteleo wun the honor of the Tournament, and vanquished two straunge
Knightes.
5
ow is the day come, when the yong Knightes should shew themselues in
open feeld, except the Prince Manteleo, who excused himselfe by riding
on hunting, and therefore borrowing his freend Palladines hounds,1 left
the Court, causing his horsse and armour to be secretly conuaide to a keepers Lodge,
which was a mile and more from the Citie, because he would not haue any one knowe 10
what he intended. Meane while the Ioustes began, the King maruelling at the absence of
Manteleo, especially Palladine and faire Marcelina, who missing her freend at dinner,
imagined he was gone without bidding her adiew, and the occasion thereof to be,
because he had failed in the aduenture of Cupid.
The Champions comming into the feeld, the foremost were Mustiell of Rostock, 15
and Brunifort his brother, on the other side came Durandell of Cleue, and Orliman of
Flaunders, with all their companie in seemely equipage. When the Heralds had
commaunded the Knightes to their deuoire,xi Mustiell and Durandell gaue the spurres to
their horsses, and after they had broken three Launces a peece with braue chiualrie, at
the fourth encounter they met together so furiously, as they were both cast foorth of 20
their saddles to the ground. Next followed Brunifort and Orliman, who dismounted each
other at the first attaint, but Brunifort recouered his horsse againe quickly, when Sedonis
1 hunting ... Palladines hounds Hunting, and more specifically, the chase, was a popular sport among
kings and the aristocracy. The favourite modality was coursing, the chase of a stag with horse and
hounds. See Bradford B. Broughton, Dictionary of Medieval Knighthood and Chivalry: Concepts and
Terms (Westport: Greenwood Press, 1986), s.v. “hunting”.
N
Chapter VIII
45
Sonne to the Duke of Suffolke bad him play,2 yet accompanied Orliman in his
misfortune. Heereupon, Grinday sonne to the Duke of Orton,3 reuenged his fellowes
wrong, and such valour they shewed on either side, as the honor of the day was giuen to 25
them, the King with all his Nobles being readie to depart: when suddenly entred the
Lystes two strange Knightes in white Armour, resembling each other, the one bearing in
his Sheeld three Griffons Sable volant, in a feeld Argent,4 the other, three Griffons
Argent in a Sable feeld.5
After these Knightes had shewen many carires, and braue voltages with their 30
horsses before the Ladies, one of them encountred Brunifort with such courage, as he
was throwne to the ground with his heeles vpward: the like successe had Mustiell,
Orliman, and the rest, to the no little admiration of the King and all the Ladies, and
great veneration of Palladine, who would not Ioust, because his companion Manteleo
was not there. 35
As the King was about to depart, giuing the prize to these two strange Knightes,
there entred the Lystes another Champion in white Armour, bearing in his Sheeld a Hart
Guelles,6 bound with a golden chaine, and without making any reuerence, or shewing
any brauadoes with his horsse, he met one of the strange Knightes so roughly, as he was
2 bad him play According to the OED, to bid anyone battle or arms (or, as in this case, play) means to
offer battle to; a challenge to fight. (v. 2a).
3 Orton Orton may refer to several English villages which are known to have medieval remains. The most
likely due to its proximity to Suffolk is the Orton located in present-day Peterborough, in the county of
Cambridgeshire.
4 three Griffons Sable volant, in a feeld Argent Heraldic terms for “three black griffons flying over a
silver field”. Griffons were mythical birds with the beak of an eagle, the body of a lion, and the tail of a
serpent.
5 three Griffons Argent in a Sable feeld Heraldic terms for “three silver griffons on a black field”.
6 Guelles In Heraldry, the colour red.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
46
sent to measure his length on the ground. The other strange Knight, to reuenge his 40
fellowes iniurie, came couragiously against this new-come Knight, and after the breach
of two or three Launces, was sent to keep his freend companie,7 whereat not alittle
enraged, he drew his Sword, and comming to the Knight, said. I confesse Sir, that thou
hast the maistrie ouer me at the Launce, let me now try my fortune better or worsse in
Combate. Whereto the other willingly consented, but the King intercepted them, saying. 45
Not so Gentlemen, I will not that any Combate shall now be fought, in respect the Ioust
was ordeyned for pleasure, and to exercise our Knightes to delight their Ladies:8 enough
therefore is done for this day, let anger ceasse betweene yee, and freendly embrace each
other, letting me vnderstand of whence you are, that I may doo you the honor you haue
deserued. With right good will my Lord, aunswered the vanquished Knight,9 my 50
companion and I are freends with this Knight, who deserues great estimation for his
worthie prowesse. As for our names, and of whence we are, I am called Landastines,
Sonne to the King of Norgalles: and my freend is named Simprinell, Sonne to the King
of Scots.
7 Although the outcome of the tournament is the same both in the Eng. and Fr. texts, Munday summarises
the very lengthy account of the events of the latter, where each of the clashes between the knights is
described, as well as the way they fall from their horses, the blows they receive, their feelings when they
are thrown down, the items of gear destroyed, and the fact that the king stays longer due to the sudden
appeareance of the knight in the white armour, who makes him change his mind. Fr. “Le Roy, leur ayant
fait signe ... fauorable” (C2r–C3r).
8 I will not that any Combate ... delight their Ladies Tournaments or tourneys were an entertainment
exclusive of the aristocracy, and consisted in mock cavalry combats, battles, or jousts, which served as
war-training for knights. When two knights jousted on horseback they did it in honour of the ladies
present. See Broughton, Dictionary of Medieval Knighthood, s.v. “tournament, tourney”.
9 Fr. “ayant osté son armet” (C3r; having removed his helmet) omitted by Munday. An armet is a “kind of
helmet introduced about the middle of the 15th century, in place of the basinet. It consisted of a globular
iron cap, spreading out with a large hollowed projection over the back of the neck, and protected in front
by the visor, beaver, and gorget” (OED).
Chapter VIII
47
When the King Milanor, and the Prince Palladine had knowledge of the Knightes, 55
they came from the Scaffold, and embraced them with exceeding courtesie: but when
they knew the Conquerour to be Manteleo, I leaue their maruellous ioy to your
imaginations. Is it true my Lord? quoth the King, haue you stollen such an occasion to
expresse your valour? Your Maiestie knowes, aunswered Manteleo, that I am but newly
Knighted, and therefore but little experienced in Armes, I nor durst discouer my selfe 60
before your Highnesse, least my fortune should haue prooued as contrary as it did
yesterday, which you must imagine I tooke discontentedly. You neede not feare
heereafter, said the King, to shew your selfe in cheefest places of Chiualrie, in that a
beginning so good and fortunate, must needes in continuance be as prosperous.
Heereupon, the three Knightes verie louingly embraced each other, swearing a 65
perpetuall league of amitie betweene them, which they religiously held irreuocable, as
in the discourse of our historie you may behold.
Manteleo hauing saluted the Queene and her Ladyes, Palladine came to welcome
his freend, rebuking him for not acquainting him with his intent: which he excused as he
did to the King, hauing more mind to regard his sweete Mistresse, then to be entertained 70
with all these ceremonies. And you must thinke her ioyes were beyond common
conceit, seeing her Knight returned whom she feared was lost: nor was she so suspitious
at his repulse against the God of loue, as she was now zealous of his honorable
successe.
These bien venues and embracings passed ouer, the King and all of them returned 75
to the Pallace, where the two new-come princes had their lodgings appointed, Palladine
and Manteleo keeping them companie, recounting the aduenture of the two Damosels
and the enchaunted Knight, with whome on the morrow they were to depart. Therefore
they spent that night in dauncing and courtlye disports, the Princes of Norgalles and
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
48
Scots deuising with the Ladies, wherewith the Court of England was plentifully stored, 80
and whome they commended to excell all other nations in beawtie.
CHAPTER IX.
¶ How the Princes Palladine, and Manteleo, departed from London, with the Knight
that was enchaunted and the two Damosels, and what happened to them by the way.
5
n the morrow earely in the morning, Palladine and Manteleo armed
themselues, and with the Knight that was enchaunted and the two
Damosels, they came and tooke their leaue of the King and Queene:
afterward they went to the yong Princesses Chamber, when Marcelina perceiuing her
Knight would needes be gone, brake foorth into teares and sad regrets. What meane yee 10
Sister, quoth Palladine, is our departure displeasing to you: Not so good brother,
answered she, but I doubt least your returne should be hindered by any misfortune, for
you are as yet but yong, and little acquainted with the contrary nature of straunge
Countreys. I confesse that Sister, quoth Palladine but euery one must haue a learning,
beside, you know our promise to this Knight constrayneth vs heereto, nor would I for all 15
the world breake my word: as for our returne, perswade your selfe it will be sooner then
you imagine. I assure yee thereof Madame, sayd the Knight that was enchaunted, for I
will not leade them farre from this Realme, nor into any place of danger. Manteleo had
his heart so sealed vp with greefe, beholding his mistresse to shed so many teares, as he
was not able to speake one word, whereby Palladine presently gathered suspition, that 20
secret loue betweene them had caused this chaunge, wherefore, bidding his Sisters
adiew, he departed the chamber with the Knight and the Damosels, leauing Manteleo to
say what further hee would, but greefe breake him off with these speeches. You knowe
Madame what I haue promised, with which words, the teares trickling downe his
O
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
50
cheekes, he kissed her, and the Princesse Florea likewise, and so went to seeke 25
Palladine, whome he found readie mounted with their Squires at the Court gate.
So departed these two companions in armes with their trayne, with resolution
before their returne, to make the world aquainted with their bountie and prowesse:
cheefely Manteleo for the loue of his Marcelina, who presently after her Lords
departure, withdrew her selfe alone in her Cabinet, and continuing her teares, breathed 30
foorth these sad laments.
Ah loue, who euer thought thy strength to be of such puissance, so violent hath
thine entrance beene into my hart, as impossible is it for me to liue long, vnlesse my
loyall freend giue me remedie, for none but he can giue me remedie. Alas, why is not
permitted vs to trauaile straunge Countreys as well as men:1 had fortune so fauoured our 35
sexe, thou shouldst not (sweete freend) be long without me, but miserable is our
condition to be thus subiected. Many other amorous complaints made the sorrowfull
Marcelina, whom we will now leaue, and returne to the Princes, being scant a mile on
their way: when Palladine intreated the Knight that was enchaunted, to tell him whether
they should trauaile, of whence he was, how and wherefore he had beene enchaunted. 40
My Lord, answered the Knight, right gladly would I satisfie your demaund, but
hardly can I recount my infortunes without extreame greefe, so greatly doth the verie
remembrance thereof displease me: therefore I pray yee be contented that my Sister be
the reporter heereof, for well can she reueale euery accident. Trust me, sayd Palladine,
1 Alas, why ... as well as men Apart from the obvious dangers of travelling alone, the possibility of being
frowned upon or the incovenience of leaving the household in a misogynistic society, it was not
prohibited for women to travel during the Middle Ages, and there is evidence of their participation in
pilgrimages almost in the same numbers as men, though their experiences were not as widely recorded.
See Leigh Ann Craig, Wandering Women and Holy Matrons: Women As Pilgrims in the Later Middle
Ages (Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2009), 261–267.
Chapter IX
51
and well it liketh me to heare her speake: so riding along, and the Damosell betweene 45
them, she began her discourse in this manner.
Seeing it pleaseth you to vnderstand the fortunes of this Knight, willingly will I
discouer them vnto you, beeing farre otherwise then I rehearsed in the presence of the
King, on the day when you receyued your Knighthood: but the cause why I so disguised
the truth, was through feare least his Maiestie would haue hindered your going with vs. 50
Vnderstand then, that this Knight my Brother, this Lady my Cousin, and my selfe, were
all three borne in the Realme of Hungaria, at what time it was vnder the gouernment of
the great Turke.2 My Brother was there married to one of the most beautifull Ladies in
the Countrey, and dwelt in a small Village on the frontiers of the Realme, where a
Gentleman (much about your yeeres) fell in aquaintance with him, the continuance 55
whereof bred such amitie betweene them, as my Brother intreated him to lodge in his
house, and two of his neerest kinsemen with him. But in an vnhappie houre chaunced
this freendship, for this Gentleman too vncourteous for this great kindnesse, seeing my
Brothers wife so perfect in beautie, became enamoured of her, forgetting the honor and
regard of his freendly hoste. Yet could not intreaties, sollicitings, giftes and faire 60
promises, obtaine that of her he thirsted after, wherefore despairing of his successe, he
went to a Sorcerer, who gaue him a drugge of such force, as should depriue my Sister of
her speech, by meanes whereof, hee might rauish her, or carie her whether him pleased,
she beeing not able to defend her selfe, or call for any ayde. This Gentleman hauing
enstructed his two kinsemen in the matter, came one night into my Sisters chamber, and 65
being assured that my Brother and his seruants slept soundly, tooke her thence against
her will, afterward giuing her to his freends, who caried her thence into a Ship was 2 Hungaria ... of the great Turke The expansion of the Ottoman empire included Hungary after the siege
of Sziget in 1566. Although the country had not been entirely subjected, Central Hungary was an integral
part of the empire. The empire was not expelled from Hungary until the late 17th century.
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
52
readie to set Sayle. In short time they had gotten whether they would, landing at a
strong Castell belonging to this Gentleman, where, though he had her in his custodie,
yet could he obtayne nothing but refusalls, and sharpe disdaynes, yet in time he 70
imagined to make her more tractable. My Brother in the morning seeing his wife and
guests thus gone, suspected the ill that happened, for diuers3 that met them toward the
Sea, came and told him what they sawe, whereupon, he tooke this iniurie so greeuously,
as he was euen at the point to despaire. Ah disloiall Traytor (quoth he) is this the
recompence for my good will to thee? for the honor and good entertainement thou hast 75
had in my house, doost thou reward me with this villanie? Come my freends, let vs
follow them, and either by fire, water, or weapons, destroy the adulterer, that hath thus
robd me of my onely delight. May it be (sweete wife) that this happened with thy
consent? couldst thou serue him so that loued thee as his life? no, well may I be assured
of thy loyalty. An Aunt of ours, who sometime was wife to a sage Nigromancer, seeing 80
my Brother wel-neer beside himselfe, such was his greefe for the losse of his wife,
tooke pittie of him, and to preuent the ill which she foresawe was like to ensue, she
wrote a letter to a wise matrone in the Realme of Aquilea commaunding vs to carie it to
her, and that my Brother should trauaile thither with vs, which we did, finding the good
old Lady where the Letter directed vs, which was in a little Desert of mountaines, 85
hauing no other habitation then in the caues, which seemed olde and greatly ruinated, in
the middest whereof was a fountaine, ouershadowed with the boughes of a great Elme
tree. So soone as she beheld vs, she demaunded for the Letter we brought, which when
she had read, she commaunded vs to rest our selues by the fountaine, while she went
into her Caue for the two Swords you now enioy, and returning, she bathed them in the 90
fountaine, mumbling certaine speeches softly to her selfe, and coming to vs, sayd. See
3 diuers Fr. “cabarriers” [probably “gabariers”] (C4v; bargemasters).
Chapter IX
53
heere Ladies two Swords, which can be drawne out of their sheathes by none, except the
two best Knightes in the world, by whose assistance this Gentleman shall recouer his
losse, and be reuenged on the Traytor that thus wronged him. Take these Swords with
yee, and search the Courts of Kings and most renowmed Princes, to finde those gentle 95
Knightes excelling in vertues, and them twaine that can drawe foorth these Swords,
shall you conduct to the place where the Lady abideth, for whome this noble Gentleman
is so tormented, to whome (for her sake that sent yee) will I presently giue such a
remedie, as shall diminish part of the greefe he endureth. So giuing vs the two Swords,
with a little white wand she smote three blowes on the Elme tree, from whence flew 100
foorth a Bird crying very pitifully: then with the wand she troubled the water in the
fountaine, vsing certaine priuate speeches againe, and taking a little of the water in her
hand, she dreined it on my brothers head, saying. Now go and commend me to your
Aunt, and to the two Knightes that shall draw the Swords, to whome I will that thou
giue the order of Knighthood, to the ende their vertue, courage, and magnanimitie may 105
be encreased. So left we the old Lady, and euer since followed her commaundement,
making a bootelesse search in many places, till we found you to whome the aduenture
was destenied. And thus (my Lords) haue you heard the entire discourse of my Brothers
misfortune. Now as concerning what remaineth, we must conduct ye into Hungaria, to
the Castell where my faire Sister is enclosed, and where the villaine abideth that stole 110
her from my Brother. Yet is her honor preserued from any attaint, for as the Traytor one
day would haue rauished her, mine Aunt (of whome I spake) by aduenture came thither,
and hauing throwne the paillard out of the chamber by the shoulders, enchaunted the
same in such sort, as none may enter therein but my Brother, nor can he come there but
by your ayde. A deede of such honor and charitie I hope you will not refuse, in 115
reuenging our wrong on that maleuolent villaine, which shall be easie for you to doo, as
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
54
the aforesaid wise prophetesse declared to vs. The Princes hauing heard this monstrous
treason, thus aunswered. We will assist ye faire Lady to our vttermost, nor shall ye
neede to whet vs on with perswasions, for we are bound by dutie to reuenge actions so
foule and enorme. For this kinde replye, she gaue them many thanks, spending the time 120
in these and like conferences, and two daies rode they without any aduenture worthie
the rehearsall.
CHAPTER X.
¶ How Palladine and Manteleo met foure Knightes, with whome they Combatted, and
the issue thereof.
5
he third day, as the Princes with their companie issued foorth of a thick
wood, they met four Knightes, of whome (after courteous salutations)
Palladine demaunded whether they trauailed. Directly towardes London,
aunswered one of them, where the King abideth as we vnderstand. And the cause of our
iourney thether, is to trie an aduenture of two Swords, which not long since were caried 10
thither, vnable to be drawne by any, but by two of the best Knightes in the world.
If you go for no other occasion, aunswered Palladine, well may ye spare that
labour, for two yong Knightes ended the aduenture two dayes since and more.
Two yong Knightes? quoth another of them, of what Countrey I pray ye? The one,
said Palladine, is an Englishman, and the other an Italian, borne in Millayne. By my 15
faith, quoth the Knight in great laughter, belike then the enchauntment was no hard
matter to finish, nor was any hidden vertue to be discernd therein, when an Italian and
an Englishman could bring it to ende. Very few good Knightes are founde among the
Italians, in whome is more ostentation and brauadoes, then matter of moment and
effect: and in Englishmen is much lesse, being reputed in all Countreys for men of little 20
estimation.
The two yong Princes hearing their Countreys so disprasied, began to growe in
maruailous choller, especially Manteleo, who bending the browes, and enflamed with
vnquenchable anger, thus aunswered. Of whence are you Sir, that can so well collaude
the Knightes of England and Italy? What mooues you to vse such speeches, being in the 25
T
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
56
Kingdome you discommend? Trust me, if you haue any wit, you make no shew thereof
in your words. Be not angrie, aunswered the Knight, I see by your couller that you
sweate in your Armour: but if ye continue this moode, you haue met with Spanyards
that will walke ye a little.1 And heere haue you met an Englishman and an Italian sayd
Manteleo, euen they that ended the aduenture of the enchaunted Swords, who presently 30
will teach ye to temper your toong.
With these words, he went to his Squire for his Launce, placing it to encounter
him that gaue the speeches, but Palladine called to him, saying: Forbeare my Lord, and
let me deale with him, for I ought to begin first, because the offence was first made to
me. Beside, they are in my Countrey, it belongeth then to me to correct their folly, 35
making by proofe what an Englishman is able to doo. If you see me stand in neede of
your helpe, doo as you shall finde occasion, otherwise, let me alone with these lusty
Spanyards. Palladine without any further speeches, with a braue carire encountred the
prating companion, who, though he brake his Launce with good courage on the Prince,
was throwne with such violence from his horsse, as he lay not able to stirre hand or 40
foote. Which when the other three beheld, they ran altogether against the Prince, who
gaue the foremost such a freendly welcome, as falling on his head to the ground, brake
his necke with the weight of his owne bodie. The other twaine (at this encounter) had
broken their Launces on Palladine, and now drew their Swords, thinking to reuenge
their fellowes ill fortune: but greatly did they finde themselues deceiued, for the Prince 45
seeing he had no more to deale withall then these two, redoubled2 so many fierce
strokes vpon them, as the one fell out of his Saddle depriued of his sences, and the other
to saue his life, would haue fled away: the Prince disappointing him of that benefit, by
1 walke ye a little Give you a beating.
2 This is the first instance of the word redouble recorded in the OED for this sense (v. 3b).
Chapter X
57
hamstringing his horsse, caused him to fall to the earth, when snatching off his Helmet,
with his Sword would haue smitten his head from his shoulders. Alas, Sir Knight, cried 50
the vanquished Spanyard, saue my life, I yeeld my selfe to thy mercy: what I haue done
against thee, was in reuenge of my Brother whome thou first dismounted: accurssed be
the houre that he spake so vndiscretly, this is not the first time I haue endangered my
life, onely to sustaine his fond and ouerfoolish quarrels. Mercie I graunt thee,
aunswered Palladine, so thou promise and sweare to fulfill one thing, which is, that so 55
soone as thy woundes are healed, thou shalt go to the King of Englands Court, there
submitting thy selfe to his will and mercie. And thou shalt say to him, that the two
Knightes which departed thence with two Ladyes, and a Knight who was there
deliuered from enchauntment, in reuerent wise salute his Maiestie, hauing sent thee to
be disposed at his pleasure. Moreouer, thou shalt not faile to tell him the cause, why we 60
sent thee in this sort to his highnesse. The like declaration shalt thou make before the
Queene, and her two Daughters Marcelina, and Florea. All this will I gladly accomplish
answered the Spanyard, but as for my Brother, and the other Knightes, I thinke they will
neuer passe further, for by ought I can perceiue, there is no signe of life left in them.
They haue no more, aunswered Manteleo, then they worthily deserued, ought they to 65
misprise or detract strange Knightes, cheefely such as are of one nation? yet let vs see in
what estate they are. So comming to the Knight that was first dismounted, and finding
him dead, by reason of the aboundance of blood he had lost, as also because his Helmet
hindered him from the aire: Vnhappy man, said his Brother, oftentimes haue I told thee,
that thy pride and ouer-weening would one day cause thy death. Be thou warned hereby, 70
sayd the enchaunted Knight, and learne another time to vse more courtesie to Knightes,
how yong or oldxii soeuer they be: for thou and thy companions did imagine, that
because these two yong Princes were no further entred in yeeres, that therefore they
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
58
were vnprouided of courage and vertue, but by outward behauior neuer iudge of men
heereafter. Too well doo I perceiue your words are true, but I beseech ye looke if my 75
Cosins haue accompanied my Brother in death, or no. Palladine finding them to be
aliue, offered with his Sword to haue smitten off their heads. Villaines (quoth he) you
are but dead men: if you will redeeme your liues, you shall promise me to go submit
your selues to the King of Englands mercie, recounting to him wherefore, how, and by
whome you haue beene vanquished. Sir, answered one of them, there is nothing that we 80
will not gladly promise and perfourme, for the raunsome of our liues, and thereupon I
sweare to yee, that I will not faile what you haue commanunded. You must auouch the
like quoth the Prince to the other Knight, whereupon, he that was so sore hurt with his
fall from his horsse, could make no aunswere but by signes, so that with many sad
countenances he shewed his consenting. Now may yee depart when ye please, said 85
Palladine, and say, that Englishmen are better Knightes then Spanyards. So hauing
buried the Knight that was slaine, they departed, not a little glad they were so well
escaped, but they tooke small care of perfourming their promise, as you shall perceiue
by the sequell of our historie.3
3 but they tooke ... historie Although Munday follows faithfully the Fr. “mais ilz n’en tindrent conte
depuis, comme nous pourrons voir quequefoys par le discours de nostre historie” (D1r), the vanquished
Spanish knights do not appear again in Palladine of England.
CHAPTER XI.
¶ How Palladine and Manteleo with their company, arriued in the Realme of Hungaria,
where the Gentleman remayned that stole the Lady from the enchaunted Knight, and
what fortuned to them by the way. 5
fter the Princes had left the Spanyardes, they rode on their iourney, and
comming to the port of Gorforte, they tooke Shipping when the Seas
where still and calme, expecting a winde to passe into Holland, which
fitting their expectations, crossing through Zeland, they came to Triell, where Palladine 10
furnished himself with new Armour, because his other was greatly battered in Iousting
with the Knightes.
Hauing contented themselues with the sight of Holland, they passed the Rheine,
and entred Almayne, where arriuing on the frontires of Bohemia,1 they beheld a Lion
comming toward them, carying a yong Infant (wrapped in swadling clothes) in his 15
mouth, and a yong woman running after the beast, with verie pitifull cries and
acclamations. Behold (quoth Palladine) how a sauadge beast hath gotten a yong Infant,2
let vs alight, to see if we can force him forgoe his pray. The poore woman seeing how
readie they were to helpe her, cryed aloude to them, that they should get betweene the
1 Gorforte ... Triell ... Bohemia The ship probably sets sail from the port of Gosford, which might not
actually be a port, but a “collection point of ships at the estuary of the River Crouch”, in Essex; see Craig
L. Lambert, Shipping the Medieval Military: English Maritime Logistics in the Fourteenth Century
(Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 2011), 138. Triell is probably Tiel, a town located in the middle of the
Netherlands with a port on the Waal River, the main distributary of the Rhine. The Rhine River is
navigable and runs through the Netherlands and Germany. Mainz, the easternmost German city located
on the Rhine, is approximately 200 miles from Bohemia (modern-day western Czech Republic). 2 Lion carries off child (motif R13.1.2; see Motif-index EMR and LCC, 880).
A
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
60
Lion and his Caue, least (entring with the child) there should remaine no hope of 20
recouerie.
When the Lion saw he could not enter his denne, he let fal the Infant, and
furiously assailed the Prince Manteleo, who gaue the beast such a wound on the head, as
made him cry and rore very dreadfully. At which noyse, a Lionesse came foorth of the
Caue from her yong ones, and she likewise ranne on the noble Manteleo, but Palladine 25
and his Squires so valiantly assisted him, as the beastes were in short time ouercome
and slaine. Then came the poore woman and tooke vp her child, which when she beheld
had escaped all daunger, on her knees she humbly thanked the Princes for their good
assistance. One of the Damosels taking the child in her armes, and seeing it both
beautifull and comely, said to the mother. Great had beene the losse good woman, that 30
these cruell beastes should haue deuoured so sweete an Infant: but why were you so
negligent to endaunger it so much?
Madame, aunswered the poore woman, not by my fault did this inconuenience
happen, for I earning my liuing by dayly labour, by binding faggots which my husband
cuts in the wood, left my child with one of the neighbours in keeping. How she suffered 35
this mishap, I know not, but as I returned from the wood, and meeting the Lion with my
child, which full well I knew by the swadling cloathes, I made what haste I could after
the beast, hoping by some meanes to recouer my child, which now (I thanke God and
you) I haue done. Nor is this the first time we haue beene thus serued: for in this little
Village, beeing but tenne or twelue housholds in number, three children haue beene lost 40
within these sixe moneths, the parents still thinking some Boores or peasants had stollen
them, but now in good time haue wee founde the Theefe. And seeing these Gentlemen
haue slaine the Lion and Lionesse, it may be they haue some yong ones in this Caue,
which I gladly would haue destroyed likewise, so shall we be in no further daunger
Chapter XI
61
heereafter. That will I soone trie, said Palladine: go to your house, and fetch me some 45
fire, and withall, bring some sheaues of thrasshed corne, for Lions cannot abide the
sight of fire, and by this meane shall we see what is in the darke Caue.
Right soone did the woman accomplish her charge, bringing strawe and fire with
her, and sixe or seauen sturdy fellowes, with staues, flayles, and pikeforkes: when
Palladine hauing set the strawe on fire, with the countrey peasants entred the Caue, 50
where he found three yong Lionesses like little dogs, and the clothes of diuers children
deuoured by the beasts. To behold this strange sight, he called the two Damosels, and
the poore woman into the Caue, saying: These beastes should haue dined with your
child to day, but God hath appointed his end in better sort, and because you shall
remaine in no further dread of these yong ones, were I not so farre from England, I 55
would send them to the King, who I am sure would accept them for our sakes. My Lord,
quoth one of the poore countreymen, I will vndertake to fulfill your mind in this, and
will carie them to England if you please to commaund me: full well doo I knowe how to
vse them, for my Father nourished one like to these a long time, and when it grew great,
he gaue it to our King, who sent it as an especiall present to the King of France. In 60
sooth, quoth the Prince, if thou wilt perfourme what thou hast promised, I will giue thee
money to defray thy charges, and theirs likewise whome thou wilt take with thee.
Letters will I also send by thee, to safe-conduct thee on the way, and that thou mayst be
welcome into England whence thou canst not returne without sufficient recompence. Of
that my Lord I haue no doubt, aunswered the poore man, for oftentimes haue I heard 65
reported, that the King Milanor of England, is one of the most vertuous Princes on the
earth: and though I receyued no other benefite by him, I would account my labour well
bestowed, onely to see a King accounted so famous. Beside, such great good haue you
done vs, in killing these rauenous and daungerous beastes, as in signe of our willing
The pleasant Historie of Palladine of England
62
mindes, to make you further recompence if we were able, if the iourney were tenne 70
times further, you should commaund vs. So comming foorth of the Caue, the poore men
prouided Panniars to carrie the yong beastes: in meane while, the Prince wrote to the
King his Father, describing what had befallen them in their iourney, and what valour
Manteleo had shewen in killing the Lions: not forgetting his salutations to the Princesse
Marcelina, with all the other Ladyes of the Court. Hauing sealed his Letters, he gaue 75
them to the countreyman, and money sufficient to beare his charges, who taking his
leaue of the Princes, in few dayes after set on his iourney toward England.
Palladine and Manteleo mounting on horsseback with their companie tooke the
way to Hungaria, which at length they reached, lodging in a little Village, about a mile
distant from the Castell where the Gentleman abode, who detanedxiii the wife to the 80
Knight that had beene enchaunted. There the Princes concluded to rest themselues that
night, and on the morrow, the Knightes Sister should goe to accuse the Gentleman of
Treason, and to knowe of him whether he would maintaine his cause man to man in
Combate, or two against two, or three to three if he durst so accept it. Vpon this
determination they supped merily together, Manteleo still remembring his faire 85
Marcelina, and Palladine his intended action of honor. So betaking themselues to rest,
Palladine dreamed, that he beheld a goodly Lady before him, who vsing certaine
speeches to him softly, layd her hand very kindly on his head, and so departing the
chamber againe, made such a noyse, as he awaked therewith. Long hee studied what
this Lady should be, but could not gesse on any thing directly, wherefore he concealed 90
his dreame to himselfe, albeit not long after he compassed his desire, as you3 shall at
large behold heereafter.
3 you Munday’s narrative voice addresses the reader directly, unlike Colet’s Fr. “nous” (D3r; we).
CHAPTER XII.
¶ How the Princes Palladine, Manteleo, and the enchaunted Knight, fought the Combate
with the Gentleman of the Castell and his two Brethren, and the successe thereof.
5
any were the seuerall apparitions that these Princes had in their sleep
this night, the one, of his loue in the Court of England, and the other
of the Lady that thus had sollicited him, wherin the enchaunted
Knight had likewise a share, remembring the wrong done vnto his wife, by the Traytor
whom he had so freendly vsed in his house, the conceite of which ingratefull acte, 10
presented him with many strange cogitations.
Earely in the morning they all arose, and the Knightes Sister, accompanied with
one of the Prince Palladines Squires, rode to the Castell where the Gentleman dwelt, to
deliuer the message before determined. And finding him sitting at the Castell gate, with
two or three of his seruaunts that attended on him: without vsing any courtesie or 15
salutation, but with a stearne and angrie countenance, thus spake.
Well knowest thou, villayne as thou art, that violently thou didst carie away my
Brothers wife, who lodged and entertained thee freendly in his house, wherefore I say to
thee, that thou art the most vile and abiect creature liuing, hauing committed the greatest
treason and disloyaltie, that euer was Heard of a man toward his freend. A Knight will I 20
bring, that to thy beard1 shall testifie what I haue said, by aduenturing his person in
Combate against thee: or if thou thinke it conuenient, two against two, or three to three,
so many will I bring hither before two houres are expired. The Gentleman abashed to
1 to thy beard To your face, openly. (See OED, n. 1e).
M
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
64
heare a woman speak so brauely, she being accompanied but with one Squire, thus
replied. I beleeue (Damosell) it is not long since ye came from Paradise, for you are yet 25
maruellous glorious, but I hope ere night to quallify your pride, and him or them that
dare bid me the Combate. And where thou chargest me with detaining a Lady, who (as
thou sayest) is thy Brothers wife, heere will I keepe her still, and hence shall she not go,
till I haue had my pleasure on her. But to spend no time in pratling with a foolish
woman, go fetch the three Knightes thou threatnest me withall, and they shall finde 30
heere three other, whereof my selfe will be one, say, we graunt them the Combate, and
bid them looke they come well prouided, for all their wit and strength I thinke will scant
helpe them.
The Damosell and the Squire returned with this answere to the Princes, who
hauing heard the Gentlemans mishap, presently mounted on horssebacke, and rode 35
toward the Castell.
In this time, the Gentleman went into the Castell to his Brethren, and aduertised
them of the Damosels challenge, whereupon, they immediatly armed themselues, the
Gentleman causing twentie of his seruants to be secretly ambushed, to soccour him if
his enemies were the stronger, and if they could not take them prisoners, then to murther 40
them without any redemption.
By this time are the Princes and the enchaunted Knight come to the Castell, where
they found the three Brethren staying their comming, and without any further speeches,
they prepared to the carire, when Palladine would haue encountred the Gentleman of
the Castell, but the enchaunted Knight intreated him to the contrarie, saying. Let me trie 45
my fortune with him, good Sir Knight, for he it is that hath iniuried me, and now shall I
be sufficiently auenged on him. Palladine was well contented it should be so, and while
the Knight gaue his horsse the spurres to meete the Gentleman, he and Manteleo found
Chapter XII
65
his Brethren play: so that after they had brauely broken their Launces, and fought a long
and dangerous Combat with the Sword, the Gentleman was throwne downe sore 50
wounded, and his Brethren were both slaine outright. Now (thought too late) rushed
foorth the ambushed seruants, and they being twentie in number, set with such violence
on the Princes and their Squires, as their horsses were slaine vnder them, and
themselues in very great danger of death, but that Lydiseo the Prince of Hungaria,
suddenly arriued there, for that day had he beene on hunting, and because the bordering 55
Turkes did oftentimes iniurie the King his Father, he seldome rode without armed
Knightes in his companie.2 When he beheld so many against so few, he commaunded
his Knightes to assist the weaker side, so that the greater part of them were slaine, and
the rest thinking to saue their liues, fled into the Castell, yet were they so narrowly
pursued, as they could not drawe the bridge, but were all taken, and reserued in prison 60
for a further punishment.
The two Damosels glad of this happie victorie, humbled themselues before the
Prince Lydiseo, thanking him for this gratious assistance: the like did Palladine and
Manteleo, confessing their liues preserued onely by hys meanes. Afterward, he
requested to knowe the cause of their fight, which the Knightes Sister effectually 65
discoursed, whereupon, they went to seeke the Lady that was imprisoned, whome they
could not tell where to finde, tell a poore old Gardiner came vnto them, saying, that the
key of the dungion where she remained, his maister alway kept at a string fastened
about his necke, not trusting anyone to see her but himselfe. Lydiseo comming to the
Gentleman, found that he had some life left in him, wherefore taking the key from about 70
his necke, and causing his men to bring him into the Castell, that further iustice might
2 and because ... companie Although in the French text it is implicit that hunting near the borders of the
Ottoman empire is dangerous, there is no direct mention to the Turks.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
66
be showen on him for his offence, by the old Gardiner they were brought to the Ladyes
dungion, where they found her so spent with greefe, and her faire face so martired with
great effuse of teares, as would haue moued a stony hart to pittie her. How ioyfull the
Knight was to see his Lady, how glad she likewise was to behold her husband, I leaue to 75
the opinion of long absent true louers: yet this was her cheefest comfort, that her
husband enioyed her againe, free from any spot of dishonor, and though she had
endured long miserie, yet could not the villayne abuse her chastitie. Lydiseo sent the
trayterous Gentleman to the King his Father, and with him other of the cheefest
offendors, with Letters describing their notorious villainie, whereupon, they were 80
drawne in peeces by wilde horsses, as such a notorious offence was full well deserued.3
3 drawne in peeces ... well deserued Quartering by horses was one of the most brutal methods of
medieval torture, often directed to traitors. Each limb of the accused was tied to a different horse, and
each horse was driven in different directions, resulting in the dismemberment of the body. See Nigette M.
Spikes, Dictionary of Torture, (Bloomington: Abott Press, 2014), 94; and Terance D. Miethe and Hong
Lu, Punishment: A Comparative Historical Perspective (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005),
43‒45.
CHAPTER XIII.
¶ How the wise Orbiconte appeared to Palladine in his sleepe: and what talke she had
with him.
5
ydiseo the Prince of Hungaria, hauing heard by the enchaunted Knight and
the Ladyes, the noble vertues of Palladine and Manteleo, remained still in
the Castell with them, vsing them with verie kinde and princely courtesie,
being sorie for certaine dangerous woundes they had receiued in fight, which he caused
to be tended with carefull dilligence. 10
The enchaunted Knight likewise told his Lady, the successe of his iourney into
England, how he receiued the Swords of the wise Sorceresse, and how the two Princes
(by drawing them) ended his enchauntment: they hauing at his request trauailed so farre,
onely for her deliuerance from the cruell Gentleman. How thankefull she shewed her
selfe for their honorable paines, her great care in curing their woundes, and readie 15
seruice to supply all wants, declared the vertues of so good a minde. Needlesse were it
to tell ye, how Lydiseo procured from the King his Father many presents of good will to
the Princes, and dayly accompanied them with his owne person, as the men in whome
he most of all delighted: I shall therefore reueale what happened to Palladine while he
attended the cure of his woundes in this Castell. 20
As one night the Prince lay soundly sleeping in his bed, the Lady that before had
appeared to him, presented her selfe now to him againe, speaking to him in this manner.
Know Sir Palladine, that I am a Pagan, named the wise Orbiconte, who through the
affection thy vertues cause me beare thee, am come to aduertise thee, that I framed
those two Swords, which the Knight enchaunted brought to thee and Manteleo, that you 25
L
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
68
twaine might helpe him to recouer his lost Lady. And because I haue fore-seen by my
magique and hidden knowledge, that by thee I shall one day attaine to high estate of
honor: I will not conceale from thee, that the destenies haue reserued onely to thee, the
atchiuement of many great and braue enterprises, as also the finishing of rare aduentures
and enchauntments, wherein thou shalt endure much paine and trauaile. 30
Beside, I am to let thee vnderstand, that fortune hath sorted thee out a Lady, who
at this day is esteemed peerelesse in beautie, whome to finde, thou shalt trauaile many
strange regions, with labour that will be long and troublesome: yet shalt thou still be
protected by me, and comforted by the great fame thou shalt heare of her beautie,
surpassing all the Princesses in the world. Begin the search of her so soone as thou canst 35
possible, and thinke not my speeches friuolous, for thou shalt finde them vndoubtedly
true.1 So vanished away the wise Orbiconte, leauing the Prince in meruailous doubts,
what this Pagan woman might be, that seemed to beare him so great affection. In the
end, such deliberate aduise he tooke of her words, perswading himselfe of their truth
and certaintie, as he concluded to seeke the Lady, the onely Phenix2 among the fairest in 40
beautie. Of her immediately became amorous, determining to depart from the Prince
Manteleo, because he would haue no competitour in his loue.
But before we passe any further, and to bewray the cause of this aduertisement by
the wise Orbiconte, you must note, that she was Sister to the King of Aquilea, hauing
been espoused to a Duke, one of the greatest Lords in that Realme, by whome she had 45
three faire Daughters. All her life time she spent in the superstitious sciences of
1 Love through prophecy that prince shall marry the fairest (motif T12; see Motif-index FL and LCC,
898).
2 Phenix A mythical bird with the features of a great eagle and fiery plumage. It could be reborn after
death and was infinitely more beautiful than the most beautiful of peacocks.
Chapter XIII
69
Nigromancie and Geomancie,3 and casting the reuolution of her daughters natiuitie,4 she
found by her arte: that the Prince Palladine might be brought into that Countrey, each of
her daughters should haue a Sonne by him, that should in chiualrie surpasse all the
Knights of their time: the one of them being destenied to be an Emperour, and the other 50
two to be Kings of wonderfull possessions.
Now to compasse the meane, whereby Palladine might be brought to this farre
distant Countrey, you must likewise note, that the King of Aquilea, brother to
Orbiconte, had the fairest daughter that euer was seene: by which occasion, this
enchauntresse appeared to the Prince, inciting him to follow the search of the fairest 55
Lady in the world, promising him to enioy this rare virgin named Nonparelia.5 And
when he should be thus brought into that Countrey, she deuised to exercise her arte in
such sort, as he should haue the honor of her daughters, to the ende she might expect the
fortune of the children, who were appointed to so high dignities. Resolued on this intent,
she betooke her selfe to dwell among the mountaines, where she framed the two 60
enchaunted Swords, as the first motion to draw Palladine toward Aquilea, where at the
time appoynted he shall arriue.6
3 The art of divination by means of signs derived from the earth, such as the figure formed by a handful of
earth thrown down upon a surface. Hence, usually, divination by means of lines or figures formed by
jotting down on paper a number of dots at random (OED, s. v. “geomancy”).
4 casting ... natiuitie To cast the revolution (of the celestial bodies) is another reference to diviniation
through astrological reading, cf. Ch. I, line 117.
5 this rare virgin named Nonparelia Munday adds the idea of virginity, thus enhancing Nonparelia’s
virtues. He changes the French name of Nonparelia (“Aquilée”) probably to avoid confusion with the city
with which she shares her name. Note the etymological origin of Nonparelia; the adjective “nompareille”
(i.e. peerless, unequalled, unparalleled).
6 arriue The remaining paragraphs from Chapter XIII are basically a summary of the events which take
place in the French “Chapitre. XIIII” (D6v–E2r).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
70
But now he is with the Prince Lydiseo at the Castell, where he and Manteleo
hauing their woundes healed, the enchaunted Knight (with his Lady and Sister) returned
to their owne home: the vision of wise Orbiconte calleth Palladine thence, and faine 65
would Manteleo returne to England, because he liued by the onely remembrance of his
mistresse Marcelina, so coming to Lydiseo, Palladine thus began.
Worthie Prince, your care for our health hath exceeded our deserts, yet we
remayne with humble dutie to make requitall: hauing accomplished our promise to the
enchaunted Knight, who with his Lady and freends are safely where they would be, we 70
craue licence for our departure to our Countries, where our parents expect our comming
continually.
Many gracious speeches were vttered by the Prince, and many liberall and
bountifull promises, onely to cause them goe with him to the King his Fathers Court:
but all was to no purpose, they promised to visit the King at more conuenient leysure, 75
because very vrgent occasions did now hasten their departure.
When Lydiseo sawe he could not perswade them, he gaue to each of them a verie
sumptuous armour, and foure of the best horsses in his stable, with diuers other giftes of
inestimable valew: so after many courtesies and kind embracings, Palladine and
Manteleo set forward on their iourney, and Lydiseo hauing seazed the Castell to the 80
King his Fathers vse, on the next day following rode to the Court, where he acquainted
the King with al that had happened.
The Princes hauing ridden most part of the day, came at length to a faire
fountaine, standing in a fresh coole shadowe of trees, where they alighted, minding to
dine with such prouision as their Squires had brought with them. Afterward, they lay 85
downe in the shade to sleepe a little, which Manteleo and the Squires did very soundly:
but Palladine not able to forget the words of the wise Orbiconte, arose, and being loth
Chapter XIII
71
to trouble them that slept, tooke his helmet and his sword, intending to walke among the
trees till they awaked. He had not gone from his companie the space of halfe a bow
shoote,7 but he espied a goodly plaine, in the middest whereof stoode a faire pauillion, 90
with two or three bundles of Launces erected at the entrance. Maruailing what the
meaning heereof might be, he kept himselfe still hid among the trees, to see if any one
would come in or out of the Tent. At length, he beheld come riding on the plaine, two
Knightes with a Damosell that bare a goodly Sheeld, which with the beames of the Sun,
dazeled the eyes of the beholders. These two Knightes and the Damosell would haue 95
passed the Tent, but hee espied one came suddenly foorth, and stayd them, saying. You
may not passe by (Gentlemen) so easily, you are well armed for the triall of the
Launce:8 you must therefore make some proofe in this place of your chiualrie, else must
you leaue your Armour and Horsses behinde yee. And first of all, you Damosell must
deliuer me the Sheeld you cary, for it liketh me well, and I shall best deserue it. I may 100
not doo so, aunswered the Damosell, because you are not the man it is sent vnto, and for
whome it was purposely made. Whether I be he or no, quoth the Knight of the Tent,
haue it I will: with which words he offered to take it violently from her, but the two
Knightes stayed him with these speeches.
Sir Knight, we neyther refuse the Ioust or Combate with thee, but in presuming to 105
take the Sheeld perforce from the Damosell, we iudge it rather the behauior of a theefe
and robber, then fitting with the credit of a Gentleman, or one that by brauerie of minde,
7 bow shoote i.e. the distance covered by an arrow shot from a bow, being the usual bow distance 240 to
250 yards. See Broughton, Dictionary of Medieval Knighthood, s.v. “bow shot”.
8 bundles of Launces ... triall of the Launce The passage of arms is the quintessential form of chivalric
adventure. Passages of arms could be autonomous from tournaments or judiciary duels, an were held in
forests, bridges, valleys, or any other place that a knight desired to keep or defend. For further
information about the passage of arms in books of chivalry, see LCC, 379–84.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
72
desires to trie the courage of Knightes errant. Are you offended, quoth the Knight of the
Tent, at any thing I haue sayd or done? beleeue me, I will haue the Sheeld, and cause
you to repent your audacious folly. Come foorth, quoth he to his Knights in the Tent, 110
and teach these lustie companions a little better dutie. Presently issued foorth two
Knightes on horssebacke, and coutching their Launces, they encountred them that
defended the Damosell, who threw them from their Sadles with such violence, as they
lay not able to stirre any limme. Two more came foorth of the Tent, and followed their
companions in fortune, whereat the Knight was so angrie, as he mounted on 115
horssebacke himselfe, calling sixe more foorth to take part with him. See my freends
quoth he, foure of our men are slaine, or in great danger, let vs alltogether run on these
villaines that so vsed them, for man to man I see they are strongest, such therefore as
loue me, follow me. So by their furious assault, the two Knightes were dismounted, and
by the time the other had finished their course, they drew their Swords, and buckling on 120
their Sheelds, came with resolute courage to meete their enemies. Right sorrowfull was
the Damosell to see the Knightes that defended her cause in such daunger: but Palladine
beholding the valour of the twayne, and the cowardly villainie of the other, came foorth
of the wood, and taking part with them so much wronged, in short time layde foure of
them breathlesse on the ground. The other three would gladly haue giuen ouer fight, but 125
Palladine and the Damosels Knightes layde on such loade, as two more were sent to
accompany theyr fellowes, the third (to saue hys life) yeelded to their mercie.
CHAPTER XIV.
¶ How Manteleo found Palladine, with the two Knightes, and the Damosell, that brought
the Sheeld from the wise Orbiconte.
5
n the time of this sharpe skirmish, the Prince Manteleo awaked, and missing his
companion Palladine, called the Squires, who were no lesse amazed at the
absence of their maister, but seeing his horsse and Launce there, they imagined
he could not be strayed verie farre. As they walked into the wood to seeke him, they
heard the clanching of weapons, and entring on the plaine, they espied Palladine with 10
the two Knightes and the Damosell, and a man kneeling on his knees before him,
crauing pardon for his life.
Manteleo being glad he had found his freend, came to him with merrie and
cheerefull countenance: when the two Knightes seeing his face, immediatly knew him,
and casting downe their helmets, came and embraced him, saying: How highly are we 15
beholding to the vertuous Prince Palladine, without whose assistance our liues had
perished? Palladine knowing them to bee Durandell of Cleue and Orliman of
Flaunders, of whose chiualrie he had heard mickle commendation, embraced them with
maruelous affection, the like did Manteleo, and no small gratulations were entercoursed
betweene these foure Princes. 20
When the Damosell heard the name of Palladine, she alighted from her Palfray,
and with humble reuerence on her knee, thus spake to him.
Happie and successefull Knight, whose vertues are renowmed through the wide
world, the wise Orbiconte hath sent you this Sheeld, commending her selfe dutifully to
I
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
74
your good grace, intreating you to forsake your companie awhile, and with me to go 25
visit her that honors you.
Palladine hearing her speake of the wise Orbiconte, who had so often appeared to
him in visions, was as ioyfull, as Manteleo and the other were sorrowfull, to leaue the
companie of him they loued so well: but hee hauing taken the Sheeld, returned this
aunswere to the Damosell. 30
Faire freend, I thanke your mistresse and you likewise, promising to goe with ye
whether you please, though loth I am to forgoe the companie of these gentle Princes:
but seeing it liketh the Lady Orbiconte it should be so, I obey her commaund right
willingly, hoping to see my good freends againe ere it be long.
As Palladine thus spake, his couller altered very pale and wanne, whereby the 35
Damosell iudged that he was wounded, wherefore she said: I perceiue (my Lord) you
are scant well, let vs enter this Tent I pray ye, where you shall be vnarmed, and these
Knightes likewise, that I may see what woundes you haue receiued: for my Lady
Orbiconte gaue me at my departure from her, a boxe of most pretious and arteficiall
ointment,1 so that let your wounds be how dangerous soeuer, in four and twentie houres 40
I will awarrant they shall be perfectly healed. Vpon this aduise they entred the Tent,
where when they were vnarmed, the Damosell verie cunningly dressed their wounds,
finding these of Orliman and Durandell to be most doubtfull, yet her comfortable
speeches made them expect speedie recouerie. Afterward, they sate downe to refresh
themselues, with such viands as they found there readie in the Tent: and Palladine 45
calling for the prisoner, said: Knight, if thou desire the safetie of thine owne life, tell me
without fabling, what the Knight was that first proffered to take the Sheeld from the
1 Magic salve (ointment) (see motif D1244; see Motif-index EMR and LCC, 1109).
Chapter XIV
75
Damosell: and vpon what occasion you kept the passage2 heere, to forbid the course of
Knightes errant. Nor will I Sir (quoth the Knight) hide one iote of the truthe from you.
Knowe then, that he which would haue taken the Sheeld from the Damosell, was 50
brother to a Gentleman, who not long since (by the Kings commaundement) was put to
a most shamefull death, for that vniustly he detayned a Knightes wife: to whose Castell,
came two strange Knightes, and by the ayde of Lydiseo, Prince of Hungaria, they tooke
the Gentleman sore wounded, who was afterward executed, slew many of his seruants,
as also his two brethren, deliuering the Lady to her husband againe, who now liue in 55
quiet in their owne Castell.
This Knight that stroue for the Sheeld, was likewise brother to that Gentleman,
who hearing the missfortune of his brethren, vowed to take vengeance on those two
Knightes, by whose meanes, he was now left freendlesse in the world. Vpon this
determination, heere caused he his pauillion to be erected, sending his espials abroade, 60
to aliure all Knightes by this passage, hoping at length to finde those twayne, which I
thinke he imagined to be they that conducted the Damosell: because he commaunded vs
all to assaile them, but whether they be the same or no, he is now greatly deceiued of his
hope, and thus haue you heard the verie truth of our being heere. Thanks be to heauen,
sayd the Prince Palladine that kept vs out of this danger, for if we had passed this way, 65
we had either beene slaine or taken by these vile minded men. But my hazard was
greatest, quoth the Damosell, had I not met with these two noble Knightes, who (in my
defence) thrust their owne liues into question. Damosell aunswered Durandell of Cleue,
we haue done no more then our dutie, and what all true Knightes are sworne vnto.
After they had stayed so long as them pleased, they rode to a Towne not farre 70
distant thence, leauing the Knight to prouide buriall for his companions, and help for
2 passage i.e. pas d’armes or passage of arms.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
76
such as yet remained aliue, swearing him, neuer after to be seene in such bad action. At
this Towne, they abode two or three dayes, to furnish themselues of what they wanted,
as also to repaire their Armour, which was much brused. At length, the Damosell tooke
Palladine aside, framing her speeches to him in this manner. My Lord, seeing you finde 75
your selfe in good estate of health, let me intreate ye to bid your freends adiew, that
earely in the morning we may depart to the place whether my Lady commaunded me to
conduct ye, because you must be assistant to such a one, as shall heereafter doo very
much for you. Damosell, quoth Palladine, presently shall you see me bid them farewell,
for great is my affection toward your mistresse seruice, seeing she fauours the man so 80
much she neuer sawe. Then turning to the three Princes, he sayd. My noble companions,
you knowe my promise to this Damosell, to follow her whither she shall guide me: now
is she importunate for my departure, wherefore let me intreate ye not to be offended, if
earely in the morning I take my leaue, assuring you, that neuer shall I forget your
manifold courtesies. And let my solemne promise perswade yee, that these earnest 85
affaires once dispatched, to you will I presently shape my course, meane while,
commaund me as your freendly seruant.
My Lord, aunswererd Manteleo, albeit this seperation is greeuous to vs, yet seeing
it a cause concerning your honor, and may aduantage some distressed person, keep your
promise, right paciently shall we beare your absence, hoping to see you shortly in 90
England at the King your Fathers Court, for thither shall we presently direct our
iourney. Palladine hauing intreated them, to doo his humble dutie to the King his
Father, to the Queene likewise, and his two Sisters, embraced them all three right
louingly, each one with teares shewing their greefe of departure. Like courteous
farewell tooke they of the Damosell, who gaue them many thanks for their freendly 95
succour, and so each one entring their chamber for that night, Lycelio the Squire to
Chapter XIV
77
Palladine, prepared all things readie for his maister, who determined to be on
horssebacke by breake of day.
CHAPTER XV.
¶ How Palladine went with the Damosell that came from the wise Orbiconte, and
Manteleo, Durandell and Orliman trauayled toward England, and were seperated
from each other by a strange aduenture. 5
arly in the morning, Palladine, Lycelio, and the Damosell set forward on
their iourney, directing theyr course to the Realme of Ireland, leauing the
three Princes soundly sleeping, who the same day rode toward England,
without finding any aduenture on land or Sea worthie the rehearsall. After they had 10
refreshed themselues three or foure daies at Douer, a Towne that stands on the Sea coast
of England, they concluded to ride to London, where they heard the King as then kept
his Court. When they had ridden eight or ten miles, they sawe comming foorth of a
Forrest two poore men, all besmeared with blood, and verie sore wounded, whereupon,
they imagined that some theeues had thus vsed them, and therefore rode toward them to 15
vnderstand the cause. Good Gentleman, cried one of them so wounded, for Gods sake
helpe vs. Of whence are ye? sayd the Prince Manteleo. We are Sir, quoth the poore man,
of Bohemia, trauailing from the King of Englands Court home againe: and to his
Maiestie were we sent with three yong Lions, which two Knightes (trauailing through
our Countrey) gaue vs charge to carie thither. And as we came through this wood, three 20
theeues suddenly set vpon vs, who wounded vs as you see, tooke the money from vs we
receyued of the King, and haue slaine two of our companions.
Manteleo remembring the poore men, how Palladine and he had sent them with
the Lions: was meruailous sorie to see them so misused, demaunding if the theeues were
on horssebacke or on foote. The poore men aunswered, that they were on foote, and 25
E
Chapter XV
79
could not (as yet) be gone verie farre. Without any further speeches, Manteleo and his
Squire galloped one way, and Durandell with Orliman an other way, hoping to
compasse the theeues, that they should not escape. One of them Manteleo espied
running, with the Sword still in his hand all bloodie: Stay villaine, quoth he, for thou
canst not escape so easily. The theefe seeing he could not saue his life by flight, got him 30
to a tree, which he could not climbe so soone, but the Prince gaue him a quittance for
his life.1 As he fell downe to the ground, the bag of money tumbled out of his bosome,
when the Squire alighting, and giuing it to his maister, returned to the place where he
left the poore men, saying. Hold heere my freends your money againe, and feare not
him that tooke it from ye, for I haue made him sure for following ye any further: if the 35
Knightes that were with me finde his fellowes, I doubt not but they will serue them as I
haue done. Many thanks did they returne the Prince for this great gentlenesse, bringing
him to their other companions. The one of them hauing some life left in him, had setled
himselfe against a tree, being the man that vndertooke the cariage of the Lions. By
many signes he shewed that he knew the Prince, as also how graciously the King had 40
vsed him: but no hope of life was left in him, for his inward bleeding presently strangled
him. The Prince willed the poore men goe to the next towne, where their wounds might
be bound vp, and they might prouide buriall2 for the other two: meane while, he with his
Squire rode to seeke Durandell and Orliman, who hauing at length slaine the other two
theeues, had strayed so farre in such vnfrequented wayes, as they knew not how to 45
returne to finde Manteleo but tooke their iourney straight to London, where they were in
good hope to meete with him.
1 the Prince gaue him a quittance for his life Palladine “freed him” from his life; he killed the man.
2 buriall Munday omits the Fr. “en terre sainte” (E4v; on holy land), i.e. consecrated ground, a church.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
80
The King Milanor hearing of their arriuall, entertayned them very honorably, the
like did the Queene and her daughters, to whome they rehearsed the Knightly deedes of
Palladine and Manteleo, the manner how they were seperated, and how the theeues had 50
vsed the poore men of Bohemia: yet the Prince Manteleo (as they thought) would not be
long thence, because they parted so lately with him. Glad was the King of these tidings,
especially Marcelina, whose life was prolonged by the onely hope of her loue.
As for Manteleo, after he had long sought for Durandell and Orliman, yet neyther
could finde them, or heare any tidings of them: he returned to the towne whither he sent 55
the poore men, and there tooke order for the healing of their woundes.
On the morrow as he rode toward London, he espied foure Knightes Combatting
against two, whereupon, he went to helpe the two Knightes, and in the end, compelled
the foure to yeeld. The two Knightes were the Princes of Norgalles and Scots to wit,3
Landastines and Simprinell, the quarrell growing through chollerick speeches, and by 60
the meanes of Manteleo pacified, each shaking hands together as louers and freends.
Greatly meruailed Manteleo to meete Landastines and Simprinell there, considering at
his departure he left them at the Court, highly fauoured of the King and his Nobillitie:
but thus it fell out.
After that Palladine and Manteleo were departed with the enchaunted Knight, the 65
Prince Landastines fauoured of the King Milanor, began to affect the Princesse Florea:
who seeing her Sister prouided of a louer, thought she would not leade Apes in Hell,4
3 to wit Meaning “to be sure”, as one may know, truly, indeed.
4 leade Apes in Hell An early modern proverb, see Tilley, Dictionary of Provebs, M37. To lead apes in
Hell was thought to be the consequence of dying an old maid, and two possible meanings have been
proposed: first, that old maids lead apes because they have no children to lead to heaven; second, with a
sexual connotation due to the lusty nature of apes, that old maids have to atone for their inability to please
men sexually. See Julie Coleman, Sex, and Marriage: A Historical Thesaurus (Rodopi: Amsterdam-
Chapter XV
81
and therefore entertayned Landastines as her Knight and seruant. He glorying in his
honorable conquest, and by sollemne vowes assured her of his permanent constancie,
craued licence of his faire mistresse, with Simprinell to goe view the pleasures of 70
England, the goodly Cities and well fortefied Castels, promising to returne within a
moneth againe. And as they were iournying backe to the Court, Manteleo found them as
you haue heard, and now they all three are gone to London where, to make any
ceremonious discourse of their entertainement, would hinder ye from matter of greater
moment, and too long shall Palladine be left vnheard of. Let it then suffice ye, the King 75
is sorie his Sonne is not returned, yet perswaded by Manteleo of his speedie presence:
ioyning withall, that a King whose life was spent in affaires of highest consequence,
would be desirous that his Sonne should imitate his vertues. As for Marcelina and
Florea, such as haue felt the weight of affection, and know that absent louers make a
heauen of their meeting: such I thinke will heere allow, that freends so intirely 80
combined together, would hardly now fall out with one another. If then their silent
passionate desires, sorted out time and place conuenient, where gracious loue might
fauour their endeuours, and quench the furie of so violent impressions: leaue them
contented with their fortunate successe, Manteleo with his mistresse Marcelina, and
Landastines with his faire Goddesse Florea,5 because we must now returne to the 85
cheefe person in our Historie, and to the Damosell of the wise Orbiconte.
Atlanta, 1999), 358, 1n. In the context of Palladine, it means that Florea refuses to remain single when
she realizes her sister is not.
5 If then ... Florea Here, Munday provides the main divergence from the French text so far. In one
sentence, he summarises four French folios (F1r–F2v) containing the first explicit sexual encounter of the
story, recounted by means of military and agricultural metaphors.
CHAPTER XVI.
¶ How the Prince Palladine was conducted to the Realme of Dace,1 by the Damosell of
Orbiconte that brought him the Sheeld: and how he reskewed a Knight that was
caried to prison. 5
ou remember, that the Damosel sent from the wise Orbiconte, caused
Palladine to leaue Manteleo, Durandell of Cleue and Orliman of
Flaunders, and hauing trauailed long in hir2 company, at length they
entred the Realme of Dace, beguiling the time with many discourses, as concerning her 10
mistresse, where-among, he requested to know whome he should succour. My Lord,
quoth she, I hope this day your selfe shall see the man, a Knight of high and especiall
desert, who will not forget your honorable paines, in deliuering him from cruell death,
or perpetuall imprisonment.
As they thus deuised togeather, the Damosell alighting from her Palfrey, hearing 15
the voyce of men and neighing of horsses, she desired the Prince to shroud himselfe in
secret, least he should be espied by any in the Castel. At length, they sawe foure
Knightes and their Squires before the Castell, and in the midst of them a man, hauing
his armes pinniond behind him, and his legs bound vnder his horsse belly. Behold Sir,
said the Damosell, this is the man, of whome I told ye, being detained prisoner by these 20
foure Knightes, now try your fortune in reskewing him: for if they get him once within
the Castell, he shall be put to a most cruell death. Palladine immediatly mounted on
1 Dace Dacia, the ancient land of a northern Thracian tribe, located between Dalmatia and the Black Sea,
in the Carpatian Mountains, roughly corresponding to modern-day Moldova and Romania.
2 hir Obscure Middle English form of their.
Y
Chapter XVI
83
Horssebacke, and drawing his Sword, without vsing any speeches to the Knightes, gaue
one of them such a stroke on the head, as he cleft his scull to the verie teeth. The other
three set on him all at once, and two of them he tumbled headlong from their horsses: 25
the third would haue fled into the Castell, but the Prince gaue him such a wound
betweene the head and the shoulders, as he fell downe dead to the ground. In this while,
the Damosell and Lycelio vnbound the Knight, who taking a Sword and Sheeld
belonging to one of the slaine, came to assist Palladine, least any other should come
foorth of the Castell to resist him. 30
When the Porter sawe the Prince enter the Castell, and with him the Knight,
whome his maisters Sonnes were sent to kill, or bring thither prisoner, he ranne vp the
staires into the Hall, crying: murther, murther, to armes Gentlemen, for we are all
betrayed.
At this fearefull cry, the Lord of the Castell being an auncient man, went to the 35
window ouer the gate, and seeing his Sonne and seruants lying on the ground, eyther
slaine, or in no better case: he fell in a swoune, and had not one of his Gentlemen beene
by to helpe him, he neuer had recouered life againe. But being come to himselfe, he
with seauen more were presently armed, and vnderstanding by the Porter, that but three
men kept the Castell gate, he with his people came downe into the Court, and like a 40
Lion enraged, smote at Palladine, saying: Villaine, well mayst thou cursse thy coming
hither to murther my Sonnes, both thou and the Traytor in thy company shall deerely
abide it.3 Very sharply did they beset the Prince, his Squire Lycelio and the Knight: yet
in the end, they vanquished all but two, who submitted themselues and called for
mercie: for which good fortune, the Knight humbly thanked Palladine, who calling the 45
3 abide it The OED includes a separate specification for the entry abide: it has been erroneously used for
the archaic verb abye through confusion of form. The original meaning is “pay for, atone for, suffer for”.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
84
Damosell into the Castell, because feare made her tary still without,4 made fast the gate,
and went vp into a faire chamber, where they were vnarmed, and their wounds bound
vp. And while prouision was making for their Supper, the Prince intreated the Knight to
tell the occasion why he was brought thither so bound and misused.
Worthie Sir, aunswered the Knight, a true discourse shall I make of all my 50
trouble, and thus it is.
The Lord of this place, the auncient man whome you first ouercame in the Court,
had three Sonnes, one whereof I found about a moneth since in a little Warren neer to
my house, which is distant hence not past a mile: and thither had he allured a yong
mayden, the daughter to a poore tenaunt of mine, where villainously he sought to 55
dishonor her. My selfe (by good hap) walking that way, beheld the poore virgin before
him on her knees, he hauing his Sword drawne in hand, threatning therewith to cut her
throate, if she would not accomplish his vnlawfull desire.
When I sawe this vncouth spectacle, and that the poore mayden was out of breath,
with strugling and striuing to defend her chastitie, I came to him, and freendly intreated 60
him to forbeare that bad minde: but he immediatly, without vsing any words better or
worsse, left the mayden, and with his Sword began to assayle me, where doubtless I had
beene murthered, had I not beene prouided for mine owne defence: yet did I make such
good shift with him,5 as he was fayne to submit himselfe to my mercie, which I was
contented to graunt him, vpon promise, that he would neuer offer the like vile attempt, 65
not fitting the name of a Gentleman, who rather ought to defend the chastitie of virgins.
But the forsworne wretch kept not his promise with me, for so soone as I had left him,
he ran after the poore mayden againe, who thought to saue her selfe by flight to her
4 without Outside.
5 make good shift He made a great effort, bestirred himself, tried by all means.
Chapter XVI
85
Fathers house, and in despight that he was vanquished by me, or what else I knowe not,
he stabd her to the heart with his dagger. I hearing her pitifull cry when the wound was 70
giuen, ran after the murtherer, who turned againe valiantly to resist me: but I handled
him in such sort, as he accompanyed the poore mayden in death. A Lackey that attended
on this lubricious villayne, seeing his mayster had giuen his last farewell to the world,
immediatly caryed the newes to the Lord his Father, and his other two Brethren, whom
you slew without the gate. The Brethren made sollemne promise to their Father, that 75
they would take the most cruell vengeance on me as could be deuised, awayting
opportunitie to execute theyr bloodie intents: and this day as I was walking in my
garden, hauing no other defence then as you see me in my doublet, they layd violent
hands on me, binding me on the horsse as you found me, and but for you, God knowes
how they meant to haue vsed me. 80
Sir Knight, quoth Palladine, thanke God for your deliuerance, and next to him the
wise Lady Orbiconte, who sent this Damosell to conduct me hither for your succour.
Ah my good Lord, aunswered the Knight, often haue I heard of that worthy
woman, who (as I vnderstand) is Sister to the King of Aquilea, a maruailous louer of
Knightes vertuous and valiant: I promise ye right soone will I go giue her thanks for this 85
exceeding fauour.
Palladine hearing him speake of Aquilea, remembred the letters engrauen on his
Sword,6 for which cause, he determined to trauaile thither, to finde the wise Orbiconte,
that she might shew him the Lady, whereof in his sleepe she did aduertise him. Vpon
this resolution, they sate downe to meate, and after the Tables were withdrawne, the 90
Damosell thus spake.
6 The letters engraved are Palladine of Aquilea, cf. chaper VI, line 67.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
86
Sir Knight, you haue accomplished the promise you made me, for which I thanke
ye, and will make report thereof to my Lady and mistresse, to whome I must with all
dilligence returne, being assured of this Knightes safetie: wherefore I humbly take my
leaue, because I meane to be gone very earely in the morning. Palladine sorie she would 95
be gone so soone, sayd: If it like ye faire Damosell, I will conduct ye on your way for
your Ladyes sake, who beares me such affection without any desert. My Lord, quoth
she, I hartely thanke ye, but my Lady commaunded me to returne alone, assuring me to
escape on the way without any disturbance: and albeit she had not so charged me, yet
should ye not by my meanes trauaile so soone, for your wounds are yet not to dally 100
withall, but I will leaue an vnguent with your Squire, that shall right soone recouer them
from danger. Seeing then (sayd Palladine) that my companie is needlesse, let me
intreate ye to commend me to your mistresse, to whome (while I liue) I shall remaine an
affectionate seruant and Knight. And to the end you may remember me: and in requitall
of the good Sheeld you brought me,7 weare this chayne of gold for my sake, and forget 105
not my humble dutie to the Lady Orbiconte. The Damosell receiuing the chayne, tooke
her leaue of him and the Knight, and on the morrow rode toward Aquilea, leauing
Palladine with the Knight, who brought the Prince to his owne Castell, shewing him the
place where the incontinent villaine murthered the yong virgin.8
7 Cf. chapter XIV, lines 23–30.
8 Cf. this chapter, line 70.
CHAPTER XVII.
¶ How the Prince Palladine trauailing toward Aquilea, was aduertised of the beautie of
Brisalda, Duchesse of Bulgaria, for whose loue, Dardalon the proud mayntayned
Ioustes against all commers: and of the cruell Combate betweene him and Palladine. 5
alladine remained with the Knight till his wounds were healed, being
entertayned meruaylous nobly, and setting on his iourney toward Aquilea:
on the frontiers of Dace, he met an armed Knight, with a Squire bearing his
Helmet and Launce, whome after he had saluted, requested to knowe whether he 10
trauailed. I go Sir (answered the Knight) to Bulgaria, to make proofe of my fortune
against a strong and puissant champion, who maintaineth the Ioust against all that come:
for the loue of the Duchesse Brisalda, esteemed the fairest Princesse in the world, being
yet scant seuenteene yeeres of age.1 I like well his attempt, said Palladine, whatsoeuer
he be: but knowe ye not how he is called? Dardalon the prowd, men name him (quoth 15
the Knight) and fitly doth that surname agree with him, for he is one of the most
vaineglorious men that euer was heard of, beside, exceeding in crueltie to Knightes that
deale with him, for if he vanquish any one, he neuer pardons him, no, though he yeeld
himselfe to his mercie. Beleeue me, said Palladine, small commendation gets he
thereby, being rather esteemed a coward, then valiant: for he vseth such crueltie, to 20
terrify those as shall afterward deale with him. But the enterprises of Tourneys for the
loue of Ladyes, should not extend to such extremitie, but rather for honor and fame
onely: yea, though to a mortall enemy, mercy should be giuen him when he yeeldeth
1 scant seuenteene yeeres of age Fr. “n’a plus de seize ans accompliz” (F5v; she is not more than sixteen
years old).
P
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
88
himselfe. The brute beasts shew greater humanitie, as we may reade in examples, of
Lyons, Beares, Dogs, and diuers other, who ceasse from rage and furie on a yeelding 25
pray. It is necessarie then, answered the Knight, that such men should haue such
measure serued them, and no greater mercie ought they to haue, then themselues tofore
haue shewed to other:2 as for my selfe, if fortune fauour me against him, he shall find as
little pittie as he hath giuen. By my Sword (quoth the Prince) I so desire to see that
cruell Knight, as I will beare ye companie, so you please to accept thereof: for perhaps 30
the great villaine is some Deuill, and then it is necessarie he should be well coniured.
Great honor and pleasure, quoth the Knight, shall you heerein doo me, for I desire
nothing more then companie. So leauing the marches of Dace, they tooke Shipping on
Danubium, and coasting Valachia, entred Bulgaria, landing at the Citie of Varne,3
where Dardalon kept his Iousts and Triumphs. But the Duchesse Brisalda tooke small 35
pleasure in his labours, for as he was a man of huge and monstrous stature, so was he
mishapen, and of ougly countenance, yet by his prowesse he imagined to gaine her loue:
wherein he was greatly deceiued, albeit the feare of his mightie kinred, cheefely of a
Giant that was his Cousin, made the poore Lady giue him good looks, because by rigour
he held the whole countrey in awe. 40
Palladine and the Knight being come on shore, went presently to the place where
the Ioustes were kept: and as they entred the throng, they sawe that Dardalon had euen
then ouercome a Knight, who kneeling on his knees, cryed: I confesse my selfe
vanquished, I yeeld, I yeeld. But Dardalon feigning he heard him not, nor the Princesse
2 Dardalon is a cruel man until the end and does not pardon the life of a defeated opponent. Thus,
Palladine argues that the same treatment should be given to him.
3 Varna is a coastal city in Bulgaria.
Chapter XVII
89
who called to saue his life, because the Knight was neere allyed to her: smote his head 45
from his shoulders, shewing it in great brauerie to the Duchesse.
Palladine seeing the monstrous crueltie of this huge villaine, could stay no longer,
but stepping to him, sayd. Dardalon, I neuer saw thee before this instant, when I beheld
thee to shew horrible crueltie, putting the Knight to death that yeelded himselfe
vanquished: had it beene but for the Ladyes sake, who called to thee to saue his life, me 50
thinks of dutie thou shouldest haue spared him, and were it not I see thee wounded, thou
shouldest perceiue I dare iustify my words. Dardalon beholding Palladine without his
helmet, and so yong in yeeres, scoffingly thus aunswered. Alas, good Gentleman, didst
thou neuer see me before? I thinke thou wilt say thou seest me too soone: as for any
wound I haue, it cannot hinder me from correcting such a saucy companion. Without 55
any more words they mounted on horssebacke, and Dardalon taking a verie strong
Launce, thought to giue the Prince an vnhappy welcome: but he sate more sure then he
expected, and but that himselfe caught hold by his horsse mayne, he had beene sent to
fetch an errand on the ground. A long and dangerous Combate was fought betweene
them, the Prince many times in danger, but worthely escaping, and in the end so 60
wearied his monstrous enemie, as he got downe vpon his backe. Then taking off his
helmet, looked to the Duchesse Brisalda, if she would haue his life preserued, but
seeing that neither she or any of the Ladyes made signe for it, he tooke off his head, to
the great ioy of all the standers by: except such as were allyed to Dardalon, who
presently drew their weapons to reuenge his death, but other Knightes stept in to assist 65
the Prince, so that not one of them escaped aliue, yet Palladine and his company
receyued no wounds of danger. The Duchesse noting the valiant prowesse of a Knight
so yong and louely, would faine knowe of whence he was, wherefore causing the
Ioustes to end for that day, she sent to intreate him come lodge in her Pallace, where her
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
90
Chirurgions should haue care of his wounds. Which courteous offer the Prince accepted, 70
not so much for the daunger of his hurts, as for his desire to be fauoured of the
Duchesse, whome he imagined the fairest that euer he sawe. Then was he conducted by
two Gentlemen into one of the seemeliest Chambers in the Pallace, where he was
vnarmed, and his wounds visited by the Chirurgions attending on the Duchesse, who
sent him a faire night mantle of blew Sattin, embroidered with gold, and furred with 75
Martins,4 for which, most humbly he thanked her, carrying good opinion to enioy her
loue, so he could compasse the meane to speake with her. For he imagined this to be the
Lady, of whome the wise Orbiconte had foretold him, and for whose loue he should
passe many dangers, as now he had done against the prowde Dardalon.
4 The plural martens originally denoted the valuable fur of any animal of the Mustela species (such as the
ferret), and later came to be used as the name of the animal. See OED (n. 1 and 2).
CHAPTER XVIII.
¶ How the Duchesse Brisalda came to see Palladine, what speeches they had together:
and how he slew the Giant Brandidoll, Cousin to Dardalon the prowde.
5
risalda the yong beautifull Duchesse, to whom the inueigling God1 had
giuen a liuely attaint of loue to the Prince Palladine, determined to go see
him in his chamber, to vnderstand of his health, and in such sort to
perswade him, as he should still remaine in her Court. So clothing her selfe in most
sumptuous garments, and being attended on by her wayting Laydies, she went to the 10
Princes lodging: and after two or three gracious courtesies passed betwene them, she
said, Sir Knight, right welcome are ye to our Court, commaund me, or any thing else
heere to your liking: for so much doo I account my selfe indebted to you, hauing slayne
the cruell and proud Dardalon, as while I liue, I shall neuer returne sufficient
recompence. The Prince falling on his knee, and kissing her faire white hand, thus 15
answered. If I haue done any thing (Madame) that contents you, I am very glad thereof,
thanking the God of heauen that fauoured me in the attempt, and if in ought2 else I can
doo ye any seruice, till the latest houre of death will I willingly imploy my selfe.
Brisalda, who was (as it were) rauished with contemplating his beautie, tooke him by
the hand, and causing him to arise, sayd: With all my heart (gentle Sir) I thanke ye, and 20
accept your offer so freendly made: for I greatly doubt ere long I shall neede your
assistance, against the Giant Brandidoll, Cousin to him whome you haue slaine, for no
1 the inueigling God i.e. the god that blinds the mind or judgement, Cupid.
2 ought Archaic form of aught, meaning “anything whatever; anything. In interrogative, negative, and
conditional sentences”.
B
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
92
sooner shall he heare of his death, but hither will he come, and accuse me as authour
thereof, because Dardalon being enamoured of me, ordeyned this Tourney, thinking to
espouse me either by loue or force. In this did Brandidoll promise his ayd, and diuers 25
other of their faction as bad as they, many of them being now slayne, which so contents
me, as nothing can do more. And were I as well rid of cruell Brandidoll, hencefoorth
should I liue in peace, without feare or suspition of any one: for when the mightie
enemies are quailed, the meaner dare not presume to stirre.
Madame, quoth Palladine, perswade your selfe in this, that in respect of your 30
innocencie, God will not suffer you to take any wrong, but that your enemies shall
worke their owne confusion. Longer they would haue continued in talke, but that the
Gentleman Vssher gaue warning of dinner: wherefore the Duchesse went and sate
downe at the Table, Palladine sitting iust opposite to her, who tooke so great pleasure in
hearing him speake, as she had no mind to eate or drinke. All which Palladine heedfully 35
noted, and God knowes how well it liked him, for if the one were passionate in loue,
you may think the other was in the same predicament. Oftentimes would they throwe
such wounding lookes on each other, as neyther had power to speake a word: but to
couer this alteration, the Prince feigned to listen to the consort3 of musique, which
plaied all dinner time maruellous sweetly. The Tables withdrawne, she tooke him by the 40
hand, and caused him to sit downe in a chaire by her, while many yong Lords and
Ladyes daunced after that Countrey manner. You may not daunce Sir, quoth she,
because our Chirurgions doo thinke it hurfull for your woundes: beside, rest is verie
needfull for you, in respect of the rough combate you had with Dardalon, whome to
your great honor you worthely conquered. For any thing I haue done, sweete Madame 45
(quoth he) let the credit thereof remaine to your selfe: and thinke me as readie to doo
3 consort i.e. concert.
Chapter XVIII
93
you seruice, as he that is most forward among your seruants, of which number I desire
ye to accept me as one. Vnsiemely were it good Knight, quoth she, to account of you as
my seruant, but if you please to stay in this Cuntry, you shall perceiue by my endeuours
heereafter, that I both honor and reuerence such men as you are. As she would haue 50
proceeded further, her Gouernesse came, and said, it was time she should resort to her
Chamber: whereupon they parted, not without sufficient shewes on either side, that
betweene them was a sympathie of affection. What seuerall afflictions they endured in
absence, let them imagine,4 who haue no comfort but in the presence of their fauourite.
As for the Duchesse, she on the morrow sent the Prince a rich Diamond by one of her 55
Ladies, with this message, that it was her determined iewell to the best combatant, and
therefore his due, as hauing deserued it beyond all other. Palladine receiued it verie
thankefully, returning this aunswere by the Lady, that in requitall of that gentle gift, he
would that day enter the Listes, and against all commers maintaine the beautie of the
Duchesse. As for his wounds, Lycelio had annointed them with the precious vnguent, 60
which the Damosell brought from the wise Orbiconte, so that they were verie soundly
healed. For ioy of this aunswere, the Duchesse caused a goodly Scaffold to be erected,
whereon, she and her Ladies would stand to see the Iousts: and at each end of the Listes,
were sumptuous Trophees curiously placed, decked with diuers impreses and mots of
loue, in arteficiall Tables hanging thereon. 65
While Palladine and the other Lords were arming themselues, he was aduertised
of an other Knight new entred the feeld, who was the Prince Alfian of Ireland, a yong,
braue and gallant Knight at armes, one that was highly affected to the Duchesse
Brisalda.
4 Munday omits parts of the French text in order to avoid verbosity, but in turn he actively engages the
readers and invites them to use their imagination.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
94
So soone as he was entred the Listes, he was encountred by a Moore Knight 70
vnknowne, who was dismounted at the first course: the like successe had eight or ten
more, which Palladine perceiuing, he gaue his horsse the spurres against this lustie
champion, lifting him halfe a foote in height from his Saddle. And as they were taking
new Launces for the second race, there entred a mightie man, armed cap a pe,5 who
furiously said, Where is the villaine that slew my Cousin Dardalon? by the great God, 75
this day will I giue his flesh to the dogs, and hers likewise that was the cause thereof,
pointing to the yong Duchesse Brisalda. And because he had heard that a yong Knight
did his kinseman to death, he ranne in a rage on the Prince Alfian of Ireland, giuing him
suck a stroke on the head with his great Semitarie, as the gentle Alfian fell beside his
horsse. 80
Palladine thinking this to be Brandidoll, and seeing him readie to smite off the
Princes head, ranne to him, saying: It is with me that thou must deale, I slew thy Cousin
Dardalon, as his villainie and crueltie well deserued. Brandidoll without making any
aunswere, left the Prince of Ireland, and ioyned with Palladine, when continued
betweene them a long and terrible combate. Each one verily expected Palladines death, 85
such was the great oddes betweene him and his enemie: but so happily it fell out in the
ende, that Brandidoll by treading on the trunchion of a Launce, fell downe backward,
when the Prince taking his aduantage, got sure hold of him, and smote off his head. For
ioy of this victorie, the Trompets cheerefully sounded, and the Duchesse discending
from the Scaffold, commaunded the Ioustes to ceasse for that day, and comming to the 90
Prince, gaue him many thanks, in that he had deliuered her from two such cruell
enemies, who sought the subuersion and spoile of her honor. With meruailous signes of 5 armed cap a pe Fr. “armé de toutes pieces” (G2v; armed with all the pieces). Munday introduces the
expression “cap a pe" (from head to foot), which is not present in the French text but has the same
meaning.
Chapter XVIII
95
ioy they returned to the Pallace, where Palladine was immediatly brought to his
chamber, and such wounds as he had receiued in fight, were dilligently regarded by the
Duchesse Chirurgions. Each day would she duly come to see him, and vnderstanding 95
that he was Sonne to the King of England, practised how to vnite her selfe with him in
marriage. And as an earnest of her perfect loue, she permitted him to gather that daintie
flower, which many had with long pursuite laboured for:6 he not refusing so braue a
conquest, because he verily perswaded himselfe, that Brisalda was the Lady, of whome
the wise Orbiconte had told him: wherefore during the space of sixe weekes, he 100
continued there in this heauen of delight, till fortune, iealous of so mutuall agreement,
separated them, as you shall presently heare.
6 To show Palladine how serious her love is, Brisalda allows him to take her virginity, which many other
had sought after.
CHAPTER XIX.
¶ How a strange aduenture happened in the Citie of Varne, by the ending whereof, the
Prince Palladine determined to depart from the Duchesse Brisalda.
5
eere must I intreate ye to remember the Princes of Norgalles and Scots,
Landastines and Simprinell, whome we left in the King of Englands
Court, Landastines being enamoured on the Princesse Florea, Sister to
Palladine, as Manteleo was of his faire Marcelina. Simprinell loth to part them that
agreed so well, left his companion in England, trauailing to the King of Norgalles 10
Court, where he certified his Maiestie of the good estate of his Sonne Landastines.
Which newes were so welcome to the King, as he intreated Simprinell to abide in his
Court, that he might shew him the pleasures of his Realme: whereto the yong Prince
right willingly condiscended, as one desirous to behold nouelties. But rather the
cheefest cause was, his affection to the faire Princesse Belanicia, daughter to the King 15
of Norgalles, with whose beawtie he was meruailously enthralled, and not daring to
acquaint her with his loue, he fell into a dangerous sicknes,1 to the great greef of the
King, who loued him as he had beene his owne Sonne. In the end, the Phisitions hauing
declared to Simprinell, how perillous his case stood by concealing his greefe, made him
thus resolued, that before he died, he would make knowne to the Princesse Belanicia 20
(who oftentimes came her selfe to visit him, and sent him many comfortable meates in
his sicknesse) the originall cause of his extremitie. And one time among other, the Lady
1 Love-sickness is a typical motif in chivalric romances (motif T24.1; see Motif-index EMR and LCC,
1105) and a common feature of early modern English literature. For further information, see Lesel
Dawson, Lovesickness and Gender in Early Modern English Literature (Oxford: Oxford University Press,
2008).
H
Chapter XIX
97
that was most vsually sent by the Princesse, and in whome she reposed greatest
confidence, deliuered him to bewray from whence his sicknesse grew, promising
withall, that she would labour to her vttermost, to procure his health. The yong Prince 25
very modest and bashfull, taking the Lady by the hand, thus aunswered.
Faire freend, I thanke ye for your readie good will in seeking my helpe, which is a
matter not impossible to bee done: but as for the cause of my languishing disease, I will
not acquaint ye therewith, vnlesse ye sweare to keepe the same secret, not reuealing it to
any one but such as I shall name. Assure your selfe thereof, said the Lady, by the faith 30
of a virgin. Know then sweete Lady, quoth Simprinell, that my extreame sicknesse
happened by no other cause, then the loue and affection I beare to your mistresse: and
feare to offend her or the King, hath by silence of my loue brought me to this daunger.
Why my Lord? quoth she, you that are of so high and honorable discent, can ye offend
my Lady by louing her? or you that are as good as she, doo not deserue loue for loue? 35
she is the child of a King, and so are you, beside, she is humble and gracious as any
Princesse liuing, then feare not to let her knowe your daunger. Alas Madame, quoth he,
neuer shall I dare to speake to her: but may it please you to solicite my cause, yet with
carefull heed of her dislike, I shall confesse my life preserued by you. And so much will
I doo for ye my Lord, quoth she, without giuing her any occasion of offence: but rather 40
shall I doo it in such sort, as by a speedie answere you shall perceiue her mind. Go then
good madame, said the Prince, and boldly may ye assure her, that my life or death is in
her hand. So went the Lady to her mistresse, to whome she imparted what you haue
heard, wherewith she was so well pleased, as she presently sent to him againe this
aunswere, that she entertained his loue with the like, and that as he would witnesse his 45
affection towards her, he should practise what speed he could deuise for his health.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
98
These words breathed such life into the Prince, as within few dayes he was
perfectly recouered, when after many amorous parlees with Belanicia, she to make a
triall how his loue was grounded, hauing heard report of the faire Duchesse Brisalda:
desired him to trauell to Varne in Bulgaria, carying with him her liuely counterfeit, and 50
there to maintaine against all Knightes whatsoeuer, that she was fairer then the
Duchesse Brisalda, on which condition, she would accept him as her Knight and loyall
seruant.
Simprinell glad to be so commaunded, the next day hee departed with his foure
Squires, and comming to Varne, where the Duchesse remained, heard what braue 55
imployment was there in Chiualrie: wherefore comming to the accustomed place of the
Tourney, on a faire Piller he placed his Ladyes picture, saying, he would maintaine
against all commers, that his mistresse exceeded the Duchesse Brisalda in beautie.2 The
Knightes attendant on the Duchesse, were amazed heereat, preparing themselues to
defend her cause: but Simprinell willed them first to bring the Duchesse counterfeit, and 60
it to be placed by his Ladies, and the conquerour should carie them both with him. Right
soone was the Duchesse figure set on the Piller, and Simprinell this first day dismounted
twelue Knights: Palladine being ridden abroade on hunting, which made Brisalda
despaire of her fortune, fearing the strange champion would depart vnconquered.
This dayes good successe, emboldened Simprinell to try the second, when 65
Palladine entring the Listes among the other Knightes, whome one by one he saw
brauely vnhorsed, he came to Simprinell with these speeches.
In sooth (Sir Knight) I commend your enterprise, beeing a cause that maketh
many forward in Armes: but as for the Lady, whome you extoll beyond my Lady the
2 on a faire Piller ... in beautie This same example of pas d’armes, with different characters, takes place
in the first part of Palmerin d’Oliva, ch. XXXII.
Chapter XIX
99
Duchesse heer present, I say and will auerre the contrary, against you and all other till 70
the houre of death. If affection hath blinded your eyes, I soone shall alter that opinion,
when your owne selfe shall confesse, that your Lady is no way to be compared with
mine.
I imagine by your words Sir, answered Simprinell, that you will defend your
mistresse by the toong onely: but let vs goe to the matter roundly, for you are not yet so 75
good an Oratour, as to perswade me from a resolued assurance.3
You thinke then, quoth Palladine, that I thinke to escape the Combate by my
words. Not so, for you shall see me effectually defend the honor of her beautie who is
my mistresse. So giuing the spurres to their horsses, they encountred with such
violence, as Palladine lost his stirrops, but Simprinell was cast foorth of his saddle to 80
the great ioy of the Duchesse and her freends, that his presumptuous arrogancie was so
worthely checked.
Afterward they fell to the Combate with the Sword, and long they fought without
any aduantage, till Palladine by tripping his enemie, got him downe, and himselfe vpon
him, when holding his Sword ouer him, he sayd: Now must thou confesse the Duchesse 85
Brisalda, to be a Lady farre excelling thine in beautie, else art thou not like to see her
againe. Seeing fortune hath throwne me into this extremitie, said Simprinell, I confesse
my selfe vanquished: but to say that my mistresse is inferiour to thine, I will not though
I die therefore, nor am I otherwise bound by my owne conditions, then to leaue her
portrait to the will of the conquerour. The Iudges of the feeld gaue sentence accordingly, 90
whereupon Palladine left Simprinell, and went to place the Duchesse counterfeit aboue
Belanicia, albeit he perceiued her figure much more beautifull: by which conceit he
3 Simprinell insults the knight’s ability to elaborate eloquent and persuasive speeches, as a good orator or
public speaker would do.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
100
gathered, that this was she of whome the wise Orbiconte told him, wherefore he onely
minded Belanicia, purposing right soone to forsake the Duchesse.
As he was vnarming in his chamber, he began to thinke how he might leaue 95
Brisalda, and what excuse would serue for his departure: yet when he considered his
good entertainement, and what especiall fauour he had receiued at her hands, he altered
his mind, reputing the words of Orbiconte for meere illusions.
And as he continued in this deepe musing, he thought he heard one whisper in his
eare, saying: It is not heere Palladine that thou must abide, wherefore follow the good 100
fortune that is promised thee.4 Heereupon he concluded, what euer happened, he would
depart in the morrow, and thereof that night he meant to aduertise the Duchesse, to
whome he went right soone afterwards.
4 The presence of Orbiconte is constant throughout the text, as a master puppeteer who reconducts
Palladine’s path each time he deviates from his way to Aquilea.
CHAPTER XX.
¶ How Palladine aduertised the Duchesse of his departure, and how trauailing to the
Realme of Norgalles, he had a dangerous Combate with Simprinell, whome he knew
afterward. 5
uch were the troublesome thoughts of Palladine, in hastening his departure
toward Belanicia, as without any longer stay he came to the Duchesse, who
seeing him looke so sad, desired to knowe the cause thereof. In sooth
Madame, quoth he, I can not forget the strange Knight that I Iousted withall this day: 10
right sorie I am that I demaunded not his name: for I imagin I haue sometime seene him
in England. If that be all, sayd the Duchesse, we will send for the Knight hither: but her
sending was in vaine, for he departed immediatly after the Combate. When Palladine
sawe no excuses would serue, but she would needes presse him with earnest request of
his pensivenesse, he said. 15
Let it not dislike ye good Madame, if I haue intended any thing for your honor
and mine owne, but rather conceiue thereof as it deserueth. Full well you knowe faire
mistresse, that hardly can we continue our loue together, enioying the benefite the good
hap affoords vs, without iealous suspition of your Lords and Ladyes: and affection
maketh amorous freends oftentimes forgetfull of themselues, so that beeing subiect to 20
the iudgement of many, they shall hardly escape without scandalous and peremptorie
speeches. And nothing (sweet Madame) is more hurtfull to our honors, especially yours,
in respect of your greatnesse and authoritie: to preuent which danger, and that heereafter
we may stand out of the reach of wounding toongs, I meane to trauaile to England to the
King my Father, whome I wil acquaint with the intended mariage betweene vs, and his 25
S
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
102
good will obtained, right soone shall I returne to haue it accomplished. In the meane
while, you may conferre thereon with the Lords of your Councell, who (I thinke) will
not dislike thereof, when they vnderstand my birth and parentage, so shall our credits be
safely defended, and what hath past alreadie, be sufficiently recompenced.
When Brisalda heard these speeches, her heart was so swollen with greefe, as she 30
was not able to make any aunswere: whereat he could not but meruaile, considering his
words tended to great reason: yet with such zealous perswasions he still laboured her,1
making faithfull promise of his speedie returne, as in the end he obtained her consent,
albeit God knowes verie vnwillingly. Giuing her then an amorous conge, he tooke two
bracelets from his armes, verie richly embellished with pearle and stone, and presented 35
them to the Duchesse, saying. In the same day I came to your Court, sweete Madame,
you gaue me a iewell, which I will keepe for your sake while I liue: that you may
likewise remember me, I beseech ye to weare these bracelets, which were giuen me by
my mother on the day I was Knighted. Alas my Lord, quoth she, I doubt you haue left
me such a remembrance, as except you speedily returne againe, will beare me company 40
to my latest home.2 Yet will I keepe one of the bracelets for your sake, and when you
come againe, I will haue the other. So putting the bracelet on her arme, she vowed neuer
to take it off, vntill she sawe her Knight returned. With many kind embracings, and
1 yet ... laboured her Fr. “il faut que nostre mariage se perface publiquement le plustost que pourrons, à
fin aussi que si d’auanture vous estes des maintenant empeschée, l’enfant venu à son terme puisse naitre
dans le septiesme moys apres nostre mariage celebré en public, car il sera aussi bien tenu & reputé pour
legitime dvn chacun comme s’il venoit au neusiesme” (H2r; it is necessary that our marriage be made
public as soon as we can, so that if by any chance you are now ill at ease, the child be born on time
during the seventh month after our wedding held in public, so it will be well considered and reputed as
legitimate by everybody as if he had been born the ninth). Munday omits the nature of Palladine’s
perswasions and the true reason for Brisanda’s distress: the idea of giving birth to a bastard, which is
anticipated in the French text.
2 Alas ... home Added by Munday. To my latest home (i.e. “to the grave”).
Chapter XX
103
deuoute kisses, he returned to his lodging, and the Duchesse to her chamber, where
calling her trustie maiden to her, who was a captiue Moore, and one not a little in her 45
fauour, being acquainted with all that had passed betweene the Prince and her, with
many bitter sighes and teares, she telles the Moore the summe of her greefe. The Moore
perswaded her, that the Prince heerein had done aduisedly, for safetie of both their
honors, if their loue (as greatly she doubted) had sorted to effect: for secrecie must be
the meane to couer such matters, which she would so substancially bring to passe, as 50
none but themselues should be acquainted therewith. With much adoo the Duchesse was
pacified, and on the morrow when Palladine departed, she sent him a pursse of gold to
spend in his trauaile causing her Lords to accompanie him two or three miles on his
way: and so (though loth) these louers are seperated, the Duchesse abiding solitarie in
her Pallace, and Palladine (hauing bidden the Lords adiew) is iourneying in haste 55
toward Norgalles.
He had not ridden halfe part of the day, but a Knight with three Squires gallopped
after him, crying: Stay Sir Knight, for heere commes one that must speake with thee.
Palladine presently turning his horsse, tooke his Launce from his Squire, thus
aunswering. 60
What is he that would speake with me? let him keepe out at the length of my
Launce, till I haue better knowledge of him, why he should come to seeke me in such
haste. Because thou wouldest so faine knowe me, aunswered the Knight, thou shalt
vnderstand, that I am the man thou didst vanquish yesterday, more by fortune then
prowesse: therefore I would now trie againe, how well I can reuenge my former foyle. 65
So fetching their carire, they encountred together so brauely, as they were both
dismounted, and while their Squires laboured to catch their horsses that ran about the
feeld, they fell to the combate with the Sword, and wounded each other very
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
104
dangerously, till in the end Palladine got the aduantage: and as he made proffer to smite
off his enemies head, he knew him to be Simprinell, Sonne to the King of the Scots. 70
Soone was all the former vnkindnesse pacified, and each embraced other verie louingly,
reproouing themselues of great wrong to freendship, yet excusing the same by
ignorance. When their Squires sawe how they were wounded, one of them thus spake.
In this wood (my Lords) is a faire Abbey, and there remaineth one verie skilfull in
Chirurgerie: so please ye to goe thither, the Abbot will entertaine ye gently, because he 75
is brother to a worthie Gentleman, who spent his time as a Knight errant, and for his
sake he loueth all strange Knightes whatsoeuer.
They not misliking this councell, went presently to the Abbey, where the Abbot
welcommed them as beseemed their estates: and while their Supper was prouiding, the
skilfull man hauing visited their woundes, they walked into the faire Orchards and 80
Gardens, recounting to each other their seuerall fortunes, since they were together in the
Court of England. Simprinell discoursed his loue to Belanicia of Norgalles, and the
cause of his comming to the Citie of Varne: which when Palladine heard, he determined
not only to forget his affection to Belanicia, but also to assist his freend to his vttermost
in obtaining her loue, saying. 85
My noble freend, I knowe what manner of disease loue is, if one haue not
receiued the sweetes thereof, albeit, when I sawe you in England, I had no knowledge at
all therein: wherefore, if I shall accompanie you to Norgalles, such good speeches will I
vse of you to your Lady, as she shall not be offended for not bringing her portrait
againe, or that of the Duchesse which she sent ye for. 90
Simprinell thanked the Prince for this offer, but he was farre otherwise addicted,
saying: he had promised his Lady a further iourney for her loue, wherein he would not
haue any companie.
Chapter XX
105
With this answere was Palladine well contented, directing his course another way:
so hauing stayed two daies at the Abbey, and either of them being able to beare Armour, 95
he left Simprinell there, and courteously taking his leaue of the Abbot, set on whither
fate and fortune would guide him.
And after he had ridden fiue or sixe dayes, he met a horsseman, with whome,
falling in talke, he vnderstood, that the great Prince Caesar of Roome, had at Paris
enterprised a noble Tournament, for the loue of the faire Rosamonde of Fraunce, a 100
Princesse esteemed incomparable in beautie. And I (quoth the Courrier) am sent to the
King of Norgalles Court, who hath a faire Daughter named Belanicia, before whome, I
must reueale my message, and declare the Prince Caesars challenge, in presence of all
the Kings Knightes. Afterward, I must trauaile to Bulgaria, and in the Court of the
Duchesse Brisalda, a Lady likewise renowmed for her beautie, I must make knowne of 105
this famous Tournamen.
Palladine glad to heare the Duchesse so commended, and that now he had the
meanes to see the Princesse Belanicia, accompanied the messenger to Norgalles, and by
the way, meeting Belanicia riding in her Litter abroade for her recreation, with diuers
Knightes that attended on her, Palladine was prouoked to Ioust with them, by a 110
contemptuous challenge of one of her Knightes. But such was their ill lucke, as all her
champions were dismounted, till her brother Landastines tooke the cause in hand,
hauing left the English Court to come see the King his father: and after that they had
broken many Launces, not being able to preuaile against each other they ended the
sport, and Landastines knowing Palladine, tooke him with him to the Court, where he 115
was welcommed honorably by the King, as also the faire Belanicia his daughter.
CHAPTER XXI.
¶ How Simprinell being healed of his wounds, returned to Varne, where he vanquished
the Prince Alfian of Ireland, and brought away the portrait of Brisalda.
5
hen Simprinell felt himselfe well recouered, and remembred, how he
had not onely failed in winning the portrait of the Duchesse, but in
the attempt had lost the figure of his mistresse Belanicia: he
determined not to goe to Norgalles, vnlesse he could accomplish his Ladyes
commaundement. Wherefore taking his leaue of the Abbot, he rode backe againe to 10
Varne, and comming to the place of triumphes, found the Duchesse with her Ladyes
placed on the Scaffolds, and the Prince Alfian of Ireland the Champion for Brisalda,
who preuayled woorthely against all that that encountred with him. Simprinell looking
on his Ladyes picture, and seeing it embased vnder the Duchesse, had such a violent
impression strooke him to the harte, as he intended to recouer her honor againe, or else 15
to leaue his life in the feeld. And in this resolution he encountred the Irish Prince,
passing two or three courses brauely, the shiuers of their Launces flying vp into the aire:
but at the third attaint, he met Alfian so roughly, as both horsse and man were sent to the
ground.
When Alfian had recouered his foote, hee drew his Sword, and comming to 20
Simprinell, who by this time was alighted, and prepared for him: when they began a
fierce and cruell combate, whereof Simprinell in the end had the honor. Then comming
to the Duchesse, with courteous reuerence he demaunded of her, if she would permit
him to carie thence the portraites: whereto she made no answere, but in a great anger
floong from the Scaffold, because her champion had defended her cause no better. 25
W
Chapter XXI
107
Heereupon, the Iudges as the equitie of the case required, deliuered the portraites to
Simprinell, which he giuing to his Squires, mounted on horssebacke, returning presently
backe to the Abbey, not a little glad of his high good fortune. At the Abbey he stayed
three or foure dayes, to heale such woundes as he tooke in the last combate, and
afterward departed toward Norgalles, where he arriued without any aduenture by the 30
way to hinder him. If he were welcome to the Lords and Ladies, I referre to your
opinions, and how the Princesse Belanicia liked thereof, when she sawe her Knight
returned with the Duchesse counterfeit, let Ladyes desirous of especiall account,
imagine her content: but in requitall of his great paines, so confidently did she loue him
afterward, as by imparting the same to her brother Landastines, who highly fauoured his 35
freend Simprinell: the King was made acquainted therewith, and Ambassadours sent to
the King of Scots, such good liking thereof beeing found betweene them both, as the
mariage was consumated, and long loue requited with desired recompence.
Afterward, Simprinell imparted to Landastines, how at first he was foyled by the
Prince Palladine, and in his absence had woon his Ladyes credit againe: which 40
Landastines tooke so vnkindly, as they concluded to trauaile to Paris, whither the
English Prince was gone before, to reconcile this wrong to former amitie. And thither
are ridden Landastines and Simprinell, to the great greefe of the King and Queene, but
cheefely of Belanicia, so soone to forgoe her Lord and husband.
Palladine entised with the report of this braue Tournament, held at Paris by the 45
Prince Caesar for faire Rosamonde of Fraunce, would needes be seene in those worthie
exploites: and landing at Callis1 (loth to be knowne in England, least the King his
1 Callis Calais is the closest port to England, opposite Dover, accross the English Channel.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
108
Father should hinder his intended iourney,) he met with the Duke of Gaule,2
accompanyed with twentie Knightes brauely mounted, he likewise riding to the Prince
Caesars Tourney, by the commaundement of the faire Agricia of Naples, whome he 50
honored as his Lady and mistresse.
After they had saluted each other, Palladine presently knew the Duke,
remembering he had seen him in his fathers Court: yet would not he make any shew
thereof, because he was so slenderly accompanyed, hauing no one with him but his
Squire Lycelio, and therefore was content to be esteemed but as a poore Knight errant. 55
The Duke merily demaunded of Palladine, whether he trauailed, and about what
affaires.
My Lord, quoth the Prince, my iourney is to Paris, and no other busines haue I
there, then to make one in the famous Tournament, ordained by the Prince Caesar of
Roome for loue of the faire Rosamonde of Fraunce. 60
But will you, quoth the Duke, aduenture your selfe against a Prince so
magnanimous? In sooth (aunswered Palladine) I will try my fortune both against him
and other, if I may.
Alas, said the Duke scoffingly, your courage exceedes your abilitie, if you desire
the combate, as you professe: I would aduise ye not to meddle with Caesar, for if ye 65
doo you will hardly deale with any other afterward. Let that fall out, quoth Palladine, as
my fatall Starres haue appointed: if I be vanquished, I must put it vp with patience: for I
am as all men are, subiect to fortune.
You are then, said the Duke, the Knight of fortune, and she your mistresse, yet
can I scant thinke it, vnless that is she which is painted in your Sheeld. 70
2 Gaule Wales; Fr. “Panaldin duc de Galles” (I3r; Panaldin, duke of Wales). Not to be confused with the
Gaula of Amadís de Gaula, which is neither Wales nor France, but “a little feudal realm located in
Brittany,” see Edwin B. Place, “Amadis of Gaul, Wales, or What?,” Hispanic Review 23 (1955): 107.
Chapter XXI
109
Palladine seeing the Duke so scorne him, angerly aunswered.
In truth my Lord, your lips hang in your light,3 in taking the God of loue to be
fortune.
I see I am deceiued, quoth the Duke, for Cupid hath made you a louing Knight: by
the faith I beare to Chiualrie, me thinks amorous conceites doo ill agree with so yong a 75
countenance. I scant thinke, said Palladine, that your elder countenance can disgrace
mine so yong. Be not angrie Gentleman, quoth the Duke, the time is dangerous for
diseases: and if you chafe your selfe too much, you may chance to be beguiled of all
your wit. If I happen heereafter, said Palladine, either to borrow some wit of you, or to
lend you more then you seeme to haue, thinke a yong man as able as he that lookes 80
more auncient: and for your scoffing floutes, the next time I meete with yee, you and I
will try who is the better man. So taking a Scarffe from about his arme, he threw it to
the Duke, saying: In witnesse of my words, there is my gadge,4 which I will fetch
againe before I will forfeit it, and pay you vsurie inough for your taunting speeches.
With which words he galloped an other way, the Duke in great laughter bidding him 85
adiew: but Palladine rode on verie paciently, minding to be reuenged on the Duke when
he came to Paris. But it fell out contrarie to his expectation, for the Duke, and all his
Knightes riding toward Paris, were taken by two cruell Outlawes, that kept a strong
Castell, they beeing named Brulanfurior, and Frucidant, who likewise kept the Prince
3 “To stand in one’s own light”, in the figurative meaning “to be a hindrance to oneself”, was a common
phrase in the 16th and 17th centuries. See Morris Palmer Tilley, A Dictionary of The Proverbs in England
in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, (Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 1966), L330.
4 Challenges to single combat are among the most common motifs in chivalric literature (motif P556.0.1;
see Motif-index FL and LCC, 850). In medieval Europe, a knight could throw down a gage or token of
defiance in order to demand a duel to settle a dispute. It was generally accepted as a legal recourse, see
Matthew Bennett, ed., The Hutchinson Dictionary of Ancient & Medieval Warfare (Chicago: Fitzroy
Dearborn Publishers, 1998), 104.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
110
Lewes of Fraunce prisoner, because Brulanfurior sought to marie with his Sister 90
Rosamonde: and being denyed, as vnworthie so faire a Princesse, hee and his Brother
left the Court, alluring with them the yong Prince Lewes, and there led a most hatefull
and despised life, emprisoning all the Knightes they could get, and stealing all
necessaries from the poore countreymen.
By this Castell Palladine chaunced to ride, when he saw the seruants to these 95
cruel men, take violently a great heard of Sheepe from two poore Shepheards, which he
got them againe by killing the theeues: and afterward vnderstanding the thraldome of
Prince Lewes, disguised in Shepheards habits,5 he and Lycelio entred the Castell, where
by pollicie they slew Brulanfurior and Frucidant, with all the villaines that attended on
them. Then searching the Prisons, they found the Prince Lewes, the Dukes of Sauoy, 100
Gaule, and Guienne, the Countie of Champaigne,6 and many other great Lords prisoners
there: to whome he gaue libertie, and so the Duke of Gaule confessing his former folly,
was freendly pardoned by the Prince Palladine, and there stayed three or foure dayes in
companie with the Princes, while Lycelio annointed his woundes with the precious
vnguent, so that they were sound and perfectly healed. 105
5 Characters disguised as shepherds or herdsmen can be found in folk literature and especially in English
metrical romances (motif K1816.6; see Motif-index FL and EMR).
6 Sauoy ... Guienne ... Champaigne Savoy was a medieval duchy of south-eastern France, equivalent to
the present-day departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, and adjacent to the duchy of Milan. Guyenne
was a south-western French duchy under the posession of England for the most part of the 12th to 14th
centuries. Possession reverted to France at the end of the Hundred Years’ War. Champaigne is a northern
French province located to the south of Calais, to the east of Rouen, and to the north of Paris.
CHAPTER XXII.
¶ How the Princes Palladine, and Lewes of Fraunce, arriued at Paris, and of the noble
deedes of armes, accomplished by the Prince Caesar in the Ioustes, which he
maintained for the loue of faire Rosamonde of Fraunce. 5
uietly remained the Princes in the Castell of Brulanfurior and beguiling the
time with repetition of many Knightly aduentures, till feeling themselues in
good plight to trauaile, and knowing the day was now at hand, when the
Prince Caesar would begin his enterprise for faire Rosamonde: when Lewes committing 10
the Castell to the custodie of a trustie Gentleman, and what prisoners remained, to stay
the censure of the King his Father, with Palladine, he set forward to Paris.
Loth was the English Prince to be knowne (as yet) to the King of Fraunce vntill
he had tried his fortune against Caesar of Roome: wherefore he intreated Prince Lewes
and the rest to conceale his name: and for I would not be knowne (quoth Palladine) by 15
my Sheeld, I beseech ye good friend Lewes to lend me yours, which I will imploy with
such chiualrie, as you shal not be dishonored therby. Prince Lewes graunted Palladines
request, and comming to Louure1 where the King then lay, no little ioy was made for
the returne of the yong Prince. And when the King demaunded for the Knight that slew
Brulanfurior and Frucidant, the Prince aunswered that he was gone to Paris, but would 20
not be knowne till he had Iousted with the Prince Caesar.
On the morrow the Tournament began, and the Knightes entering the Lystes, the
King and all the estates placed to regard the sports: Prince Caesar verie brauely came 1 Louure Originally built as part of a fortress around 1200, the Louvre Pallace was the royal residence of
Charles V (r. 1364–1380) and was abandoned until 1546, when Francis I ordered its renovation. Its role
as a residence ended in 1672, when Louis XIV moved to Versailles.
Q
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
112
foorth of his Tent, and the first that made offer to runne with him, was the Duke of
Gaule, who bare in his Sheeld for his deuise, a Knight fighting with a Lion. Whereby 25
was figured, the noble assistance he gaue to his Lady Agricia, who had beene deuoured
by a Lion had not he defended her: whereupon, she entertained him as her Knightly
seruant, commanding him to trauaile to Paris, and to maintaine her beautie against
Prince Caesar of Roome, as farre excelling faire Rosamonde of Fraunce. For this cause
he entred the Listes, and comming to Caesar, thus spake. Hither am I come Sir Knight, 30
to iustifie that my mistresse faire Agricia of Naples, exceedeth Rosamonde in all
perfections of beautie. And I, quoth Caesar will maintaine the contrarie, that the Lady
thou hast named, deserues not to be equalled with my diuine Goddesse. So coutching
their Launces, they met together with exquisite chiualrie, and at the second encounter,
the Duke of Gaule was vnhorssed: when being caried to his Tent by his Squires, verie 35
sore hurt and brused with his fall, he entred into many dolorous complaints, because he
had so lost the honor of his mistresse.
Landastines of Norgalles, and Simprinell of Scotland, being come thither to finde
the Prince Palladine, determined to make proofe of their valour against Caesar, but they
accompanied the Duke of Gaule in misfortune, and so did diuers other Knightes after 40
them.
Then entred the Listes two braue gallants, the one in azured Armour thick set with
Starres of gold, and in his Sheeld, a Lady reskewed from a Giant: the other bare for his
deuise, Fame triumphant in a siluer feeld.
The Knight in azure Armour, made signe to Caesar, that he would first aduenture 45
for his Lady: yet such was his ill hap in the end, as both horse and man were throwne to
the ground. When the Knight of Fame sawe his freend dismounted, he came to Caesar
with this speeches.
Chapter XXII
113
Sir Knight, I confesse as well as thou doost, that my Lady Rosamonde excelleth
all other in beautie: but this will I make good on thy body,2 that I am more woorthie to 50
be her seruant then thou art. It should seeme then, answered Caesar, that I deserue not
to be so accounted: this controuersie shall the strength of my Launce presently discide,
and thou or I will be her onely seruant. Heereupon, they encountred verie valiantly,
breaking many Launces, yet neither able to mooue the other, whereat, they both grew
angrie, desiring the King to let them haue stronger Launces, or else to permit them the 55
Combate with the Sword: but the King would not suffer them to meddle with Swords,
commanding each of them a very strong Launce, at which charge, the Prince Caesar
was brauely dismounted, and the Knight of Fame had almost borne him companie. A
great murmuring presently grew among the people, some auouching, that because the
strange Knight so hardly recouered himselfe, therefore Prince Caesar should not be held 60
as vanquished, but that they should prooue their fortune once more. But the Iudges gaue
verdict to the contrarie, attributing the conquest to the Knight of Fame:3 which when
Caesar heard, he went to the King, to intreate his Maiestie for the Combate with the
Sword: but he denyed it him, saying, that the Ioustes being enterprised for loue, ought
not to be ended in hatred. 65
2 This will I make good on thy body Munday’s alteration of the original Fr. “i’ay bien intention de vous
faire confesser le contraire auant qu’il foit nuit” (K6r; I have a clear intention of making you admit the
opposite before night falls) is reminiscent of the words of Richard of Gloucester (later, Richard III): “and
that I will make good on thy body traitour”, recorded by Thomas More in his work The history of King
Richard III; see Richard S. Sylvester, ed. The History of King Richard (New Haven: Yale University
Press, 1976), 49. The book, written c. 1513, was probably known by Munday, who would later be one of
the original writers of the play Sir Thomas More (c.1591–3), see John Jowett, ed. Sir Thomas More, by
Anthony Munday (London: Arden Shakespeare, cop. 2011).
3 A great murmuring ... Knight of Fame The controversy is best understood in the French text, where
we learn that although the Knight of Fame had not fallen down, he “auoit mis l’vn despiedz à terre” (K6v;
had put one of his feet on the ground).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
114
At these words, Prince Caesar went to his Lady Rosamonde, who gaue him many
thanks for his honorable paines: and though his successe happened so ill in the end, yet
would not she withdraw her loue.
But now commes Palladine into the feeld, being sorie he had not the conquest of
Caesar, yet determining to end his choller on the Knight of Fame,xiv to whome he 70
approched, saying: It greeues me Sir Knight that I Iousted not with noble Caesar, for if
I had, little praise couldest thou haue gotten to day. Your reason? aunswered the Knight
of Fame. Because I had woon the honor (quoth Palladine) which thou vsurpest, and yet
remains in doubt among a number, which if thou darest say thou hast deserued, I will
auouch the contrary: beside, that it appertaines not to thee, to be seruant to the faire 75
Lady Rosamonde nor to the very meanest among her Ladies: for (as I vnderstand) she is
prouided of one beyond thee many degrees. Good Sir, aunswered the Knight of Fame,
you are very bold and braue in speeches: what mooueth ye so much to abase me, seeing
you knowe not of whence or what I am? nor hast thou seene any matter in me deseruing
these words. But I perceiue the cause heereof groweth, by the desire thou hast to deale 80
with me, wherein thou shalt haue thy desire, either at the Launce or Sword, so pleaseth
the King to graunt vs that libertie. Then turning to his Maiestie, the Knight of Fame
intreated the combate, with the Sword, if they could not finish their quarrell at the
Launce. Loth was the King to suffer such danger, but the Iudges, with many Lords and
Barons there present, noting the earnest desire of the Knight, and that they were both 85
strangers, perswaded his highnesse, intending to cause them giue ouer, if in fight either
of them should be in perill of life.
When they had thus obtained what they would, they gaue their horsses the
spurres, and with a verie rough encounter, they were both dismounted, whereat
Palladine verie angrie, drew his Sword, and marching against the Knight of Fame, such 90
Chapter XXII
115
a cruell combate continued betweene them, as neuer had the like beene seene in
Fraunce. The King beholding their Armour broken, and the ground coulored with their
scarlet blood, sent his Sonne the Prince Lewes to intreate them giue ouer: which they
immediatly did, the Knight of Fame being not a little glad thereof, because he was
brought into verie great debilitie, onely by the exceeding aboundant losse of his blood. 95
Lewes bringing them before the King his Father, caused them both to be graciously
entertained, and taking Palladine by the hand, sayd. See here my Lord the man that
slew Brulanfurior and his brother, who deliuered me from imprisonment, and many
Knightes that were held captiue in the Castell.
The King not a little ioyfull of these newes, arose and embraced Palladine, 100
saying.
Worthie Knight, I am more indebted to you then any man else in the world, for
you alone haue done that to me, which neither with strength or pollicie I was able to
compasse. I enioy my Sonne againe by your meanes, and my people are deliuered from
those mercilesse villaines, whome neyther law nor loue could bridle: let me vnderstand 105
of whence you are, that I may knowe the man to whome I am so highly beholding.
My Lord, aunswered the Prince, my name is Palladine, Sonne to the King
Milanor of England, your louing brother and vowed freend.
At these words, the King was much more glad then before, and casting his armes
about his necke, with inward conceite of ioy, the teares trickled downe his face: then 110
came the Queene and faire Rosamonde her daughter, who welcommed the Prince with
maruailous courtesie, the like did Landastines, Simprinell and Lydiseo of Hungaria,
who was the man that came with the Knight of Fame, and at report of these Triumphes
trauailed into Fraunce.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
116
As for the Knight of Fame himselfe, he was called Don Robert, the Prince of 115
Freeze,4 a stout, couragious and hardie champion, greatly deuoted to the loue of faire
Rosamonde. The King presently departed to his Pallace, there to honor these braue
Knightes as they worthely deserued: but Caesar of Roome highly thanked Palladine for
reuenging his foyle on the Knight of Fame, swearing to him an inuiolable league of
amitie, which grew to such effect, as you shall heereafter behold. 120
4 Freeze Modern-day Friesland, a northwestern region of the Netherlands.
CHAPTER XXIII.
¶ How the Princes Don Robert of Freeze, and Lydiseo of Hungaria, being healed of
their woundes, departed from Paris: and of a letter which the wise Orbiconte sent to
Palladine, who was passionate for the loue of faire Rosamonde of Fraunce. 5
on Robert of Freeze, hauing kept his chamber certaine dayes, by reason
of the dangerous woundes he had receiued, and Palladine likewise in the
selfesame estate, yet carefully attended on by the Kings Chirurgions, a
greater corsey happened to them both, then either their woundes or doubt of health. For 10
Don Robert seeing he was not regarded of the faire Princesse Rosamonde, whome he
loued as deerely as his own life, thought to haue committed violence on himselfe, but
that by good aduise he was better perswaded, and being out of hope to compasse his
desire, when he was somewhat recouered, he and Lydiseo of Hungaria tooke their leaue
of the King, shaping their course through Piccardie toward Bullin,1 where whey 15
embarqued themselues, and sailed into England, for that they were desirous to see the
good King Milanor, to whome they brought letters from his Sonne Palladine.
Landastines likewise as not vnmindfull of his Florea, sent the message of his heart
vnder seale by Lydiseo, excusing his absence which should not be long, and hoping to
bring her brother home with him. As for Palladine, he became so affected to the 20
Princesse Rosamonde, whome he imagined to be the Lady foretold by the wise
Orbiconte:2 as he wasted and consumed in pensiue thoughts, practicing how to obtaine
1 Piccardie A French region and former province with Amiens at the centre; Bullin is probably Boulogne-
sur-Mer, a nothern French city on the coast of the English Channel.
2 Cf. chapter XIII, lines 21–37.
D
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
118
her loue, albeit he aduentured the hard stratagemes of death. Oftentimes would he
priuately conferre with her, and she would aunswere him with such rare modestie, as
increased his torments aboue the compasse of reason. Nor was she forgetfull of his 25
dangerous paines, in deliuerance of her brother Lewes from imprisonment, ioining
therewithall the common benefit, by the death of Brulanfurior and his brother
Frucidant: but as for the priuiledge of her loue, the Prince Caesar of Roome was Lord
thereof, and her setled affection impossible to be remoued. All which he perceiued by
such manifest signes, as made him were frantike in silent cogitations: sometime 30
thinking to forestall his freend, by making the first request of her in mariage: then
againe intending the death of Caesar, rather then to misse of the faire Rosamonde. And
though the Romaine Prince loued him deerely, yet the furie of blinde loue made
Palladine so impatient, as he minded nothing but Caesars death, which with a sharpe
Launce in the Ioust he imagined might easily be done, or with an infected cup of poyson 35
giuen him in his chamber.
But the wise Orbiconte still directing Palladines course, and knowing by her arte
his secret intent, onely by being deceiued in his owne opinion: would separate Palladine
from Caesar, by calling him to his destenyed Countrey, whereof we spake in the
beginning of our Historie, and thus it happened. 40
The Prince being in his Chamber with Landastines, Simprinell, and his Squire
Lycelio, imagining how to finish his determination: on a sudden there entred a little
deformed Dwarffe, who saluting Palladine, gaue him a Letter, saying.
My Lord, the wise Orbiconte hath sent ye this Letter, the contents whereof, she
commaunds you to fulfill, otherwise, great harme will happen to you. He had no sooner 45
spoken these words, but immediatly he vanished away. How now? quoth Landastines,
whether is the little Iack an Apes gone? oftentimes haue I seene the craftie deceits of
Chapter XXIII
119
Iugglers, but neuer sawe I such a trick before: I hold my life the Deuill fetched him
away. This strange accident made Palladine remember the voyce that whispered in his
eare at Varne, when he determined to depart from the Duchesse Brisalda: and desirous 50
to knowe the newes from Orbiconte, he feigned that he would lie downe vpon his bed,
wherefore Landastines and Simprinell withdrew themselues, when he opening the
Letter, read as followeth.
The Letter from Orbiconte the wise, to Palladine the Prince of England. 55
auing certaine knowledge (vertuous Prince) of the extreame loue thou bearest
to the beawtifull Rosamonde, and the doubtfull estate whereinto her amiable
lookes hath brought thee: I am to aduertise thee, in respect of the loue I beare thee, as
also the good support I shall one day receyue by thee, that the Prince Caesar of Roome 60
is appoynted for her, and no other then hee shall she haue in marriage. Therefore
withdrawe thy earnest desire, and the execution of that thou hast determined: which is,
to demaund her for thy wife, and to preuent the life of Caesar, whome she entirely
loueth and honoreth in heart: assuring thee, that another is reserued for thee, who
excelleth in beawtie the faire Rosamonde, and all the other Ladyes of Christendome: 65
whose liuely portraite thou shalt see to morrow, brought to the place where thou art by a
Knight, whome thou shalt vanquish in Combate, and by that meane recouer her picture.
Then taking leaue of the Court, thou shalt trauaile to seeke her in her Countrey, which
shall be named to thee by the Knight: and neuer feare any dangers in thy iourney, for
thou shalt be fauoured by fortune and me, who haue foreseene all these things that shall 70
happen.
H
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
120
Thy good freend, Orbiconte the wise,
and Prophetesse.
Palladine hauing read this Letter, was meruailously perplexed in his spirit, 75
doubting whether he might credit the aduertisement of Orbiconte, or execute his intent
touching faire Rosamonde: whome he reputed so accomplished with all perfections of
beawtie, as he iudged it impossible to finde her second in the whole world. Beside, he
was throughly inueigled with her loue, as he despaired how he could diuert his fancie:
on the other side he was as greatly displeased, to vnderstand that she would loue none 80
but Caesar, and that to him she onely was vowed. In these diuers opinions he spent the
whole night, yet in the end considering by the Letter of Orbiconte, that what he had
pretended was knowne to her, he concluded to credit her message, and especially if the
Knight came accordingly on the morrow, with the portrait of her he desired so much to
see, vpon this determination he slept till morning. 85
CHAPTER XXIV.
¶ How a Pagan Prince came to the Court of Fraunce, bringing with him the portraite of
the Princesse Nonparelia: and of the Combate betweene him and Palladine, who
hauing woon the portraite, departed from the Court. 5
he next morning, the King and all his Barons being in the great Hall,
Palladine, Landastines and Simprinell likewise in companie, where entred
a Squire, attired after the Morisco manner,1 who making great reuerence,
thus began. 10
Mightie and redoubted King, I am sent from the Prince Zarcanell of Chipre,2 who
yet abideth without the Citie, to craue licence of your Maiestie, that he may report
before you and your Lords, an enterprise which he hath determined to execute before
you.
Squire,3 aunswered the King, say to thy maister, that he shall be welcome, and 15
boldly let him enter our Citie: for we graunt him free accesse to our presence, to open
any thing he hath intended.
The Squire returned presently to his Lord, who vnderstanding the Kings gracious
answere, commanded his seruants to goe to the playne before the Court, and there with
1 Morisco or “moorish” was a derogatory term to refer to Muslims who had been forced to convert to
Christianism. The most common items of clothing for men were the milḥafah (a white linen robe which
covered the body from head to toe) and the qurqā (flat shoes with cork soles). See Mª Isabel Mendiola
Fernández, “Usos, costumbres y normas en la tradición de la minoría morisca,” Revista de Derecho
UNED, 9 (2011): 208.
2 Chipre Cyprus.
3 Munday omits the Fr. “mon ami” (L4r; my friend) thus creating a greater sense of social distance
between the Knight and the squire. This kind of vocative is often omitted by Munday.
T
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
122
all speed to set vp his Tent: in meane while, himselfe accompanied with three 20
Gentlemen, came before the King, and hauing humbly saluted his Maiestie, before all
the Princes and Lords thus spake.
Gracious Prince, I am perswaded that your highnesse well doth knowe, what
authority loue hath ouer humaine creatures, and how vnable they are to resist his power:
therefore I beseech ye not to thinke it strange, if I declare what loue hath enforced me to 25
doo.
So it is, that hauing heard the beawtie of faire Nonparelia, so highly renowmed
aboue all Ladyes in the world: as one couetous to see a thing so excellent, I trauailed to
Aquilea, and there found by proofe, that fame had rather spared then spoken what she
might, there I became immediatly enthralled with her loue, and by gracious behauiours 30
towards her preuayled so farre, as she accepted me to be her Knight: with this charge
and condition, that I should carie her diuine figure into the Courtes of all Christian
Princes, where Ladies or Damosels were famous for beawtie, and against all commers
to maintaine my mistresse rare preheminence.4 If froward fortune gaue me the
ouerthrowe,5 then must I leaue to the conquerour my Ladies counterfeit: but if my 35
luckye Starres graunted me the victorie, I am to carie with me the vanquished Ladyes
portraite. And hauing heard (my good Lord) that your daughter Rosamonde is named
among the fairest in Christendome, I directed my iourney hither: and may it like you to
deliuer her counterfeit on the aforenamed conditions, I am readie to doo my deuoire in
the open feeld before your Pallace gate, where I haue caused my Tent to be erected. 40
Right well am I contented, sayd the King, and immediatly will I come thither with my
daughter, whose portrait shall be there openly presented, and if any one will combate for
4 preheminence The “h” in this obscure spelling was inserted to avoid hiatus (OED).
5 To give the overthrow is to defeat, overthrow; to have the overthrow, to be defeated.
Chapter XXV
123
her, there shall she be to regard her fortune. Palladine standing by, coniectured this to
be the Knight, whereof the wise Orbiconte made mention in her Letter: wherefore he
first auaunced himselfe, earnestly intreating the King, that he might defend his daughter 45
Rosamonds beawtie. Whereto the King presently graunted, scant to the good liking of
Caesar, who still bare his arme in a Scarffe: and began iealously to suspect Palladine,
minding to reuenge him as occasion serued. Vpon this agreement, Zarcanell departed to
his Tent, where beeing well armed, and brauely mounted, expected his aduersarie, who
not long after came with the King, the Prince Lewes, and many other noble Lords in 50
gallant equipage. The Queene, her daughter Rosamonde, and all the Ladyes of the
Court, came with great speed to their Scaffold, to behold the portrait of the Lady so
highly commended, which hung on a Launce at the entrance of his Tent: and both the
Champions being readie for the Ioust, Zarcanell comming to Palladine, thus spake.
Sir Knight, as the huge world can not endure two Sunnes,6 so may not my eyes 55
abide these two figures, presenting the rarest beawtie in the world, the one of them
being a Pagan, and the other a Christian. But this contention betweene vs shall be soone
ended, without any fatall hazard of the weapon, if thou wilt confesse before this
assemblie, that the incomparable beawtie of my Lady, resembleth the cleere Sunne
shining in the day time, and thine the Moone that lighteneth the night. 60
Sir, Sir, aunswered Palladine, we come not hither to argue on the Sunne or
Moone, but at the point of the Launce, and edge of the Sword, to trie betweene vs the
honor of the feeld, whereof if I be maister, I will be your Sunne, and you my Moone if
you goe to the ground. Without any further speeches they encountred together, their
Launces being broken with such furie, as the English Prince was set on the crupper of 65
6 the huge world can not endure two Sunnes The phrase is reminiscent of the proverb “two Suns cannot
shine in one sphere”. See Tilley, Dictionary of Proverbs, S992.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
124
his horsse, but Zarcanell nothing moued or shaken. In three or foure courses more,
Palladine could neuer fasten his Launce on his enemie, yet Zarcanell still brake on him,
for he was so nimble, and ranne so close to his horsse, as each one woondered at his
fine chiualrie. Without doubt my Lord, quoth the Countie of Champaigne to the King,
neuer did I see a brauer horsseman, he hath the raines of his Courser at 70
commaundement, that can gouerne him in such sort without any attaint. But Palladine
angrie at his hard fortune, met Zarcanell so right at the sixt7 course, as breaking the girts
of his saddle, his horsse ranne away, and left him behinde him. Yet did he quickly
recouer himselfe, and drawing his Sword, came valiantly against Palladine, shewing as
fine sleights, and agilitie in the Combate, as he did before on horssebacke with his 75
Launce. In the end, it was his fortune to be ouercome, when vnder the Sword of
Palladine he entred into these complaints.
Unhappie that I am, of force I see I must yeeld my selfe, and not my bodie onelye,
but my life also, hauing lost the onely maintenance thereof, the gracious fauour and
regard of my mistresse. Ah incomparable miserie, fortune that euer esteemed of me 80
hitherto, hath in a moment vtterly reiected me: therefore good Sir Knight, rid me of this
paine, and with one stroke end my miserie and life together, for greater good you neuer
did to man.
Palladine seeing him in such despaire, so pitied his case, as suffering him to arise,
he thus comforted him. 85
My freend, you ought not in this sort to offend your selfe, considering these are but
the tricks of fortune, whereto all men are dayly subiect, and no more hath happened to
you then might haue doone to me. If the Lady for whome you vntertooke this voyage,
loued you well, she cannot but augment it, knowing with valour you defended her
7 sixt Obscure form of “sixth”.
Chapter XXV
125
cause. In sooth my Lord, answered Zarcanell, rather had I die a thousand deathes, then 90
returne to my Lady, hauing not woon the portraite of faire Rosamonde: for her selfe
protested, that neuer would she loue me except I brought it. And heere I vow to you,
that I will returne to mine owne Countrey, so soone as I haue recouered my woundes:
leauing you not onely the portraite you haue woon, but those likewise that I conquered
in Norgalles, and elsewhere, discharging my selfe of loues seruice, seeing he rewards 95
his faithfull seruant no better. Therein vse your pleasure, quoth Palladine, but first goe
with me, that your woundes may be searched to preuent further inconuenience. So going
to the King, he desired that his Chirurgions might attend on the Knight: for I assure your
Maiestie, quoth he, neuer met I with any man of higher desert. Whereto the King
willingly graunted, causing Zarcanell to be conducted to the Court, and to be lodged in 100
one of the fairest chambers, where he was diligently attended, as in ten dayes he was
perfectly recouered. When thanking the King for his noble entertainement, and taking
leaue of his Maiestie, the Prince Lewes, Palladine, and the rest, he departed towards his
owne Countrey, not a little agreeued (as you may thinke) for his misfortune.
As for Palladine, he remembring the letter sent him by the wise Orbiconte, and 105
hauing imprinted in his heart the Lady Nonparelia, whose counterfeit he kept with
choyse regard, determined to take his farewell of the King, and iourney with all speede
toward Aquilea. Wherefore in the euening, the King walking in his Garden after supper,
he told his Maiestie, that he was desirous to trauaile to the King his Father in England,
and therefore that it would please him to licence his departure. The King (though loth) 110
consented thereto, being sorie to forgoe the valiant Palladine, who was so great a grace
to his Court. Hauing then taken his leaue of the King, and of all the noble Princes and
Ladyes, he departed on the morrow from Paris, accompanyed with Landastines and
Simprinell, taking his way toward Millayne, in hope to finde his freend Manteleo there,
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
126
but he was as then newly gone toward Normandie,8 to pacifie a controuersie betweene 115
his Father and the Duke, who was a man well prouided with money and munition,9 for
he kept diuers Rouers and Pirates on the Seas, that dayly brought him great store of
good booties.
8 Normandie Northern French Duchy located to the east of Brittany and to the west of the Champaigne
region.
9 munition In the 16th and 17th centuries it was often used in singular form to refer to the elements
employed in charging firearms and ordnance, such as powder, shot, shell, etc. (OED).
CHAPTER XXV.
¶ How Palladine met with his freend Manteleo, whome he had almost slayne in fight, but
that a Damosell discouered his name. And how Palladine slew the Pirate Dormidon.
5
pon the fourth day, after Palladine and his freends departed from Paris,
riding through a Forrest,1 they met a Knight and a Damosell, and with
them a Squire greeuously weeping: the Squire ioyfull to meete these
Knightes, came to Palladine with these speeches. Help Gentlemen, for Gods sake helpe
me, to be reuenged on this Traitour, who hath slaine my maister by the procurement of 10
this Damosell. Palladine moued with the Squires teares, rode to the Knight, and thus
spake.
Knight, or paillard rather, what hath mooued thee to misuse passengers, and to
bathe thy hands in innocent blood? Knight if thou wilt, quoth he with the Damosell, but
paillard, reserue for thy selfe: as for him that I haue slaine, he was the cause of his owne 15
death, because I found him readie to haue dishonored this Damosell. It is best for thee to
excuse thy deede, sayd Palladine, in respect heere is none that can contrarie thee: but I
rather thinke the shame is thine, then his that is dead, as his Squire hath protested to me.
Think what thou wilt, quoth the Knight, but the Squire lieth falsly, and I ought to be
better beleeued then he, if thou didst me the right belonging to Armes: but credit as thou 20
findest occasion, I haue no leysure to stand chatting with thee. And because thou art so
1 through a Forrest Fr. “au païs de Niuernoys” (L6r, in the province of Nivernais) omitted by Munday.
Modern-day Nièvre.
V
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
128
lustie, answered Palladine, thou shalt a little tarie my pleasure.2 So couching their
Launces, they met so roughly together, as they were both cast foorth of their saddles:
afterward, they continued a cruell Combate with the Sword, till Landastines and
Simprinell stepping to the Damosell, demaunded of her what the Knight was. Alas 25
Gentlemen, quoth she, his name is Manteleo the Prince of Millayne, whome I see verie
hardly requited, for deliuering me from the villaine that would haue forced me.
Landastines presently stepping betweene them, sayd: Giue ouer Sir Palladine, for you
fight against your deere freend Manteleo. At these words, the Princes threw downe their
weapons, and with all the ceremonious courtesies incident to freendship, they louingly 30
embraced each other: whereat, the Damosell greatly meruailed, and the Squire who was
the cause of their fight, whereupon, doubting a further danger toward him, because his
maister was slaine in so bad a cause, so fast as he could tooke himselfe to flight.
After the manifold kinde excuses, which freendly enemies vse together, they rode
with the Damosell to her Castell, where their wounds being visited, they afterward 35
iournyed to Millayne: Palladine being honorably welcommed by the Duke, and
especially fauoured for his loue to his Sonne Manteleo. And hauing feasted there
certaine dayes, the Duke recounted to Palladine his present affaires with the Duke of
Normandie, who after many dishonorable actions, was by his power slaine in a battell:
whereupon, the Normans were content to endure his soueraigntie ouer them, and for that 40
cause had they sent their Ambassadors. In the end, by the worthie aduise of Palladine,
the Duke tooke the gouernement vpon him, sending his Sonne Manteleo to receiue the
possession thereof. Now thought Palladine he stayed too long, remembering the letter
from the wise Orbiconte, therefore would he presently depart toward Aquilea, to the 2 tarie my pleasure The meaning is probably the same as in to tarry, attend or stay (upon) a person’s
leisure: to wait until he is unoccupied; to wait his time (see OED, s.v. “leisure”, n. 3c). It is also worth
taking into account a possible composition error due to the similarity between the words leisure/pleasure.
Chapter XXV
129
great greefe of the Duke and his freend Manteleo, being loth to forgoe the English 45
Prince so soone. Landastines and Simprinell, vnderstanding that Palladine would
trauaile alone, albeit more willingly they would haue borne him companie, rode back to
Norgalles againe, Simprinell confessing how he had woon the portraite of Brisalda,
whereof Palladine made little or no account at all, because he had now almost forgotten
her. Manteleo likewise went to Normandie, where he was receiued as their Lord and 50
Gouernour, and hauing established all matters concerning the common wealth, he crost
the Seas into England, to visit his best beloued Lady Marcelina, whome he had chosen
aboue all other in the world.
Palladine thus departing from his freends, hauing none in his company but his
Squire Lycelio, and the Shepheard Liboran, by whose meanes he entred the Castell of 55
Brunlafurior, and therefore gaue him the name of Liboran the well aduised:3 tooke
Shipping, and coasting by Lystria4, at length they came into Albania, where suddenly
they met with a Turkish Pirate, named Dormidon, who thinking to seaze on this
christian bootie, assayled them, yet in the end was ouercome himselfe, and he with the
most part of his men throwne into the Sea. 60
After this sharpe encounter on the Sea, Palladine was desirous to take landing at
the neerest Island, least they should be surprized by any more Pirates: and because he
thought each day a yeere, till he might see the sweete Goddesse, promised him by
Orbiconte, he determined not to rest himselfe in any place, vntill he had found what he
so earnestly desired, charging his Squires thence forward, to call him The Knight 65
without rest, and vnder this name heereafter he trauaileth.
3 Shepheard ... aduised Cf. Chapter XXI, line 108.
4 Lystria Probably Istria, a peninsula at the head of the Adriatic Sea which was part of Venice during the
late Middle Ages.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
130
The Pilote did as he was commaunded, striking presently to the neerest Island,
which seemed to them verie beawtifull and delectable: but they were no sooner come on
land, and their horsses brought on shore, which immediately offered to feede on the
goodly greene grasse, but a mightie flame of the fire issued foorth of the ground, and 70
continued before them to hinder their passage any further. What meaneth this? sayd the
Knight without rest to the Pilote, what may this Isle be named? are we in Scicilia, where
many affirme there is a Mountaine that vomiteth fire and flame foorth in great
aboundance?5 No my Lord, aunswered the Pilote, we are verie farre from thence:
Scicilie whereof you speake, is in the Mediterranean Sea, and we are in the Sea 75
Adriatique, a great distance from Aquilea: and as my owne knowledge serueth me, I
thinke this soyle is named The Isle of Fire, where hath beene heard and seene matters of
great meruaile. And trust me, said the Knight without rest, I neuer sawe the like before:
I pray ye therefore stay for me in this place, while I goe to see the wonders of this
Island: and if I returne not when two days are expired, set Sayle and depart whether ye 80
please. Not so my Lord, aunswered the Pilote, I will not weigh Anker, till I see yee, or
heare from yee: in meane while we will expect a lucky gale of winde, that may send vs
merily to Aquilea.
5 mountain that vomiteth fire and flame Mount Etna, a Sicilian volcano that is still active today.
CHAPTER XXVI.
¶ What strange and fearefull visions, the Knight without rest sawe in the Isle of Fire:
and how he returned in exceeding greefe, because he could not finish the
enchauntments. 5
esolued thus to see this strange Island, the Knight without rest mounteth
on horssebacke, leauing Liboran in the Ship, and taking his Squire
Lycelio with him. Many Cities, Castels, and Fortresses he seemed to see
in the fire, yet nothing did so much amaze him, as the voyce and dollorous cryes hee 10
heard in the middest of the flame. Ah loue, sayd one, why doost thou still hold me in
this miserable paine? doth my offence committed against thy Maiestie, deserue so
greeuous punishment as this? how ill aduised then was I, to set so light by thy religious
lawes and soueraigne authoritie? Pardon, oh pardon him that repenteth, and ceasse thy
iust indignation against them, who while they liue, will continue thy faithfull subiects: 15
else graunt them death, which they would endure with willing mindes. Such was the
complaint of this sorowfull creature, which moued the Knight without rest to such pitie,
as the teares trickled downe his cheekes with remembrance of the words: and then he
called to minde his great discourtesie to the Duchesse Brisalda, whome he had left
without intent to see againe, by yeelding to the aduertisements of the wise Orbiconte, 20
and so was his minde caryed away with the conceite of this aduenture, as he stoode a
good while silent, not able to speake one word: which when Lycelio perceiued, he sayd:
Let vs returne againe (my Lord) from hence, for we are not able to passe any further, by
reason of the flame that still encreaseth as you see. Lycelio, aunswered the Knight
without rest, if thou doost feare or doubt any thing, I pray thee goe backe againe to the 25
R
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
132
Ship, and leaue me to consider better on these meruailes. I will not leaue my Lord,
quoth Lycelio, rather will I die first: but if you thinke to goe any further, you must doo it
on foote, for your horsse can not endure the fire. On foote will I goe then, aunswered the
Knight without rest: for I neither see or feele any thing as yet, that should hinder me
from passing further. With these words he alighted, giuing Lycelio his horsse to leade: 30
but he was no sooner dismounted, and had drawne his Sword, and put on his Sheeld, but
he heard another voyce thus complayning. Alas, commeth he now that shall deliuer me
from this torment? or to giue me the death I gaue long desired? ah death, death, how
sweete would thy stroke be now to me? why doost thou deferre to exercise thy office on
me? I freely yeeld thee my life, and thou refusest or scornest to take it. Then heard he 35
another voyce a little further from him, saying. How dooth my miserie exceed all that
euer liued? beeing desirous of death to liue in rest, and yet by no meanes I can attaine it.
The Knight without rest greatly mooued at these speeches, thrust his Sheeld before
him; and would enter the flame, but he had so many strokes with halbards, and other
weapons, and yet not able to see who smote him, as hardly could he passe any further. 40
But hauing long time fought with these shadowes, at length he came to a Rocke of white
Marble, where he was suddenly smitten downe, and the fire seeming to vanish away,
such a darknesse couered him, as he could see neither heauen or earth, but had
innumerable strange visions presented him.
First he sawe a huge multitude of Harpies flying about him, making offer to seaze 45
vpon him with their tallants. Then he beheld as many Serpents, houering with their
wings ouer him, casting flame and fire out at their mouthes: yet could not these, and
many other apparitions cause him to dismay, but trusting onely in the God of his
strength, they vanished away, and he falling in a sleepe, the wise Orbiconte presented
her selfe to him, saying: 50
Chapter XXVI
133
Knight without rest, of whome the heauens haue care,
Abide not in this place so sad and full of woe:
But follow thy intent which doth more good prepare,
And shall on thee thine owne desires bestowe. 55
Another man must these aduentures end,
So fortune willes, to whome I thee comment.
This sayd, she presently departed, leauing the Knight to finish his dreame, whereat he
meruailed when he awaked, to see himselfe alone in that place, not knowing which way 60
to returne to his company: and as he considered on the words of the wise Orbiconte, he
arose, and looking on the Rocke, beheld in the middest thereof a Statue of blacke
Marble, holding betweene his armes a Table,1 whereon these words were written in
letters of golde.
65
When the inuincible Dragon shall be chased into this place by the faire Serpent,
he shall giue end to these enchauntments by passing the flame: and those two
loyall louers, for whome the King Brandaliseo made these charmes, shall bee then
discouered.
70
Hauing read this prophecie, long time he was thinking on the meaning thereof, yet could
he not by any meanes compasse it: but true it is, that he doubted (according to the words
of the wise Orbiconte) that the ending of this aduenture was destenied to another, and
not to him, yet if he could he would haue passed further, to see if there had beene any
1 Table Fr. “table d’attente” (M5r; escutcheon).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
134
more such matters of regard: but as he made offer to goe, the fire and flame appeared as 75
it did before, and many voices breathed foorth bitter complaints. How happie is the
man, quoth he, whose high good fortune shall finish these enchauntments, and thereby
deliuer the miserable soules, whose cries are able to rent a hart of Adamant. When he
perceiued he might not passe further, but that he was resisted by the flame and diuers
that smote him: he returned to the place where he left Lycelio, and mounting on 80
horssebacke, came backe to the Ship. Then recounted he to the Pilote, what he had
heard and seene in the Isle, and how it greeued him, that he could not end the
enchauntments, onely to release the poore soules that cried to him. So setting Sayle,
they coasted along Dalmatia,2 which then was vnder the Turkes gouernement, and so
rode merily toward Aquilea, being likewise in the Turkes obeysance, but now subiect to 85
the Venetians.3
2 Dalmatia was a coastal Adriatic region south of the peninsula of Istria, also a part of Venice during the
last part of the late Middle Ages. It belongs to modern-day Croatia. Throughout the 16th century, the
Ottoman empire conquered the inland regions of Dalmatia, leaving only the coastal cities and islands
under Venetian rule.
3 Cf. Chapter VI, 7n.
CHAPTER XXVII.
¶ How the Knight without rest arriued in Aquilea, where he was deliuered from danger
by a Knight named Broantine, who brought him into the fauour of the Gouernour of
Enna. And of an aduenture that happened at dinner time, which Broantine and 5
Liboran the well aduised brought to end.
fter long and dangerous sailing on the Sea, at length they are come to the
Realme of Aquilea, where the Knight without rest landing with his
companie, left the Pilote, directing their iourney vp into the countrey. By 10
the way, the Knight without rest slew a hidious Serpent, preseruing the life of a yong
Damosell readie to be deuoured: and comming to the Citie of Enna,1 tooke vp his
lodging where he might most conueniently. The name of a Christian being highly hated
among the men of this countrey, the Knight without rest was carefull to keepe himselfe
vnknowne, being able to speake the language and Lycelio likewise: but Lyboran to 15
preserue his life, counterfeited himselfe to be dum, accounting any shift good to escape
daunger.
The Gouernour vnderstanding that strangers were entred the Citie, sent one of his
Captaines named Broantine, to enquire of whence and what they were.2 Broantine
comming to their lodging, immediatly knew the Knight without rest, being the Knight 20
1 Enna There is a stream called Enna in the Lombardy region in northern Italy, but not a city. This is
probably a geographical inaccuracy, since there is an actual province and city of Enna located on the
island of Sicily.
2 The reason why the governor sends Broantine is omitted here. In the French text, Palladine, Licelio and
Liboran are in the stables tending to their horses while they talk in French, the language that the three of
them understand. By chance, a valet overhears them and warns the governor, who sends five or six of his
captains, including Broantine. (Fr. “ilz s’en allerent ... Broantin”; N1r).
A
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
136
that accompanyed him into Bulgaria, when Dardalon defended the Iousts for the
Duchesse Brisalda, and brought him to the Citie of Varne, as you heard before. Sir
Palladine, quoth Broantine, you are hartely welcome hither: what cause hath drawne
you into this farre Countrey? long it is since I was last in your companie. The Knight
without rest amazed at this acquaintance, especially in a heathen countrey, where he 25
neuer was before, aunswered. Good Sir, I must desire ye to pardon me, for I doo not
remember that euer I saw ye till now: and it may be you take me for some other body.
No my Lord, sayd Broantine, I knowe ye well inough, for I trauailed in your companie
to the Court of the Duchesse Brisalda, at what time you slew the prowd and cruell
Dardalon. I thanke ye gentle Sir, quoth the Knight without rest, for your freendly 30
remembrance: but may I request the cause of your being in this Countrey? In sooth Sir,
answered Broantine, such enemies I haue in the Realmes of Dace and Bulgaria, for the
death of a Knight whome I vnhappily slew, as I am constrained to absent my selfe from
thence, yet do I hope in time to conquer my troubles, and to returne home againe in
safetie. May I then, quoth the Knight without rest, desire this fauour at your hands, to 35
enstruct me how I shall gouerne my selfe among these people, for I would not willingly
be knowne that I am a Christian, in respect of the danger may happen to me thereby:
and therefore haue I changed my name, calling my selfe the Knight without rest, hauing
determined to rest in no place, till I haue found one I earnestly seeke for. Referre your
selfe to me, said Broantine, you shall not be knowne, but both you and they that came 40
with ye, shall be courteously entreated, and the rather, because you can speake this
countrey language. I vnderstand it in deede, said the Knight without rest, and speake it
indifferently, as my Squire can doo also: but this Gentleman (meaning Liboran) is
ignorant therein, and therefore counterfeiteth himselfe dumbe,3 that he might not be
3 dumbe Dumbness as a defensive strategy is not uncommon in books of chivalry. For instance, in
Chapter XXVII
137
knowne, nor we by him. A good deuise, answered Broantine: stay heere (if you please) 45
till I returne, I will goe make report of you to the Gouernour, and by my speeches you
shall be freendly welcommed. So went Broantine to the Gouernour, to whome he said,
that the Knight without rest was of his acquaintance, a man valiant, hardy, and
couragious, professing the same lawe that he did. The Gouernour thinking Broantine
was a Pagan, and the Knight without rest in like manner, was glad of his arriuall, and 50
hoping to haue his assistance in the warres, which the King had with the King of
Panonia,4 sent Broantine to him againe, intreating him to dine with him the next day.
According to the Gouernours request, the next day, the Knight without rest came to the
Pallace, where he was entertained verie honorably, the Gouernour vsing these words to
him. 55
Sir Knight, our Captaine Broantine hath made such report of your forwardnes in
Armes, as while I liue you must account me your freend: and I will let the King
vnderstand of your being heere, that he may accept of you as men of vertue deserue. My
Lord, answered the Knightxv without rest, I beseech ye thus to aduertise his Maiestie,
that there is no Gentleman more readie to his seruice, then I will be, and happie doo I 60
account my selfe, if I can doo any thing worthy his good liking. In this warres against
the King of Panonia will I shew my selfe, and this Gentleman (pointing to Liboran)
who long since lost his speech, by a catharre that bred within his throate: yet is not his
vertue or prowesse any thing diminished, for good experience haue I had of his noble
chiualrie. Liboran gathering by countenance of the Knight without rest hath he vsed 65
these words on his behalfe: with reuerence to the Gouernour, gaue a signe with his head Palmerin d’Oliva Part II, chapter III: “thence forward determined to counterrfeit himselfe dumbe” (sig.
A7v).
4 Panonia An ancient region located to the northeast of Aquileia, roughly equivalent to parts of
modern-day Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
138
and hands, that he was likewise willing to make one in the Kings seruice, which he
courteously accepting, embraced them both, being sorie that Liboran had such an
imperfection, so that long after he was called the dumbe Knight. The Gouernour
walking with them in the great Hall, declared the whole cause of the warre, betweene 70
the King his maister, and the King of Panonia, and how within two or three dayes he
meant to bid him battell.
As for the matter of their discord, it grew by this occasion: that the King of
Aquilea refused to giue his daughter Nonparelia in marriage to the King of Panonia, nor
the yong Princesse her selfe could not be perswaded to like of him, by reason of the 75
many bad qualities he was endued withall, as also he was a man verie much defourmed.
In deede my Lord, answered the Knight without rest, I haue oftentimes heard, that the
Princesse Nonparelia is the flower of the world for beawtie, an ill match were it then,
that so sweete a Lady should haue a husband so hard fauoured. And the onely cause of
my comming into this Countrey, was to defend her honor in this enterprised warre, as 80
the Lady beyond all other in rare perfections. Soone after they sate downe to dinner,
where wanted no store of costly delicates: and the Tables were no sooner withdrawne,
but there entred the Hall a comely aged Ladie, her face all besprent with teares, and her
sorrowfull lookes bewraying the anguish of her spirit. A good while she stoode viewing
all the Lords, not speaking one word, till the Gouernour moued with pitie, thus spake. 85
Faire Lady, full well doth your countenance bewray, that something hath happened
scant to your liking: boldly deliuer the cause of your sadnes, and may I in any thing giue
you redresse, be you assured I will perfourme it.
Alas my Lord, quoth she, my case requireth present assistance, for my husband
comming with his Sonne to this Citie, onely to aide the King in his warres, foure 90
Knights set vpon them in the Forrest neere at hand, and binding them both hands and
Chapter XXVII
139
feete, haue forcibly caried them away, threatning in most cruell sort to murther them,
for some priuate displeasure conceiued against them. The Knight without rest presently
offered himselfe, desiring the Gouernour that he might redresse the Ladyes wrong: and
hauing obtained leaue for his departure, with Liboran, Lycelio, and Captaine Broantine, 95
went immediatly to horssebacke. So riding with the Lady, at length they ouertooke the
foure Knightes, who with great cudgels cruelly did beate the Ladies Husband and
Sonne: whereat, the Knight without rest highly offended, gaue the spurres to his horsse
to encounter with them. But Liboran by signes, and Broantine by intreaties, perswaded
him to suffer them deale with the foure Knightes, which they did verie valiantly, and 100
killing them all foure, deliuered the Knight and his Sonne safely to the Lady. Afterward
they rode to the Knightes Castell, where their wounds receiued in fight being searched
and bound vp, they were esteemed as their vertues deserued, the good Lady vsing all the
meanes she could deuise, to expresse her thankefulness for this noble courtesie. But the
Knight without rest still minded Nonparelia, thinking each houre a yeere, till he might 105
see her: and therefore practised as much as in him lay, the speedie recouerie of
Broantine, and Liboran, that he might set forward to the mistresse of his thoughts.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
¶ How the Knight without rest was conducted by Broantine, to the Pallace of the wise
Orbiconte: and of the good entertainement she made him.
5
ow haue our Knightes well rested themselues at the Castell, and being
now readie to depart, while Liboran and Lycelio prepared euerie thing
readie: the Knight without rest, and Broantine, walked together in the
Garden, where among many other matters, the Prince (perceiuing the faithfull affection
of Broantine) bewraied his loue to him, which was the onely cause of his trauaile to 10
Aquilea. And as for the Princesse Nonparelia, quoth he, the renowme of her exceeding
beawtie and vertue hath so conquered me, as I haue resolued neuer to loue any other:
and might I purchase the fauour of her and the King her Father, I shall repute my selfe
the happiest man that euer liued. But true it is, and which greeueth me not a little, she
differeth from me in religion, yet time that preuaileth against all things, may winne her 15
to become a Christian.1 In sooth my Lord, aunswered Broantine, the Princesse
Nonparelia is the most accomplished Lady liuing, both in beawtie, good grace, and all
vertuous qualities: and well may you perswade your self to obtaine her loue, in that you
are stored with those perfections, that may prouoke Ladyes to loue a man. For if
question should be made as concerning your estate, you are the childe of a King as well 20
as she, not inferiour to him in riches and renowme. If the case be alleaged of your
vertue, prowesse, and magnanimitie: my selfe will not be iudge heerein, but
1 time ... Christian Munday alters Palladine’s role from active to passive; Fr. “mais auec le temps ie l’y
pourray bien faire condescendre” (N4v; but with time I will be able to make her condescend). Conversion
to Christianity is a very common topic in western folk literature and chivalric literature (motif V331; see
Motif-index FL, EMR and LCC, 926).
N
Chapter XXVIII
141
innumerable that haue made experience thereof. The Knight without rest hearing the
words of Broantine, brake him off in this manner. Leaue these prayses (good Sir) to
God, to whome they onely pertaine, and from whome commeth all the good we enioy: 25
let vs imagine, by what meane she may haue knowledge of me, without preiudiciall
daunger of whence and what I am. My Lord, quoth Broantine, I shall haue good accesse
to the King, when I shall present you to his Maiestie: and then may you both see and
speake to the Princesse, for she is very gracious and affable, what other stead I can stand
ye in,2 vntill the houre of death, you shall commaund me. For this gentlenes, aunswered 30
the Knight without rest, I shall heereafter be carefull to make some part of recompence,
and to begin our freendship, as also to preuent the name of ingratitude: I giue you the
Countie of Orthon, which is my patrimonie, and which you shall freely enioy, if you
like to goe with me into England. I thanke ye my Lord, quoth Broantine, for your
liberall offer, let vs follow our intent to the King and madame Nonparelia, whom we 35
shall finde at the Court with his Maiestie: where he expecteth the succour from Illiria,3
which doubtlesse will be heere within eighteene dayes, for then must the battell be
fought at Baldina.4 And as we trauaile thither, I will shew ye one of the cheefe
singularities in this Countrey, which is the Pallace of madame Orbiconte the wise, the
most excellent and sumptuous spectacle that euer was seene. I pray thee good freend, 40 2 what other stead I can stand ye in “To stand in stead” is to be of use or advantage, to be serviceable or
profitable (see OED, s.v. “stand”, v. 48a).
3 Illyria (Roman region Illyricum) was a region lying east of the Adriatic, corresponding to the
modern-day western Balkan peninsula, south of the Danube.
4 There is a Balduina in the region of Padua (northern Italy), at a distance of 190 kilometres from
Aquileia. The lieue ancienne used in France until the 17th century was roughly equivalent to 2.018
Imperial miles or 3.248 kilometres. The French text locates this Baldina “distante de là d’enuiron soixante
mile, qui valent trente lieuës Françoyses” (O3v; at a distance of approximately sixty miles, which are
equivalent to thirty French lieues), i.e. 97 kilometres, which, although not entirely accurate, makes it the
most likely option.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
142
said the Knight without rest, let vs depart and stay no longer, for such report haue I
heard of that good Lady, as loth would I be to returne and not to see her, hauing so fit
opportunitie to doo it: for since I came into this Countrey, I vnderstand that she is allyed
to the King, being his Sister, albeit base borne.5 Without any more speeches, they went
foorth of the Garden, and taking their leaue of the Knight and the Lady, mounted on 45
horssebacke, directing their course toward Baldina: and after certaine dayes trauaile,
they came to the Pallace of the wise Orbiconte, the building whereof was so rare and
stately, as in all the world the like might not be found. Long stood the Knight without
rest to behold this wonder, which Orbiconte her selfe well perceiued standing in her
windowe, wherefore she sent one to open the gate, and they entring, began to admire 50
much more then they had done: seeing the great Court paued with Iasper and Porphire,
and in the middest thereof a gorgeous Statue, being the Goddesse Venus curiously
carued in Alablaster, and from her two dugs spouted exceeding cleere water, which fell
into a huge great Basen of siluer.
By her stood her Sonne Cupid, with an arrowe drawne in his bowe, as being 55
readie to shoote: but so arteficially framed after the life, as neuer was a more choyse
peece of workemanship seene.
From thence they walked into meruailous goodly Galleries, which were painted
round about with Poeticall Histories: as the contention betweene the three Goddesses,
Pallas, Iuno, and Venus, the iudgement of Paris, the strange alteration of many 60
metamorphosed louers, and the banquet of the Gods, where angry Tisiphone shewed her
selfe.
On the other side were the labours of Hercules, the destruction of famous Troy,
and the voyage of the Argonantes.
5 base borne Fr. “sa seur bastarde” (N5r; his bastard sister).
Chapter XXVIII
143
There likewise was liuely portraied the triumph of Venus, drawne in her Chariot 65
by two Turtle Doues, the loue of her Sonne Cupid and faire Psyches, the battailes of
many Romaine Emperours, and their seuerall triumphs in Roome: so liuely figured to
the eye, as if the persons had beene there in action.6
6 the iudgement of Paris The Judgment of Paris (also known as Alexander) is the mythical episode
which led to the Trojan War, as recounted in Homer’s Iliad. During the wedding of Thetis and Peleus, an
event all the gods had been invited to, Eris, the goddess of Strife, appeared. She had not been invited to
the event, so she cast a golden apple destined to the most beautiful, which led to a confrontation between
Pallas, Juno and Venus. Jupiter commended Paris to decide. Each goddess offered Paris different gifts,
but he decided in favour of Venus, who had promised him the love of Helen of Troy. See Grimal,
Diccionario de Mitología, s.v. "Paris".
many metamorphosed louers A very common theme in Greek mythology is the metamorphosis (from
human to animal, stone, plant, star or mythological being; from inanimated thing to human; sex change;
resurrection, etc) caused either by a god to a human or by a god or goddess to him or herself. Among the
most well-known metamorphosed lovers we find Pyramus and Thisbe (Metamorfosis, IV, lines 55–166)
or Apollo and Daphne (ibid., I, lines 452–582).
the banquet of the Gods ... angry Tisiphone Munday wrongly assumes the Fr. “la déesse Discorde” to
be Tisiphone (one of the Erinyes or Furies; in particular, the Avenger of Homicide), who has no
mythological background to match this sentence. The confusion with Eris, the afore-metioned goddess of
Strife, – who actually appears in the banquet of the gods – probably stems from the similarities between
the two characters, since both represent negative connotations and share the physical likeness of a
femenine winged genie, as well as the resemblance of the names Eris/Erinye. See Grimal, Diccionario de
Mitología, s.v. “Éride”.
the labours of Hercules Hercules (the Latin name for the Greek hero Heracles) is the son of Zeus, and
his most famous heroic feats are the Twelve Labours which he accomplished – mainly, the defeat of
monsters – commanded by his cousin Eurystheus. For further information on the Labours, see ibid., s.v.
“Heracles”.
destruction of famous Troy The abduction of Helen by Paris (see the iudgement of Paris above) led
to the siege of the city of Troy (or Ilion) by the Greeks. The Trojan War concluded with the destruction of
the city, as recounted in Homer’s Iliad, and also made known in English during this period thanks to John
Clerk's alliterative poem The Destruction of Troy (composed ca. 1385-1400).
the voyage of the Argonantes The “Argonantes” (the French variant for Argonauts, which Munday
uses) were the crew of the ship Argo, who accompanied Jason on his search for the Golden Fleece. see
Grimal, Diccionario de Mitología, s.v. “argonautas”.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
144
While they thus stood to behold these deuises, the wise Orbiconte caused her
three Daughters to attire themselues in most sumptuous ornaments, and afterward came 70
downe with them into the Gallery: which when the Knight without rest perceiued, he
came and saluted her with great reuerence, and after many sollemne and kinde
courtesies to the auncient Lady, as also her daughters, the wise Orbiconte thus spake.
Sir Palladine, right welcome are yee to this place: for long it is since I desired to
see you heere, that I might entertaine you as your vertues deserue. 75
Madame, answered the Knight without rest, vnseemely is it that you should so
much abase your selfe, as to regard me that am but a poore Knight errant.
Not so, my Lord, quoth she, conceale not your selfe, for well I knowe of whence
and what you are: welcome are ye to my Pallace, where it shall be needlesse for ye to
feare any thing, though you are so farre from your owne Countrey, for heere you may 80
assure your selfe of safetie. So entring into the great Hall, which was hanged round
about with rich Tapistrie, wherein, the Historie of great Mahomet was curiously
wrought: she welcommed them all againe, Broantine, Lycelio and Lyboran, who still
counterfeited himselfe to be dumbe, to whome she said. My freend, speake your
language and feare not, for in this place you are in no danger. I know that thou art 85
Liboran the well aduised, who with the ayde of Captaine Broantine, deliuered a Knight
and his Sonne from death, therefore seeke not to hide thy selfe from me.
When Liboran heard what she sayd, he imagined she was some Diuineresse, or
one that had a familiar spirit,7 who acquainted her with matters of secrecie: wherefore in
Cupid and faire Psyches Psyche was a human woman renowned for her extreme beauty, which drove
all men away. She married Cupid after many vicissitudes; see Apuleius, The Golden Ass: Being the
Metamorphoses of Lucius Apuleius with an English translation by W. Adlington (1566), revised by S.
Gaselee (London: William Heinemann, 1922), 185–285.
7 familiar spirit Imps or demons, usually in the form of animals, which were believed to follow a witch’s
orders in exchange for care. There are documented mentions of familiars in witchcraft trials, and sightings
Chapter XXVIII
145
the French toong he replied, thanking for her exceeding courtesie, and offering her his 90
vttermost seruice. For which, she was not forgetfull to thanke him, causing certain of
Gentlemen to conduct them to faire Chambers readie prepared for them: and in the
Chamber appointed for the Knight without rest, was ingeniously wrought in Tapistrie of
cloth of gold, the adulterie of Venus with God Mars, and how lame Vulcane came and
found them,8 with diuers other lasciuious Histories, to prouoke the Prince to carnall 95
delight.
After the Knight without rest was vnarmed, he came and walked with the wise
Orbiconte in her Garden, wherein were many beawtifull fountaines, and great
aboundance of wholesome hearbes, wherwith she made precious vnguents, which she
sent to Knightes errant, especially such as defended the honor of Ladies. She walked 100
with them likewise into her Parke, and shewed them what braue game she had there
prouided, with all other deuises incident to delight, onely to allure the Knight without
rest to stay there, till she had perfourmed her intent for her Daughters, which within few
dayes after she cunningly compassed in this manner.
The wise Orbiconte calling her Daughters to her, the first whereof being named 105
Iunona, the second Palladia, and the third Veneria:9 gaue them especiall charge, to vse
of animals near the accused or a suposedly bewitched individual were considered evidence of witchcraft.
See Deborah Willis, “Magic and Witchcraft,” in A Companion to Renaissance Drama, edited by Arthur
F. Kinney (Oxford: Blackwell, 2002), 135–144.
8 adulterie of Venus with God Mars Venus, married to Vulcan, had an affaire with Mars. Vulcan forged
an invisible net to trap them while they were together in bed, exposing them in front of the Olympus. See
Metamorfosis, IV, lines 167–189.
9 Note the etymological origin of the names: Juno, Pallas, and Venus, the three contending goddesses
depicted in the first painting that Palladine sees when he arrives at Orbiconte’s palace; see lines 59–60 in
this chapter.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
146
themselues in such sort to the Knight without rest, that he might enter into that familiar
acquaintance with them, as each thing might sort according to her determination.
And one night while the Knightes and her Daughters were dauncing, she walked
into her Garden, hauing in her hand a little Booke of parchment, couered ouer with 110
black veluet: there framed she such spelles and charmes, and with secret muttering to
her selfe, sent such a coniuration abroade, as nothing should preuent what she had
concluded. Now doo the Knightes repaire to their chambers, thinking to rest themselues
as they did the nightes before, and so in deede did Broantine, Liboran, and Licelio, for
their chambers were so charmed, as they could not awake till the next day was verie 115
farre spent: but as for the Knight without rest, while he soundly slept, and thought no
harme, Iunona in her night mantle came to visit him, and so well (it seemed) they
agreed together, as the English Prince had the honor of her virginitie. Palladia and
Veneria followed their Sister in fortune, the issue whereof was such, as when time came
of natures appointment, they were deliuered of three goodly Sonnes, named Clariseo, 120
Clarisardo, and Clarisano. These three children were carefully nourished, and in their
life time perfourmed Knightly deedes of armes, whereof we will speake heereafter as
occasion serueth.
By this time had the Knight without rest remayned heere seuen dayes,10 when
Orbiconte knowing by her arte, that the King her Brother would bid his enemie battell 125
within foure daies, she came to the Prince in this manner.
10 while he soundly slept ... seuen dayes Munday omits both the dialogue between Orbiconte and her
daughters, instructing them to behave in bed as if Palladine were their husband (Fr. “ny plus ny moins que
si c’estoiy vostre mary”; O2r), and a detailed account of the sexual events that occurred on the six
following nights. The knight spends the first two nights with Iunona, the following two with Palladia, and
the last two with Veneria. The narrator explains that Palladine’s chamber had been previously charmed by
Orbiconte so that he was able to withstand such physical exertion. (Fr. “Et quant au Cheualier ... à son
affaire”; O1v–O2v).
Chapter XXVIII
147
Sir Palladine, seeing your affection is so forward, that you will assist my Brother
in this warre against the King of Panonia, it is now high time to thinke on your
departure, for I can assure ye, that within foure dayes the fight will begin. Nor can I
entertaine any doubt or sorrow for the matter, because I haue alreadie foreseene, that our 130
enemie will sustaine great detriment, losse and destruction onely by your noble and
worthie behauiour, prepare yee therefore to set forward to morrow.
Madame, answered the Knight without rest, if it like you we will depart presently,
the sooner shall we come to our iourneyes end. Not so, quoth she, you shall be ruled by
my direction, for you haue time enough to trauaile thither. So taking him and his freends 135
into her Cabinet, she gaue the Prince a meruailous costly greene Armour, to Broantine
she gaue one of Azure couller, with a Sheeld, wherein was portrayed, how he deliuered
the Knight and his Sonne from death: and to Liboran she gaue a carnation Armour,
figuring in his Sheeld, the Shepheards life he led by the Castell of Brunlanfurior. As for
you Sir Palladine, quoth she, I will not giue you any Sheeld, because, that you haue 140
alreadie is better than any one heere, yea, beyond all other in the world, except one that
is at London before your Fathers Pallace, which is reserued for one as yet vnborne,
whose Father and Mother I knowe not, or the place from whence he is discended. After
many other familiar speeches, the Knight without rest thus spake to the wise Orbiconte.
Madame, because I am loth to trouble your rest in the morning, I and my freends 145
will now take our leaue of you, requesting you to dispose of me at your pleasure, in that
I haue dedicated my life to your seruice.
Sir Palladine, answered Orbiconte, I know that my longe desires are now
sufficiently acquited and your readie good will I haue tried and found: depart in the
morning what time you please, and still will I aduertise ye as concerning my affaires, 150
ayding you to my power in all places where you shall come, especially to obtaine your
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
148
destenied honor. Thus went the Knight without rest and his freends to their chambers,
where passing the night in some sleepes, they arose earely in the morning, and
mounting on horssebacke, they rode away merily. But the Knight without rest
remembred, how this night he had not beene visited with his accustomed dreames, nor 155
could he forget the words of the wise Orbiconte at his departure, when she said, that her
long desires were sufficiently acquited, whereby he began to suspect, that she by
enchantment had caused him companie with her Daughters, but not knowing certainely
what to thinke, he remoued his thoughts to matter of more valew.
CHAPTER XXIX.
¶ Of the cruell battell betweene the Kings of Aquilea and Panonia, wherein, the Knight
without rest, Broantine, and Liboran, shewed worthy and knightly deedes of Armes.
And what gracious entertaynement the King of Aquilea, his Daughter Nonparelia, 5
and the Princes her Brethren made them afterward.
he day beeing come, that the encamped powers of Aquilea and Panonia
should meete: Almiden, and Zorian, Sonnes to the King of Aquilea,
accompanied with the Dukes of Sclauonia and Liburnia,1 raunge their 10
forces in order of battell, the King their Father being not able to be present, because he
lay sicke in the Citie of Aquilea, where he was carefully attended by the Queene, and
her faire Daughter.
It was then concluded, that the Prince Almiden should leade the auantgard, the
Duke of Sclauonia and the Prince Zorian the maine battell, and the Duke of Liburnia 15
the ariergard: then were a legion of Dalmatians and Albanoyses appointed for the
wings, being expert warriours with their Darts aboue all other nations.
On the other side, the King of Panonia, his Sonne, the Princes of Misia2 and
Dace, with the Duke of Dardania their confederate, hauing passed the Albane
Mountaines, were encamped within a league of Baldina. And of this Armie, the King 20
himself was the leader, hauing in his companie a Giant named Muzimalde, the mightiest
1 Sclauonia Or Slavonia, the country of the Slavs, is a north-eastern historical region of modern-day
Croatia; Liburnia was a geographical region of northern Dalmatia, west of Sclavonia, also modern-day
Croatia.
2 Misia Mysia was a north-western region of the Anatolian peninsula south of Istambul.
T
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
150
man in stature that euer was seene, who bare a huge mace of steele twelue foote in
length, being answerable in weight to the greatnes thereof.
The Princes of Misia and Dace had charge of the maine battell, and the Duke of
Dardania the ariergard, with two thousand Thracians ordained in the wings, which 25
were newly come to giue them succour.
Thus doo these Armies with furie encounter together, and great hauock is made on
either side, especially the Aquileans were in greatest ieoperdie.
But now the Knight without rest, Broantine, Liboran, and certaine Gentlemen
appointed by the wise Orbiconte to accompanie them, arriue in the feeld, and seeing that 30
side goe to wracke, for whose assistance they trauailed thither: like Lyons and no men
they thrust among the thickest, where breaking the aray of their enemies, no one durst
stand before them, but paid his life for ransome of his boldnes. At length, the Knight
without rest encountred the huge Muzimalde, and though the weightie strokes of his
mace did often put the Prince in danger, yet by pollicy and fine chiualrie, in the end he 35
got the better of the Giant, sending his soule to the Deuill whome he resembled.
The Panonians at this fight were greatly dishartened, finding themselues vnable to
hold out any longer: so the Dukes of Sclauonia and Liburnia tooke many noble
prisoners, among whome were the Princes of Dace and Dardania, the Duke of Misia
being slaine by the hand of the Prince Almiden, and the rest of the Panonians with 40
shame driuen to flight.
When the honor of the day was thus fallen to the Aquileans, the two Princes
Almiden and Zorian, sent for the Knight without rest and his companions: whome after
they had embraced, they desired to goe with them to the King their Father, who should
Chapter XXIX
151
remunerate the great paines they had taken.3 And that his Maiestie might vnderstand 45
their good successe, a Courrier was sent before in all haste, and being brought into the
Kings chamber, where the Queene and Nonparelia were present, he deliuered his letters,
wherein the Princes had not spared to report the worthie deedes of the Knight without
rest, and their likewise that came in his companie, so that the King demaunded of
whence and what the Knight was, who in his cause had behaued himselfe so brauely, 50
whereto the messenger thus answered.
My Lord, it is as yet vnknowne of whence he is, yet this I can assure ye, that he is
one of the most goodly Gentlemen that euer I sawe. And in the Armie it is reported, that
had not he come when he did, and your Captaine Broantine with other in their
companie, your Maiestie had lost the day, for our auantgard being broken, the Giant 55
Muzimalde laid on such load,4 as horse and man he strooke to the ground. But at the
arriuall of this Knight, euen as some God had taken humane shape vpon him, our
courage encreased, the huge Giant by his hand was slaine, and all the rest stood amazed,
as doubting to fight, or turne their backs.
When the King of Panonia (who was in person in the battell) sawe the onely man 60
he trusted in thus confounded, with his Sonne, and fiue hundred men, he set furiously
vpon vs, meaning to reuenge the Giants death if he could: but this heate lasted not long,
for our men seeing the incredible magnanimitie of this Knight and his companions,
followed him with such alacritie of courage, as the King and all his men were driuen on
3 the great paines they had taken Munday omits the brutal outcome of the battle and the body count.
The Aquileans lose around three thousand six-hundred soldiers (including the wounded) out of forty-five
thousand. The enemy loses six thousand, plus two thousand imprisoned. The dead are stripped of their
belongings and buried in six pits to prevent them from contaminating the air. The bodies of high-ranking
soldiers allied to the King of Aquilea are embalmed and sent to their parents. (Fr. “dont il ... son païs”;
O5v).
4 To lay on load is to deal heavy blows (OED, s.v. “load”, n. 7a).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
152
a heape, and had not a sudden winde and extreame storme fallen among vs, the King 65
and his Sonne had beene slaine or taken. But the weather beating vpon our faces, we
could not discerne which way they fled, till we espied them on the tops of the
Mountaines: whereupon this Knight and his companions made after them, killing many
of them among the hilles, and brought backe with them fifteene prisoners. For
conclusion, I thinke our great Prophet5 sent this Knight, by whome, the Princes your 70
Sonnes and all our liues are saued.
The good King was so glad of these tidings, as he tooke a rich chaine from his
arme, and gaue it to the messenger, earnestly desiring to see the Knight without rest,
that hee might account of him as his vertues deserued: and foorthwith he commaunded
through his Realme, a generall reioycing should be made for this happie victorie, with 75
such bonfires, ringing of belles, and such like signes of gladnes.
The Princesse Nonparelia, hearing the messenger so highly extoll the Knight
without rest, became immediatly amorous of him: longing for the returne of her
Brethren, that she might see the image of her desire.
On the morrow, the King commaunded all his Estates, to goe meete his Sonnes, 80
and the Knight without rest, charging them to honor him, as they would doo him selfe:
which they fulfilled effectually, as in the Chapter following you shall behold.
5 our great Prophet Mahomet.
CHAPTER XXX.
¶ How the Aquilean Princes, and the Knight without rest arriued at the Court, and their
gracious entertainement by the King, Queene, and faire Nonparelia.
5
reat haste made the Princes of Aquilea to the Courte, that they might
present the Knight without rest, to the King their Father, and when they
drewe neare the Citie, such a multitude of people met them on the way, to
see the Knight so highly renowmed, as they could not ride on for the prease and throng.
At the Citie gates, they were welcommed with many learned Orations, all the streetes 10
being hanged with costly Tapistry, as it had beene to entertaine the greatest Monarch in
the world. And the good old King, very weake and crazie by reason of his late
sicknesse, came in person to the Pallace gate, accompanyed with all the Princes and
Lords of his Court, when his two Sonnes hauing humbly kissed his hand, the Knight
without rest would haue done the like, but the King would not permit him, wherefore he 15
embraced him in his armes, as though he had beene as great a state as himselfe.
Gentle Knight, quoth he, welcome and frollick in our Court, for such report haue I
heard of your vertue and prowesse, as neuer was I more desirous of any thing, then to
see that worthie man, who with honorable paines laboured in my seruice, hazarding
your life and person, for him that neuer deserued such fauour and freendship. 20
My Lord, answered the Knight without rest, this gracious kindnesse exceedeth all
report, in deigning to accept of me so honorably, I being but a poore and simple Knight
errant, readie to passe straights of death in your seruice. Ah my Sonne, sayd the King,
death hast thou alreadie aduentured for me, for which I cannot returne sufficient
recompence: yet if I cannot requite you effectually, my good will shall not want 25
G
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
154
wheresoeuer you be, in meane time, aske what you will, and be assured to speede. So
taking him by the one hand, and his Sonne Almiden by the other, he went vp into the
great Hall, where the Queene, the Princesse, and all the Courtly Ladies, being choisely
tricked in their brauest accoustrements, welcommed them with meruailous kindnesse,
especially Nonparelia, who shined like the morning Starre among the other virgins, her 30
courtesies to the Prince exceeded all comparison.
These Courtly ceremonies ouerpassed, the Knightes were conducted to their
chambers, to refresh themselues, and change their habites, while the roiall supper was
preparing. Now was the Knight without rest thoroughly set to worke, with consideration
of the Princesse supernaturall beautie, and longer would he haue continued in this 35
rauishing studie: but that the Prince Zorian came to aduertise him, that the King stayed
onely his comming. So walked they together into the great Hall, where the King caused
the Knight without rest to sit next him at the table, and the Princesse Nonparelia right
ouer against him: a thing to her no little contentation, that she might behold the worthie
personage, who had gained the onely priuiledge of her heart. All supper time, these two 40
louers fed on no other viands, then the one regarding the other with piercing lookes: for
their amorous affections so ouermaisterd their sences, as they forgot to receiue any
sustenance. The supper ended, the Lords and Ladies of the Court fell to dauncing:
meane while, the Princesse Nonparelia hauing noted the gracious behauiour of the
Knight without rest, took the hardines vpon her to come neere him, and hauing with 45
great modestie saluted him, thus spake.
As I vnderstand Sir Knight, the King my Father and all his are highly beholding to
you, in respect of your honorable paines in the late battell against our enemies.
Alas Madame, quoth he, if I had not as then beene present, yet doubtlesse you had
beene assured of victorie, little then is the glorie that I haue deserued. 50
Chapter XXX
155
Heerein you must pardon me Sir, aunswered the Princesse, for I haue heard
credibly reported, that but for you we had lost the day: yet let me intreate so much
fauour, as to tell me of whence you are, and what might be the occasion of this great
kindnesse, that for my fathers sake you should so gladly thrust your life into danger.
Madame, quoth he, so long since did your diuine name ouercome me, and such is 55
your present authoririe ouer me, as death shall not make me conceale or disguise the
truth to you. Knowe then sweete Lady, and hold it for certaine, that nothing procured
me to assist the King your Father in his late warres, but onely your loue, beautie, and
good grace: all which I haue heard so generally commended, as now I confesse report
hath not feigned. 60
In sooth my Lord, quoth she, such vertues as you speake of, are hard to be found
in me, but let it be as you please to alleadge, yet no one is so much bound to thanke you
as my selfe: for if the King my Father had lost the honor of the battell, too late had it
beene for me to renew the peace, falling into the subiection of the verie worst man in the
world, to whome my selfe denied the request of marriage, and heere hence grew the 65
warre betweene my Father and the King of Panonia.
So much good Madame, quoth he, did I heare before, by the Gouernour of Enna,
and the wise Lady Orbiconte, who intreated me and my companie verie honorably at
her Pallace, and if in this action I haue done you any seruice, I account my labour well
bestowed, and repute my selfe beyond all other fortune: hauing disappointed a Prince so 70
contrarie to the vertues and perfections, wherewith your gracious nature is
accompanied, for a man of so bad conditions, ought to haue sorted out one like to
himselfe.
In deede my Lord, quoth she, you haue said the truth, notwithstanding, his euill
disposed and deformed bodie made me not refuse him, but his great defect of vertue and 75
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
156
honestie: for the gifts of the mind are to be preferred before those of nature, yet was he
acquainted neither with the one or other. Longer would they haue continued in talke, but
that the King commaunded to ceasse the dauncing, because the Knightes should goe rest
themselues in their chambers, wherefore the Princesse (breathing a vehement sigh from
her inward soule) gaue the courteous good night to the Knight without rest, who hauing 80
deuoutly kissed her faire white hand, followed the King to his lodging, and there
committing his highnesse to the fauour of the night, was by the two Princes brought to
his chamber, they both louing him as he had beene their brother, especially Zorian the
yongest, who determined to accompanie him when he left the Court, and to seeke
aduentures with him as a Knight errant. 85
As each one thus departed to his lodging, the Princesse called Broantine to her,
and enquired of him what and of whence the Knight without rest was.
Madame, quoth Broantine, at this time I can hardly satisfie you, yet thus much I
dare assure ye, as I vnderstood by the wise Lady Orbiconte, that he is discended of
royall linage, and one that I am especially bound to, hauing receiued vnspeakable 90
fauours at his hands.
In sooth, said the Princesse, he may well be said to proceede of royall parentage,
in that his ordinarie behauior declares no lesse: but doo you knowe the cause of his
comming into this Countrey, so slenderly accompanyed, and why he entred a quarrell
nothing concerning himselfe? 95
The cause (as I haue heard) good Madame, quoth Broantine, was the renowme of
a Ladies beautie, famed through the world to excell the fairest.
At these words, the Princesse began bashfully to blush, seeing these speeches
agreed with those the Prince himselfe spake, which encreased the amorous fire alreadie
kindled in her heart: and that did Broantine very well perceiue, yet he dissembled as 100
Chapter XXX
157
though he knew nothing. So departed the Princesse to her chamber, and Broantine went
presently to the Knight without rest, to whome, he reuealed his talke with Nonparelia,
aduising him to follow a matter so well begun, for there was hope of good successe to
be expected. The Prince embracing Broantine, gaue him thanks for his freendly tidings:
and the next day happened a notable occasion, both to the honor of the Knight without 105
rest and to assure him of the Princesse. For Sulbern cousin to the Giant Muzimalde
came and challenged the Combate, against him that slew his kinseman: which the
Knight without rest accepting, in open feeld ouercame his proude enemie, and thereby
wonne the especiall good liking of the King and the whole Court. Yet was not this
Combate fought without great daunger, in respect Sulbern was a man in stature equall to 110
Muzimalde, and two such monstrous aduersaries, would put an approued champion to
his triall: but though the Knight without rest was verie sore wounded, and many times
brought in hazard of his life, yet at length he bare away the honor of the feeld, and the
head of his enemie as a present to his mistresse. Now doth Venus lighten all her
Lampes, and the religious louers approch her altars, offering vp the incense of 115
semblable affections: she triumphing in the loue of so braue a Knight, and he glorying
in the onely Dame for beautie, the successe whereof heereafter ensueth.
CHAPTER XXXI.
¶ How the Princesse Nonparelia came to visit the Knight without rest, what talke they
had together. And how the wise Orbiconte came to the Court, who healed the Princes
woundes he receiued in the Combate. 5
erie dangerous were the woundes of the Knight without rest and therefore
he was constrained to keepe his chamber eight dayes together, in which
time, the Princesse Nonparelia sent often to vnderstand of his health, and
went her selfe (as opportunitie serued) to see how he did. But that which most of all 10
greeued these two louers, was, that they could not conferre together so secretly as they
would: for she neuer went to him without companie of her Ladyes, whome she was loth
to acquaint with her amorous desires. At length, as one desirous to be resolued of his
affection towards her, one day she withdrew her selfe into her chamber, feigning to
repose her selfe there all the after noone, hauing but two of her wayting Gentlewomen 15
with her, the rest were sporting in the Garden and Orchard: and from her chamber she
could goe to the Princes lodging, through the great Galleries vnseene of any, wherefore,
accompanyed with her two Damosels, she came to the Knight without rest, finding no
bodie with him but Liboran, who generally through the Court was reputed dumbe, he
seeing the Princesse, presently gaue place, walking to the windowe with the two 20
Gentlewomen, where with signes and gestures he deuised with them, they taking great
pleasure to behold him, pitying his imperfection, because he was of stature comely, and
gentle in conditions.
V
Chapter XXXI
159
While they thus beguiled the time with Liboran, their mistresse seeing she might
safely conferre with the Knight without rest, sate downe in a chaire by his bed side, and 25
taking his hand to feele his pulses, giuing a great sigh, thus spake.
Alas my Lord, pitie it is that honorable kindnes should be so hardly requited, and
though your comming hither hath benefited the King and vs all, yet may you cursse our
acquaintance, being bought at a price so deere and dangerous.
Not so good Madame, answered the Knight without rest, I rather thinke the 30
heauens specially fauoured me, in directing my trauaile to this happie countrie: were it
onely but to see you my sweete Lady, that mine eyes might behold the rare perfections,
wherewith mine eares could neuer be glutted.
You speake your pleasure of me my Lord, answered the Princesse, but were I
endued with those titles which you giue me, yet are they farre inferiour to your noble 35
desarts. But leaue this talke my Lord, and tell me how ye fare? and how you feele your
wounds recouered? for nothing do I more desire, then to see you well and free from
danger. Alas Madame, quoth he, the wounds I receiued in the combate against Sulberne,
are nothing in respect of that I tooke when I sawe you first.
The Princesse well vnderstanding his meaning, yet feigning the contrarie, thus 40
replied.
Why doo you not then acquaint the Kings Chirurgions therewith, who are reputed
the most skilfull in all this Countrey? tell them your paine, and feare not, for all diseases
are easily healed when they be soone taken in hand, and not suffered to enter the bodie
too farre. Or if you will not declare it to them, thinking (perhaps) they can giue you no 45
remedie, boldly may you reueale it to me, as to the most secret freend you haue in the
world. And this I dare assure ye, that if your greefe may be cured by humane capacitie,
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
160
my Aunt the wise Orbiconte can doo it effectually: and for her will I presently send a
messenger, who will not faile to make all possible speede hither.
The Knight without rest well noting the Princesse words, was so rauished in 50
conceite, as he was not able to make any answere: but deliuering many a bitter sigh
from the bottome of his hart, he lay as one confounded in a traunce. Why my Lord?
quoth she, what think you on? dare you not discouer your disease to me? if you distrust
me, I will binde my selfe to you by a sollemne othe, neuer to reueale it to any liuing
creature: but will keepe it as a secret as your dumbe freende that cannot speake, nor 55
shall the riches of the worlde make me breake my promise.
The Knight without rest would yet make no answere, but still sighing, with
wonderfull affection behelde the Princesse: who now changing her cullour, and with the
teares trikling downe her cheekes, continued her speeches thus. Beleeue me my Lord,
me thinkes (vnder correction) you doo me wronge, in fearing to bewraye your greefe to 60
me, I beseeche ye (if you beare me any good will at all) not to make your harme
vncurable by defaulte of vtteraunce to your freende, and consider that silence is the
Nursse of many malladies: where contrariwise, disclosing the same in time, the danger
is with ease preuented. The woordes of the Princesse, deliuered with such zealous
protestations, and with so many gracious offers: caused the Knight without rest (setting 65
all doubtfull feares aside) thus to answere. Madame seeing you haue coniured me in
such sorte, and haue sollemnelye promised withall, to conceale the greefe that torments
me, and cannot be seene: I will make known my harme vnto you. And as he would haue
proceeded, a Gentleman entred the Chamber, to aduertise the Princesse that the wise
Orbiconte was newly ariued, and that she came to visit the Knight without rest. As the 70
Princesse was going to welcome her Aunt, she met her at the Chamber doore, and
comming in againe with her, after she had humblye saluted her, she brought her to the
Chapter XXXI
161
Beds side, the Knight without rest being not a little glad to see her, in consideration of
the promise she made him at her Pallaice. Courage my Sonne quoth Orbiconte, for ere
three dayes be past, I will make your woundes whole and sound, especially that which 75
toucheth your heart. It is not to be asked, whether these woordes pleased him or no, and
she looking on his wounds, annointed them with a precious ointement, which healed
them in suche sorte, as in foure and twentye howers the skarres could hardly be seene:
then merilye to her Niece she thus spake. Doo not you hate this Knight, faire Niece, that
hath kept you from marying with the King of Panonia? Beleeue me good Aunt, 80
answered the Princesse, I am more beholding to this Knight then to any man els liuing,
for he hath saued my life and honor: and may I any way recompence his gentlenes, he
shall perceiue that I will not be ingratefull. But while the King my Father laboureth to
requite his paines, let him be perswaded of my good will toward him.
Madame quoth the Prince, so you continue me in your good grace, I thinke my 85
selfe better recompenced, if I haue deserued any recompence at all: then were I
presentlye created Emperour of the worlde. To breake off their conference, a Squire
came, who saide that the Tables were couered for Supper, wherfore Orbiconte and the
Princesse tooke their leaue, and went into the great hall, where the King and the Queene
stayed their comming, who welcommed their Sister with meruailous kindenes, spending 90
the time of Supper with repetition of many matters. The Tables were no sooner with-
drawen, but Orbiconte taking her Niece aside to one of the windows, began with her in
this manner.
Since my comming hither faire Niece, I haue perceiued that some thing tormentes
ye exceedingly: reueale the occasion thereof to me, and if I may stand ye in any steede 95
for your helpe, be well assured I will doo it right willingly. The Princesse at these
woordes was so astonyed, as she was not able to shape any answere: but shaking like a
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
162
leafe on the tree, her cullour went and came very strangelye, such was her feare that her
loue should be discouered. And hauing stayed in this quandarie a good while, at last she
perswaded her selfe, that her Aunt by her secret knowledge vnderstood her greefe, 100
wherefore with the teares in her eyes, she thus replied.
Let me intreate you good Aunt, to suffer me endure my mishap in silence, without
constraining me to tell ye, from whence my great alteration proceedeth: it is vertue in a
maiden to suffer patiently, and shame to bewraye her owne thoughtes, though euery
hower addeth a worlde of miserie, and burdeneth her minde with more then common 105
cares. Yet this I would haue ye to thinke, that my extremeties (as yet) haue not stretched
so farre, but to make me skilfull in iudging of a passion: from which heeretofore I haue
defended my selfe indifferently, accounting it an offence to modestie, to heare so much
as speech therof. Orbiconte desirous rather to encrease her passion then any way to
diminishe it, thus recomforted her. 110
You doo well (good Niece) in respect of your calling, to conceale the tormentes
you endure, and which my arte acquainted me withall ere I came hither, for it is a signe
of speciall gouernement, to be carefull of disclosing such a secret, as carieth greatest
regard among all women. But if you are so liuely touched with loue, as your gentle hart
may be empaired therby, by meanes of the woorthy Knight without rest, who hath 115
doone more for you, then all your Fathers subiectes could without him: you must
vnderstand, that this is a disease common to euery one, nor are you alone, or the first
that hath felte the furie of this passion, but many noble Ladies (bashefull and right
modestlye gouerned) haue felt the power of the God of Loue, who ruleth and
commaundeth when and where him pleaseth. For this cause expect the good houre, and 120
before your infirmitie ranckle too farre, giue order and remedie thereto in the best sorte
you can. I think it not amisse, that you make some experience of Loues authoritie, but
Chapter XXXI
163
you haue let him enter too farre within your hart, that euen your very soule is penitrated
therwith: the best and most auayling counsaile I can giue ye, is to practice some chaste
and honest meane, wherby to enioy the summe of your desire, and so shall you preuent 125
infamie and dishonor, which euery creature ought carefully to auoide.
Alas Madame, quoth the Princesse, I know no mean more honest then the mariage
of him and I togeather, but how can that be compassed? or what honor is it to me to
moue any speeche therof? he is a stranger, vnknowen to me of whence or what he is, I
am not acquainted with so much as his name. Assure your selfe faire Niece answered 130
Orbiconte, that he is Sonne to a most vertuous King, as greatly renowmed as any one in
the world: and further I will tell ye as concerning him, so you will promise and sweare
to me to keep it secret, for otherwise you shall put him in great danger of his life.
Ah good Aunt, quoth Nonparelia, rather let me dye ten thousand deathes, then be
the cause of any displeasure to him: therfore acquainte me with his estate, and I will be 135
directed by you in all my after opinions. But by reason that the King arose and went to
his Chamber, their talke brake off, the Queene and her daughter conducting Orbiconte
to her lodging: so remained the Princesse pensiue all that night, and earnestly longing
for the morning, that she might end the talke betweene her Aunt and her, for further
knowledge of the Knight without rest: who likewise was no lesse forward in desire, 140
because after Supper he had not seene the Princesse and Orbiconte.
CHAPTER XXXII.
¶ How the wise Orbiconte tolde the Princesse Nonparelia, what and who the Knight
without rest was: and how by her meanes, promise of mariage passed between
them.xvi 5
rbiconte beeing in her Chamber, was both pleased and somewhat
offended: pleased, in that she had so founded the thoughts of her Niece:
and offended, because she had not concluded her tale, concerning the
Knight without rest. But no sooner was morning come, when the princesse sent many 10
times to knowe if her Aunt were stirring, and so soone as she was assured therof: she
went to her Chamber, where hauing giuen her the good morrowe, she saide: Madame, I
haue not forgotten the promise you made me yesternight. Neither haue I good Niece
answered Orbiconte, therfore presently will I be as good as my woorde. So walking
with her into the Warderobe, and being none but them selues together, she began her 15
discourse as followeth.
Faire Niece, vnder assurance of the promise you made me yester night, I giue you
to vnderstand, that the Knight without rest is a Christian,xvii Sonne to the King of
England, and his right name is Palladine, giuen to him in honor of the wise Goddesse
Pallas. And I hauing foreseene ere the time of his birth, that he should be the most 20
vertuous and valiant Prince of his time, and the Children engendred by him, should very
farre excell all other whatsoeuer: I then made choyse of him to be your Husband, seeing
your Mother likewise at that time great with Childe, and she deliuered of you sixe
monthes after his birthe. That mine intent might sorte to effect, and to make you the
onely happy Lady of the world, by enioying a Husband the paragon among all Princes: I 25
O
Chapter XXXII
165
sollicited him by dreams and nightly visions, yea, by letters, and messages in such sorte,
as by my meanes he trauailed hether, desirous to see that rare beautye, wherwith I
renowmed you beyond all other Ladies. And had it not been for my dilligent
admonition, he had ere this time beene maried to faire Rosamonde of Fraunce: where
record remaineth of his famous chiualrie, as it dooth in many other places of the world. 30
But needelesse is it to vse many woordes in this matter, you knowe that I desire nothing
more then your aduauncement, and no man in the worlde is more accomplished with all
perfections, either in riches, vertue, braue minde, and all other good qualities: so that if
my iudgement faile me not, I think him equall to you euery way, and more woorthy to
enioy you then any other. If you be deceiued Madame, said the Princesse, much more 35
must I be then, for me thinkes it is impossible to finde his second: so would you haue
said, had you but seene his valiant combate with the Giant Sulberne. If then quoth
Orbiconte, you knowe so well what he is, he louing you as his own life, and you him in
like sorte: I would aduise ye, with all speede to consummate the mariage betweene ye,
albeit vnknowen to the King and Queene, and let me deale for their good will afterward. 40
Alas Madame quoth the Princesse, heerein would I willingly obay ye: but that in
religion we are too farre a sunder. For that take you no care saide Orbiconte, in that
before it be long, all your Fathers Kingdomes shall be conuerted to Christianitie:
therfore boldelye make promise to the Knight, that you will be baptized1 so soon as you
come into England, he hauing first sollemnely sworne to marrie with you, as well I 45
knowe he hath no other intent. Heerewith shall his parents be well pleased, and yours
heereafter likewise: for then and not before they shall vnderstand, that this is for your
eternall honor and profit. Nonparelia, who desired nothing more then the conquest of
1 Baptism of heathen (motif V332; see LCC, 927).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
166
his loue (and withal, the sweete benefite ensuing thereby) whome she had made Lord
and maister of her heart, thus answered. 50
I knowe Madame, that my honorable preferment is the full of your intent, and that
you will sheeld me from any blemish or reproch: I therefore commit all to your
discretion, and will obey whatsoeuer you commaund me. This night then, said
Orbiconte, shall you be assured of your louely Knight, and holy vowes of mariage shall
be passed between you: afterward, agree as you can your selues, for I will accomplish 55
what I haue promised. So went they both to the Princes chamber, where they found him
walking with Captaine Broantine, one that knew the deapth of his desire, yet ignorant
what Orbiconte and the Princesse had concluded. Many deuoute courtesies passed
betweene them, and Orbiconte taking the Prince aside, this spake to him. You
rememder (my Lord) your vowe, when you called your selfe the Knight without rest, 60
that you would neuer entertaine quiet of minde, till you had found your onely beloued in
the world, too whome you were destenied before your birth: now be of good cheere: for
this night shall you be resolued of the Lady, who being free in affection from all other,
doth honor you with the vnspotted loue of a virgin, esteeming of you as her Lord and
husband. No meruaile if these newes were welcome to the Knight without rest, who 65
giuing credit to the words of Orbiconte, sealed many a sweete kisse on the daintie lippes
of Nonparelia, as pledges of a full contract on the sight of heauen, not to be recalled but
by death onely. Short tale to make, Orbiconte that night brought them together, and
ioyned their hands with sollemne and sacred vowes, he to carie her with him into
England, and she there to receiue the faith of a Christian. And thus will we leaue them 70
in their amorous purposes, each comforting other with the arguments of loue: and now
let vs returne to the Princes and Knightes, whome we left in Fraunce, England, and
elsewhere.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
¶ How the Prince Don Robert of Freeze, surnamed the Knight of Fame, hauing taken
his leaue of the King Milanor of England, and Lydiseo, the Prince of Hungaria:
found a Knight wounded to the death, and what hapned to him afterward. 5
ou remember how the Knight of Fame, being vanquished, and sore
wounded by the Prince Palladine, at the Iousts which Caesar maintained
for loue of the faire Rosamond: departed with Lydiseo of Hungaria, and
crossed the Sea into England, where they were graciously entertained by the King 10
Milanor, to whome Lydiseo presented Letters from the Prince his Sonne, and an other
from Landastines to his Daughter Florea.
These two Princes hauing soiourned awhile in the Court of England, tooke leaue
of the King and the Ladyes, and afterward sundered themselues in trauaile, Lydiseo
iorneying toward Hungaria to see the King his Father, who (as he vnderstood) was 15
fallen into a verie dangerous disease. And the Knight of Fame, coasting through a part
of Brittayne and Normandie, went to Burdeaux, and from thence into Spayne: as much
to expell the mellancholly, which the remembrance of faire Rosamonde charged his
thoughts withal, as also to make proofe of his valour against the Knightes of Spayne,
who accounted themselues the most valiant in Europe. 20
Being thus landed in Spayne, he trauailed through diuers Forrests, till night
ouertaking him, he was constrained to alight, while his Squire cut downe certaine
boughes of trees, for his maister to rest himself vpon. After they had laid themselues
downe as willing to sleepe, not farre from them they heard the voice of a man, breathing
foorth many bitter and dollorous complaints, and as it seemed to them, he was nigh his 25
Y
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
168
end, for his words faultred in the vtterance, as wanting abilitie to deliuer them,
whereupon the Knight of Fame awaking his Squire, said: didst thou not heare one
complaine very greeuously? I doo my Lord, answered the Squire, and belike he is in
some great danger. I pray thee then, quoth Don Robert, let vs go a little neerer, that we
may vnderstand what he saith. So claspping on their Helmets and Sheelds, they walked 30
softly to the place where they heard the voice, when they might heare him continue his
complaints in this manner.
Vnhappie that I am, must I needes die by the traiterous hand of him whome I
trusted as mine owne selfe? Ah wretch, why didst thou not tell me thy cruell pretence? it
might be, I would haue found meanes to haue satisfied thee: or if thou hadst yeelded me 35
better reason, I might haue desisted from my pursuite. Pursuite? alas Madame, all the
torments in the world, shall not withdraw me from your gratious loue, nor death it selfe,
which I feele hath alreadie entred me. O monstrous treason, oh false dissembling and
traiterous Castillian Prince. What say I? Prince? if thou be a Prince, thou art one of the
very worst that euer liued. 40
Ah my Lord, quoth the Squire to this wounded Knight, you may well beleeue and
hold for certaine, as I haue sayd to you many times, that loue can abide no companion:
so by the often comming and going of this traytour to Madame Minoretta, he could not
but seeke to deceiue ye, and to frustrate the hope you had in her: all which you must
now endure with pacience, seeing we are all subiect to fortunes changes. 45
If fortune then reward me with death, quoth the Knight, iustly may I accuse her of
treason, as one that procureth all the mischiefes in the world. Ah traiteresse and
wreakefull Lady, why didst thou not suffer me to enioy that honor, which her diuine
nature and beautie had grounded in my heart, and whereto I was sollemnely vowen and
dedicated? Alas, I feele my strength more and more to forsake me. Ah Minoretta, 50
Chapter XXXIII
169
Minoretta, what wilt thou say when thou hearest of my misfortune? I feare thy loue is
rated at the price of thy life. Heerewith his speech failed him, and breathing foorth a
vehement sigh, he yeelded vp the ghost. O my God, said his Squire, what shall I now
doo? where shall I bestowe the dead bodie of my maister? if I returne to the Court of the
King his brother, he will suspect that I haue murthered him. Ah sweete Lady Minoretta, 55
what hart breaking will this be to you, vnderstanding the death of my Lord, and the
occasion thereof. The Knight of Fame hearing the sorrowfull words of the Squire, and
fearing he would depart and leaue his maister: came with his Squire from behinde the
tree where they were hid, and seeing the wofull man holding his dead maister in his
armes, thus spake to him. Tell me good freend, how did this mishap befall thy master? 60
The Squire was so amazed, when by the light of the Moone he beheld the Knight of
Fame, and his Squire with him, both their swords being drawne: as he was not able to
returne any answere, whereby Don Robert perceiued, that the sudden sight of him
affrighted the Squire, wherefore he thus spake to him againe. Why doost thou not
speake to vs, my freend? doubtest thou that we come to doo thee any displeasure? 65
perswade thy selfe, that we will assist thee to our vttermost, and therefore feare not to
bewray the mishap. The Squire throughly resolued by these courteous speeches, casting
foorth many bitter sighes into the aire, and trembling as the burthen of his greeue gaue
cause, thus answered. Alas my Lord, right gladly shall I reueale to you, the great
misfortune now happened to my Lord, who (as you sawe) gaue vp his ghost betweene 70
mine armes, the occasion whereof grew in this manner.
My noble maister while he liued, was bastard brother to the King of Scicilie, yet
as deerely beloued of his Maiestie, as if he had beene his lawfull legitimate brother,
such was his vertuous and valiant behauiour: and for the King would assure my Lord of
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
170
his intire good will and affection, he gaue him the Signorie of Siracusa,1 with all the 75
titles and benefites belonging thereto. But my woorthie Lord and maister, who was
named Don Frionell, hauing about sixe moneths since heard commended, the excellent
beautie of Minoretta, Daughter to the King of Portugall: became so enamoured of her,
as to compasse the means that he might see her, he craued leaue of the King his brother
to trauaile into Fraunce, as a Knight errant, seeking after aduentures. Hauing obteined 80
licence for his departure, in stead of going to Fraunce, he tooke the way toward
Portugall, where being arriued, so well he made knowne his prowesse at the Tilt and
Tourney, which dayly hee maintained in honor of the Princesse, as the King entertaining
him into especiall fauour: all the Lords and Knights of Portugall did the like, so that
being well esteemed and honored of euery one, cheefely of the Queene and her Ladyes, 85
so well he could his Courtship to the Princesse Minoretta, that she accepted him as her
Knight, and fauoured him aboue all other that made loue to her.2
In this time came to the Court Don Galitreo of Castile, who no sooner sawe the
faire Princesse, but presently he was so esprized with her loue, as he was readie to die at
her foote, and therefore diuers times made offer of his seruice to her: but she made no 90
account thereof, declaring by her gesture and countenance, that my maister was the
onely man in her thoughts. Galitreo from this time forward, conceiued mortall hatred
against my maister, yet dissembled his villainie with such coullers, as though he had
beene one of his deerest freends. So that my maister beeing one day commaunded by
his Lady Minoretta to goe assist a distressed Lady, whome a cruell Gentleman too much 95
wronged: the traitour receiued opportunitie to set his mischiefe abroche, for he being
present when my maister tooke his charge, gaue no shew of contrarie meaning, but no
1 Signorie of Siracusa Syracuse, a south-eastern coastal city and province in Sicily.
2 all other that made loue to her All others who courted her.
Chapter XXXIII
171
sooner had my Lord restored the wronged Lady, albeit with danger of his person, by
reason of certaine wounds he receiued in fight, and returning to the Princesse againe:
but this day as we came into this Forrest, where I vnarmed my Lord to dresse his 100
wounds, the traitour Galitreo, accompanied with foure more, disguised and well armed,
awaiting cowardly to take my Lord at this aduantage, came to him with these words.
Knowest thou me Frionel? if thou wilt saue thy life, thou must heere sollemnely sweare
to me, neuer to serue the Princesse Minoretta longer, or heereafter to come in any place
where she is. My maister knowing the traitour well enough by his speeches, yet 105
meruailing to meete him in this place, because at his departure he left him in Portugal:
notwithstanding he was sore wounded and vnarmed, boldly thus answered. Rather let
me loose my life, quoth he, and endure a thousand deathes if it were possible, then I will
forgoe the seruice of my mistresse: but while I can lift my Sword, will I maintaine her
as the onely Goddesse of my heart. By God, quoth Galitreo, but I will make thee sure 110
thou shalt not: so drawing his Courtlaxe,3 and my maister being thus naked as you see,
because I was attending his wounds, he neuer left striking at him, till he sawe him fall,
when both he and his companions gallopped away so fast as they could. Trust me,
answered the Knight of Fame, thou hast tolde mee the most monstrous acte that euer I
heard of: but thou seeing thy maister so misused, why didst not thou helpe to defend 115
him? Alas my Lord, quoth the Squire, there wanted no good will in mee, but they that
accompanyed this traitour, held me with such violence as I could not stirre.
The Knight of Fame beholding the cruell woundes Don Frionell had receiued, and
what a goodly personage hee had beene in his life time, sighing, sayd. Oh God, what
two dangerous enemies are loue and iealousie? in the world there can not bee any 120
worse, whereby men may fall into so great hazard.
3 Courtlaxe Form of the word “cutlass”, a short, broad cutting sword (OED).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
172
Well my freend, quoth he to the Squire, heere must wee rest our selues for this
night, because we knowe not whether else to goe, and to morrow shall wee prouide for
thy maisters bodie, whose death I purpose to reuenge, if I may finde the man that so
bloodely murthered him. Assure your selfe my Lord, sayd the Squire, that hee is in 125
Portugall with the Princesse, because for her loue he slewe my maister, who reputed
him one of his deerest friends. There neuer were so great freends, quoth Don Robert,
whome loue and iealousie could not moue to discord, and so for that night they lay
downe and slept.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
¶ How the Knight of Fame, hauing taken order for the buriall of Don Frionell, trauailed
into Portugall, where he fought the combate with Don Galitreo of Castile, and what
was the issue thereof. 5
leere Phoebus arising from the foulded armes of faire Thetis,1 the Knight
of Fame awaked, and not able to sleepe any longer, by reason of his
troubled thoughtes, leauing the Squires who as yet had not stirred, he
walked downe to a Riuer side, where he met an aged Hermit with an earthen Pitcher in 10
his hand full of water, and hauing saluted the old Father, demaunded of him, if any
Towne or Village were neere at hand, or any religious Church or Chappell, where a
Knight might be buried, whome he had found slaine in that Forrest. In sooth my Lord,
answered the Hermit, he is not the first that hath beene murthered in this place, for I
haue enterred fifteene or sixteene in my little Chappell, which is kept with holie and 15
religious deuotion: where if you please, the Knight you speake of may be buried, and I
will helpe to carie him thither, for no other place is neere at hand by two good leagues
and more. Good Father then, said the Knight of Fame, your gentle offer shall be
accepted, the bodie is not farre hence, and little labour shall you take: for his Squire and
mine shall lay him on a horsse, and so conuay him to your Chappell without trouble. So 20
went he with the Hermit to the dead bodie, and awaking the Squires, conuaied it to the
Hermits Chappell in manner aforesaid: where the funerall ceremonies finished, the
Knight of Fame rewarded the old Hermit, and afterward mounted on horsseback all 1 Cleere Phoebus ... Thethis Added by Munday. Phoebus (Gr. the Brilliant One) is the epithet of Apollo,
the personification of the sun and the son of Zeus and Leto. Thetis is a sea divinity who dwells in the
westernmost part of the world, where the sun dissappears at sundown.
C
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
174
three, riding straight to Tolledo, and passing the flood Doria,2 entred the Realme of
Portugall, where they vnderstood that Galitreo was as then at the Court. Don Robert 25
sendeth his Squire to the King, to request safe conduct for arriuall at the Pallace, which
beeing obtained, in presence of his Maiestie he thus began.
Hither am I come worthie Prince, to let you knowe, that in your Court abideth the
most traiterous and disloiall Knight, as euer was heard of, and who (not four daies
since) hath doone such a deede in Spayne, as no one bearing Armes would haue 30
committed the like. By treason and villainie hath he murdred one of the most valiant
Knights in Europe as I vnderstand, for neuer did I knowe the man or see him, till he was
dead: he being named Don Frionell of Scicilie, who left your Court by commaundement
of Madame Minoretta, vpon an occasion, best knowne to her selfe. Full well did I
knowe the man, answered the King, but name him to me, who slew Frionell in such sort 35
as thou sayest, to the end I may cause him come and defend his cause: and if he did it in
manner as thou hast declared, or else can bring any proofe thereof, neuer shall he enter
the combate with thee, but iustice shall be inflicted on him as so foule an offence
deserueth. As for me my Lord, answered the Knight of Fame, I can make no other
proofe thereof, then by this Squire that serued Don Frionell, in whose armes I sawe the 40
Knight breathe his last, and dying confessed, that the Castillian Prince slewe him by
treason: wherefore my Lord send for him, and if he denie it, heere am I readie to auouch
it, and by my Sword will make him confesse it.
The King hearing him name the Prince of Castile, was greatly astonied heereat,
for he knew not that he was absent from his Court so lately, and the Queene with her 45
Ladies being present, were no lesse abashed: but aboue all, the Princesse Minoretta, 2 Tolledo, and passing the flood Doria The Doria refers to the River Duero, which runs from the
province of Soria (central-northern Spain) to Oporto (north-western Portugal). Toledo is a city in central
Spain, which was the capital of Castile and seat of the Court from the 11th to the 16th century.
Chapter XXXIV
175
who hearing the death of her valiant Knight, whome she in loue had made cheefest
account of, immediatly such sorrow strooke to her heart, as her speech failing her, and a
cold chilling blood passing the conduits of her vaines, she leaned on the lap of her
Gouernesse, where falling in dead traunce, all the Ladies had much adoo to get life in 50
her againe. But she being recouered, and each one placed as they were before, Galitreo
was sent for, to whome the King thus spake.
Beleeue me Galitreo, I alwayes conceiued well of you till now, perswading my
selfe of your truth and discretion, that nothing in the world could mooue ye so much as
to thinke a bad thought, much lesse to commit any acte of treason. But what I say, this 55
Knight auoucheth, that in Spayne you haue doone a deede of high dishonor, where you
being armed and well accompanied, outragiously set vpon the noble Lord Don Frionell,
he being naked and without defence, then and there you cruelly murdred him, yea, for a
cause of no weight as I vnderstand: what answere make ye to this accusation? If
Galitreo were then doubtfully surprized, I referre to the iudgement of like bad minded 60
men: but hauing beheld the stearne countenance of the Knight of Fame with counterfeit
reuerence thus replyed.
My Lord, not onely now, but at all times, calumniatours, and false accusers are
easily found, the greater part of the auncient Romaine Histories3 are stored with
examples thereof: but in the end, such bastard broode of detractours, haue felt the desert 65
of their lauish toongs, and innocencie hath vaunted with triumph. This speake I in
respect of this paillard, who (vnder your Maiesties correction) hath falsly lied, and as a
leaser is to be esteemed. For the woorthie Lord Don Frionell, was one of the deerest
freends I had in the world: beside, I dare gadge my life, that this false wretch knowes
3 auncient Romaine Histories Munday’s interpretation of the Fr. “histoires & Romans anciens” (R3r;
histories and ancient romances).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
176
me not, or euer saw me before this instant. I beleeue well, quoth the Squire to Don 70
Frionell, that this Knight had no knowledge of you till now: but I am assured that he
hath spoken truth, and so my maister himselfe confessed at his latest gaspe, that because
Madame Minoretta fauoured him, and despised you, therefore you wrought his death in
that cruell manner. The Knight of Fame perceiuing, that Galitreo had no great mind to
the combate, interrupted the Squire, and thus spake to the King. I see well my Lord, that 75
Don Galitreo despairing of his cause, desires to trifle the time with many circumstances,
in that thinketh me vnable to auerre mine accusation, because I want further testimonie,
how he and his complices masked and disguised, did the shamefull deed of death and
murther: may it therefore like your Maiestie to graunt vs the combate, and in fight will I
make manifest his treason.4 Presumptuous as thou art, quoth Galitreo, doost thou thinke 80
I feare to meete thee in plaine combate? no, so please my Lord the King, I accept thy
challenge, and hauing giuen thee the due belonging to a false varlet, will follow the
quest of my deere freend Don Frionell. Him maist thou finde dead, quoth the Knight of
Fame, soone enough to thy shame, not farre from the place where thou didst murther
him, in a little Hermitage in the same Forrest, where I caused him to be interred, as his 85
Squire and mine owne are able to testifie. Heereupon, the King called two auncient
Knightes, who hauing heard the difference between the Knight of Fame and Galitreo,
he demaunded their aduise in this doubtfull matter. They thought it expedient, that the
combate should be graunted them, to end the controuersie of further proofe: because
Frionell might be slaine by the accuser and his Squire, as by Galitreo that stood 90
4 Trial by combat or combat judiciarie to determine guilt or innocence is one of the most recurrent
features in chivalric literature (motif H218; see Motif-index FL, EMR and LCC, 740). It was a formal
adjunct to Civil Law which spread in Europe in the Middle Ages, letting God decide who was guilty.
However, it involved much manipulation, such as having a champion fight in the contender’s stead. This
practice disappeared progressively throughout the Early Modern Period. See Jennifer Low, Manhood and
the Duel: Masculinity in Early Modern Drama and Culture (New York: Palgrave, 2003), 13–16.
Chapter XXXIV
177
accused. Wherefore the King graunted them the combate at the Launce and Sword, as is
common among all Knightes, appointing the Marquesse of Villereal, and the Countie of
Marialne,5 Iudges of the feeld. All this while, the Princesse Minoretta continued her
pensiue mones, praying for the prosperous successe of the newcome Knight, and the
confusion of the traitour Galitreo. On the morrow, was this doubtfull combate tried, 95
being fought on either side with such exceeding valour, as they both fell downe foote to
foote, that each one reputed the both for dead: but when the Knight of Fames helmet
was opened, and he had receiued the fresh aire, he came to himselfe againe, albeit
Galitreo was slaine outright, and therefore condemned as foyled in fight.
The King glad of this happie victorie, intreated the Knight of Fame as he had 100
beene his owne Sonne, causing his Chirurgions to take care of his wounds, and during
the time of his abode there for his health, the continuall good countenance shewed by
the Princesse Minoretta made him liue in hope to obtaine: but he was preuented by the
King of Nauarre, who sending his Ambassadours to demaund the Princesse in marriage,
had his request graunted by the King. 105
The Knight of Fame seeing himselfe so infortunate in obtaining a wife, so soone
as his wounds were thoroughly cured, tooke his leaue of the King and departed, with
intent after he had seene his owne countrey, to trauaile into England againe, to be
reuenged on Palladine, for the foyle he susteyned at the Ioustes at Paris, so mounting
on horseback, he tooke his way directly toward Freezeland. And not able to continue 110
there any long time, because his conceiued hate was such toward the English Prince, he
5 Villereal ... Marialne Taking into consideration Robert Southey’s comments on Munday’s works in the
1807 preface to his edition of Palmerin of England, Marialne probably refers to the northern Portuguese
city of Marialva. Thus, Villereal would be Villa Real, a very common name on the Iberian peninsula, also
fitting with a Portuguese city which is only 115 kilometres away from Marialne. For Southey’s
comments, see Palmerin of England by Francisco de Moraes, Vol. I (London: Longman, Hurst, Rees,
and Orme, 1807), xxix.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
178
trauailed thorough Scotland, who meeting suddenly with Simprinell, and not knowing
him, a quarrell arose betweene them, the Knight of Fame discommending Palladine,
and vowing reuenge on all those that durst take his part, which Simprinell vndertaking,
they fell from words to strokes, and such was the good fortune of Don Robert, as hauing 115
the better of Simprinell, he departed, leauing him there very sore wounded.
Manteleo the Prince of Millayne, whome long since we left in his iourney toward
Normandie, desirous to see his sweete mistresse Marcelina, by good hap found
Simprinell thus dangerously wounded, and hauing vnderstood the whole summe of his
misaduenture, promised to follow the Knight who had thus wronged him, and to 120
reuenge his cause though it cost him his life.
Now must I giue you to vnderstand, that Manteleo and the Knight of Fame were
very neere allyed, the Father to Temoreo the Duke of Millayne, beeing brother to Don
Roberts mother: yet this kindred being forgotten betweene them, or at least their angrie
displeasure preuailing aboue the remembrance thereof, caused them (meeting together) 125
to put each others life in very great danger. And being afterward brought by their
Squires to a Gentlemans Castell neere at hand, where Simprinell likewise lay for the
recouerie of his woundes, they had knowledge of each other, when sorrowing their
meeting was in such vnhappie sort, with freendly greetings, they excused all that had
passed, riding with Simprinell to the King his Fathers Court, where they were 130
entertained as beseemed their honorable calling.
CHAPTER XXXV.
¶ How the great Turke sent his Ambassadours to the King of Aquilea, to request his
Daughter Nonparelia in marriage: and what sorrow it was to her, and the Knight
without rest, when they heard the King giue his consent. 5
ll this while remained Palladine with his faire Nonparelia, in the greatest
pleasure and delight that could be imagined, till fortune, enuious of their
successe, sought to crosse them with her wunted frowardnesse: which
Orbiconte by her knowledge well perceiuing, and that now if she layd not to her helping 10
hand, all the promised good hap would be squandered for euer, to terrefie the two louers
a little, she came and brake it to them in this manner.
It is a common saying, my good freends, that dangers foretold, hurt the lesse when
they come to passe, heereby am I to aduertise ye, that such a matter will shortly happen,
as can not but be to your great disliking: yet be of good cheere, and endure it with 15
resolued pacience, for I will preuent the effectuall working thereof. But to hold ye in no
longer suspence, knowe, that this night past I made a figure, to vnderstand thereby, if
your mariage were to be hindered by any contrarie accident: and I finde, that a mightie
Lord, euen he that commaundeth ouer all these countries, will shortly send to request
my Niece in mariage, whereto the King her Father will gladly giue consent. 20
At these words the Princesse fell in a swoune, and the Knight without rest was
meruailous impacient: but Orbiconte hauing recouered her, in this sort began to
perswade her. Why? faire Niece, doo you dispaire or doubt, that I can not hinder the
mariage betweene you and the great Turke? knowe you not, that I haue done things of
greater valew then that? I neuer thought you had such diffidence in me. Who brought 25
A
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
180
Sir Palladine into this countrey but I? and who gaue you the honor of his loue, but I?
and if I haue beene able to doo all this, thinke ye I can not wade through matter of lesse
moment? Quiet your selfe, and feare not, but I will compasse your mariage to your
owne content, without displeasing my Lord the great Turke, or the King your Father,
notwithstanding his promise. 30
Alas my good Aunt, said the Princesse, it is not for my Fathers ease, to purchase
himselfe so great an enemie as is the great Turke, who in three days is able to ruinate
our whole countrey: and hauing so bad a neighbour as is the King of Panonia, who
doubtlesse would gladly with the great Lord, in reuenge of the late foyle he sustayned, I
see no way to preuent fatall danger. 35
Why Madame? quoth the Knight without rest, victorie consisteth not in strength or
multitude, but in the policie of the Captaines, and discretion of the Souldiours to pursue
an enterprise, as many examples are left among Romaines, Carthaginians, Athenians,
and infinite other, where a small power hath preuailed against the greater, onely by the
wise foresight of their leaders, and withall, hauing truth and iustice on their side. Let vs, 40
said the Princesse, not stand vpon pollicie, or the truth of our cause, we can not be more
subtill or hardie then they are: and as for our right in the matter, what reason shall my
Father haue to denie so great a Lord? great I may boldly say, because in all the world he
hath not his second, both in riches, puissance, or any thing whatsoeuer. Alas good
Niece, said Orbiconte merily, stand not on these doubtfull tearmes, for the case shall 45
neuer be aduentured so farre: cast all your care on me, as yet (I thinke) I neuer fayled
ye. So parted they to their chambers, where the Princesse remained in a hell of greefe,
such was her intire affection to the Prince of England. And he likewise could resolue on
nothing, for now he thought to request the Princesse in mariage, before the comming of
the Ambassadors, perswading himselfe that the King would not deny him: then againe 50
Chapter XXXV
181
he dispaired of the matter, reputing himselfe vnlikely to enioy her, by reason of their
contrarietie in faith and religion, the King being an earnest maintainer of the Pagan
lawe. Nor would this imagination serue, wherefore he intended to steale her thence
secretly, and to carie her with him into England, while Orbiconte laboured at home to
appease the trouble that might follow. In the end, he reposed himselfe on the faithfull 55
promise of Orbiconte, and desired his Lady to doo the like, because he had found her so
iust in all his former fortunes. But now are the Ambassadours come to the Court, where
being entertained with great pompe and royaltie, he that was appointed cheefe in the
embassade, thus deliuered his message to the King.
King of Aquilea, the high and mightie Lord my maister being aduertised of the 60
rare vertues wherewith thy Daughter is endued, hath sent me to intreate thee, that thou
wouldest bestowe her on him in marriage: and in so dooing, he vowes himselfe thy
freend, and a continuall enemie to thy ill willers.
Heerewith he deliuered the Letters of credit, signed with the hand and seale of the
great Turke: whereat the King no lesse ioyfull then amazed, that his Daughter should 65
arise to so high fortune, without crauing any aduise in the cause, thus answered. I
thanke my gracious Lord with all my heart, that he will so honor me with request of my
Daughter in marriage: and her do I freely giue him, with all that is mine at his disposing.
Then did the Ambassadour present the King, sixe goodly Coursers of Turkie, sent
him from his Lord and maister, and to the Princesse he gaue a sumptuous Carcanet,1xviii 70
garnished with Carbuncles, Orientall Pearles, and stones of inestimable valew, which
she receiued with good countenance, albeit God knowes with a heauie heart, in which
greefe, the Knight without rest bare her company, yet durst not outward shew therof.
1 Carcanet From the Fr. “carcan” (S6v); an ornamental collar or necklace, usually of gold or set with
jewels (OED).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
182
This costly Iewell the Queene immediatly fastened about her Daughters neck, being
commended for the rarest that euer was seene: afterward the King walked with the 75
Ambassadours, dooing them all the honor he could any way deuise.
While all the Court were busied, Orbiconte came with Nonparelia to Palladines
chamber, and there concluded, that he should on the morrow take his leaue of the King,
framing his iourney directly toward England, where the Princesse and she would in
short time meete him: willing them to make no shew of sorrow at their departure, least 80
suspition might preuent what she had intended, but to resolue them assuredly, that all
her promises should sorte to effect. The Knight without rest did as he was aduised, and
albeit it was long ere the King would giue consent, because he loued him very deerely:
yet at length (with muche adoo) he preuailed, the Prince Zorian obtaining leaue of his
Father to accompanie him in trauaile, because his Maiestie thought he could neuer haue 85
a brauer companion. Many rich giftes the King bestowed on the Knight without rest,
especially one of the Coursers sent him from the great Turke, and other thinges needfull
to be vsed in trauaile, and thus he prepared him selfe toward his iourney, reposing his
confidence in the wise Orbiconte, that she would bring his Lady safely into England.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
¶ How the Knight without rest and the Prince Zorian, departed from Aquilea toward
England, and how the Knight without rest by the waye, discouered him selfe to the
Prince Zorian: who when he came into England, was baptized and betrothed to the 5
faire Graciana, daughter to the Earle of Flaunders, and the like was Manteleoxix and
Landastines to their Ladies.
uery thing being in redines for our Knightes trauaile, after all the
ceremonious conges at the parting of freendes, the Knight without rest, 10
Zorian, Broantine, Lyboran and Lycelio, all brauelye mounted in seemely
equipage: they leaue the Courte of Aquilea, and toward England iourney with all
conuenient speede, the Knight without rest being especially induced to this haste,
because he expected the promise of Orbiconte, soone after would followe him with the
faire Nonparelia. 15
Many woorthy aduentures they had by the way, as defending chaste Damoselles
from forced violence, and helping distressed Ladies to their suborned right: which
growing to more tediousnes then delightfull matter, I haue thought good to abridge, as
lothe to speake of any thing but what is woorth the hearing.1
When our Knightes were entered the Realme of Almaigne, and the Englishe 20
Prince had made good triall of Zorians loue to him: one night as they laye in Bed
1 which growing ... the hearing This insertion is added by Munday, but the contents of the omitted
passage are hardly tedious or repetitive, as is the case with previous omissions. Furthermore, the deleted
episode could have been controversial in Munday’s time: the knights encounter a hermit who is about to
rape an orphan girl of twelve or thirteen years of age. They rescue the girl and take her to her village,
where the hermit is judged, burnt alive, and his hermitage destroyed (Fr. “Ainsi, picquans ... presence des
Princes”; T3r–T3v).
E
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
184
togeather, he entred into these speeches. My Lord Zorian, the freendship solemnely
sworne betweene vs, and the proof of your ready good will in all my actions: will not let
me hide one thing from you, which till this present I haue kept with great secrecie, both
from the knowledge of the King your Father and you, onely by the perswasion of the 25
Lady Orbiconte your Aunt, to whome I am more beholding then any other liuing
creature. For in my iourney toward Aquilea, oftentimes did she preserue me from the
danger of death, and by her meanes I left the Court of the King of England my Father,
by her promise that I should enioy your faire Sister in mariage, in recompence of some
seruice I should doo to the King your Father: and this by her secret knowledge she 30
likewise tolde me, that all your Fathers dominions shall be shortly conuerted to the
Christian faithe, which I professe, and will doo till death. Then he recounted, how
Orbiconte sent him the Sheeld he bare, and shewed the Swoord wheron the name of
Aquilea was engrauen, being brought to him by the enchaunted knight and two
Damosells. He likewise declared how he changed his name because he would not be 35
knowne, and that Liboran only counterfeited dumbnes, being not able to learne the
Aquilian language: all the rest of his trauailes at full he opened, his right name and
whether he now iournied.
In sooth my Lord Palladine, answered Zorian, such resolute opinion of your
vertues haue I imprinted in my hart, as though you be contrary to me in loue and 40
profession, yet shall not my good will slack, or I forgoe your companie: but I would the
time were come, wherein my Fathers kingdome shall embrace Christianitie, which I
already begin to like so well, beleeuing that your God is of greater power then ours, as
all our successefull deedes of armes beare witnes: that I ere long will become a
Christian. Yet one thing cheeflye dooth displease me, that my Sister is promised in 45
Chapter XXXVI
185
mariage to my Lord the great Turk, which will be the occasion that my Aunte Orbiconte
cannot keep her woord with you.
My Lord and companion saide Palladine, that I haue your good liking in this
cause, in sooth it dooth not a little content me: but as for your Sister, there is nothing yet
doone but may easily be altered. Madame Orbiconte hath promised to content the great 50
Turke and your Father, and in a fewe dayes will safelye arriue with your Sister in
England. I would we might finde them there quoth Zorian at our comming, you maye
be assured I would not hinder your mariage, but assist it to the vttermost of my power:
for more account doo I make of your loue and freendship, then all the wealthy
possessions of my Lord the great Turk. And one thing will I intreat ye faithfully to 55
promise me, that the next day after our arriuall at your Fathers Court you will take such
order as I maye be baptized in the faith of a Christian, for I feele my conscience that
way earnestly addicted.2
Palladine not a little ioyfull of this request, promised to perfourme what he had
desired: so sleep causing them to breake off talke, the nexte morning they were earlye 60
on Horsse backe, and passing the Rheine, they entred Lorrayne. Afterward trauersing
the Ardeines, Luxembourge and Liege, they came into Brabant, and from thence (after
2 Munday omits a dialogue between Zorian and Palladine that includes two important observations on the
nature of nobility and kingship. First, Zorian considers that liberality is one of the main virtues a prince
should have; if he is otherwise active and mean, he will destroy and impoverish his subjects through cuts,
borrowed loans and other similar inventions which the Prince should not use except in case of great
need, in order to keep his people united and in peace (Fr. “la liberalité est vne des principales vertuz que
doit auoir vn Prince, autrement s’il estoit actif &auare, il destruyroiit &apauuriroit ses suietz par tailles,
empruntz subsides & autres telles inuentions, desquelles le Prince ne doit vser qu’à vne grande necessité
& pour maintenir & garder son peuple en paix & vnion”; T4r); second and last, Palladine explains the
virtues of his father as a ruler who was loved and respected by his people since his reign started, although,
truth be told, the English are very prone to constant riots and commotion, whether among them or
against their kings (Fr. “qu’à la verité dire, les Angloys soyeny addonnez & suietz de tout temps à
esmeutes & commotions ou entr’eulx ou contre leurs Roys”; T4r).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
186
many aduentures ended) they crossed through Flaunders, taking shipping at Callis, and
in shorte time landed at Douer in England, where they stayed two or three daies to
refresh them selues. Then comming to London to the Court, God knowes what ioy was 65
there made for their arriuall, the King to see his Sonne returned, Manteleo and
Landastines their long absent freend, and the Citizens their yong Prince whome they
feared was lost: let all their ioye be compared together, and thinke of what efficacie so
great a matter is, because pen and paper cannot disclose it. Palladine not vnmindefull of
his passed promise, acquainted the King his Father with the state of Zorian, how 70
graciouslye him selfe was entertained in the Court of Aquilea, and how the Princes
Sister was comming after with her Aunt, a Ladye of incomparable vertues and graces,
and her noble brother renouncing his paganisme, desired to be receiued into the
fellowship of Christians, not being able to enioy peace in conscience, till he were
deliuered of his vnbeleefe. 75
The King exceeding glad of these good newes, caused such royall preparation to
be made against the next daye, as at a matter of such solemnitie is required: there was
Zorian and his Squire christened, the King, the Queene, and the Earle of Flaunders
witnesses to the Prince, and Palladine, Manteleo and Marcelina to the Squire Ligasto.
Returning from the Church to the Pallace, there was ordained a sumptuous feast, and 80
Zorian well regarding the Ladies of England, among them all liked Graciana, daughter
to the Earle of Flaunders: being then sodenly so enchaunted with her, as he secretly
vowed neuer to loue any other while he liued. Palladine perceiuing his amorous
glaunces on Graciana, and noting the many alterations of his countenaunce:
immediately knew what disease he was troubled withall, which he desirous to mittigate, 85
and to pleasure the Prince Zorian to his vttermoste, the tables being withdrawen, he
tooke Graciana by the hand, and bringing her to Zorian thus spake.
Chapter XXXVI
187
My Lord and noble companion, for my sake loue this beautifull Lady, she is
named Graciana: and hope you shall finde her nature answerable to her name, to wit,
gracious, vertuous and honest. 90
I promise ye my Lord, quoth Zorian, you haue doone me the greatest pleasure in
the World, bringing to me a Lady so woorthily accomplished, that I might learne to
imitate her vertues: which haue pearced my hart in such sorte, as would she accept me
to be her Knight and seruant neuer should any other Lady haue the honor of my loue.xx I
perceiue well then said Palladine, that you are touched to the quick, doo you twaine 95
deuise togeather, and in meane while, I will goe talke with the Countie her Father. So
taking the Earle of Flaunders aside, he rehearsed to him the manifolde vertues of the
Prince Zorian, and how intirely he loued his Daughter, thinking it a great preferment to
her, if she ioyned with him in mariage. Like speeches did he vse to the Queene his
Mother, who was the Cosin germaine3 to the Earle of Flaunders, and betweene them 100
bothe handled the matter so effectuallye: as within two dayes Zorian and Graciana were
affianced together, their mariage being deferred, because of Ambassadours were gone to
Norgalles and Millaine, to conclude the mariages betweene Landastines, Manteleo,
Marcelina and Florea, and the Princes Fathers consent obtained, all these mariages
should be sollemnelye perfourmed togeather: But twenty dayes being now past, and 105
Palladine hearing no tidinges of Nonparelia, he began to waxe melanchollye, halfe
distrusting the promise of Orbiconte: yet did not this pensiuenes continue long, for she
arriued soone after as you shall presently perceiue.
3 Cosin germaine First cousin (OED, s.v. “cousin”, n. 2).
CHAPTER XXXVII.
¶ How the Princesse Nonparelia was deliuered to the great Turkes Ambassadours, and
how by the sorceries of the wise Orbiconte, the Ships were scattered, and what
perswasions she vsed to the Mariners, who were very lothe to saile into England. 5
ithin three dayes after the departure of Palladine and Zorian from
Aquilea, Nonparelia was honourably deliuered to the great Turks
Ambassadours, and with meruailous royaltye conuaied on Ship
boorde,1 accompanyed with her Aunt Orbiconte, and a seemelye traine of Ladies beside. 10
The Ankers weyed and the sayles hoysted, they launche into the deepe, the Princesse
still fearefull to loose the true owner of her loue yet comforted by her Aunt, that in few
dayes they would see England.
Being entred the Mediterranean Sea, Orbiconte saw it was time to set her practise
abroche, and seeing the Pilots and Mariners were all at rest, with a Booke in her hand 15
she came vp on the deck: where brething her charmes into the aire, and filling the sayles
with her vnhallowed spelles, the windes began to blowe terribly, and the Seas were
troubled with wonderfull roughnes, that the Mariners awaked with the horror of the
storme, awaiting euery hower their vtter destruction. In this tempest the ships were
separated so farre asunder, as the Turkes despaired of euer meeting againe, so that the 20
vessell wherin the Princesse and Orbiconte were, by daye was on the borders of Scicilie,
and very neere to the Libyanxxi promontarie,2 albeit the Pilot could not tell in what
1 on Ship boorde On board ship.
2 Libyan promontarie The Libyan promontory (Fr. “Promontoire Libybean”, X1r) probably refers to
Tripoli, the capital of Libya, located on a rocky promontory on the coast of the country, opposite Sicily.
W
Chapter XXXVII
189
Cuntrie they were. Then Orbiconte calling the Gouernours of the Ship to her, and the
Gentlemen appointed to attende on the Princesse in the presence of her Niece thus spake
to them. 25
You haue seene my good freendes in what extreame danger we haue beene this
night past, and I thinke there is no one amonge yee, but is perswaded that our Gods haue
especially preserued vs, yea, by wonderfull miracle from shipwracke, wherwith euery
minute of an hower we were threatned. In like sorte you may imagine that not without
some secret and hidden cause we are caste into these partes, and scattered from the 30
Ships of my Lordes Ambassadours: heerby doo our Gods euidentlye manifest, that men,
how strong or puissant so euer they be, cannot bring to end any intended enterprise,
vnlesse it be ordered by their fauour and direction, and heerehence ariseth the common
prouerb: That men purpose, and the Gods dispose.3 It is well knowne to you, that the
King my brother hath graunted in mariage my Niece Nonparelia to our Lord the great 35
Turke: but our Gods (from whose sight nothing can be shadowed) knowing what before
was accorded, and concluded between her and the Knight without rest, whome you haue
seene in my brothers Courte, he being the Sonne of a mighty and puissant King: haue
apparantly reuealed, that their faithfull promise to eache other must not be falsefied,
promise (I say) of mariage betweene them, wherof my selfe am sworne witnesse. In 40
vaine is it then for you thus to alleadge, that the Knight without rest is a Christian, and
This is the first instance of the word Libyan in English. The OED does not record the spelling Labean
found in the original text.
3 That men purpose, and the Gods dispose Orbiconte uses the plural gods, which underlines her
paganism and distances her from the 14th century Christian proverb “Man proposes, God Disposes”; see
Jennifer Speake, ed., Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015), s. v.
“man”. See also Tilley, Dictionary of Proverbs, M298.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
190
my Niece a Pagan: but let it suffise ye, that our Gods will haue it so, as you in short
time shall see further experience.
Doo you therfore direct your compasse to the coaste of Spaine, that from thence
we maye saile into England, the seate and Kingdome of the Knight without rest, after 45
the deceasse of his Father who is yet liuing. Feare not any inconuenience that may
ensue heereby, for I will be your safe protection, and no woorsse shall fall to you heerby
then to my Niece and my selfe, and of her haue I greater care then were she my owne
Daughter.
Heerewith she paused, expecting what answere they would returne: but discerning 50
by their countenances, that they liked not her speeches, as also they were loth to come
among the Christians their enemies, without a better warrantise of their safetie, she
began againe in this manner.
Why my freendes? are you so fearefull as you shewe your selues? doo you think
any harme shall happen to you in my companie? am not I and my Niece sufficient for 55
your assurance? what other safe conduct would ye haue? we goe into the land of our
kindred and freends, to confirme a perpetuall peace and concorde, with one of the moste
vertuous Princes in the world. My Nephewe the Prince Zorian, who departed (you
knowe) with that gentle Knight: there is he louingly entertained and fauoured, by him
whom the Gods preordained to be my Nieces husband. Saile we on then merilye, and 60
feare not the displeasure of the King my brother: for well am I assured, that they will
not dislike this mariage. And were I not fullye perswaded of what I haue saide, that the
ende of our enterprise shall sorte to a generall benefit, yea to a full resolued ioye and
content on all sides: I would not haue aduentured thus farre, being as carefull of your
good as mine owne life. 65
Chapter XXXVII
191
These speeches so throughly animated the Mariners and Gentlemen, as they
promised to fulfill what she gaue them in charge, being certaine that Orbiconte tolde
them nothing, but what she had foreseen by her wonderfull knowledge, and therfore
passing by Hercules pillers,4 they entred the Ocian, directing their compasse toward
great Britaine. By the way, they were set vpon by three pirats,5 who seeking to take the 70
spoyle of the Ship, slew many Gentlemen and Mariners, and when they were brought to
the very hardest exigent, that they thought verily to be taken by the Pirates: three
English shippes came to their rescue, wherein the high Admirall of England was, who
had beene in Portugall with the King, to aduertise him of the mariage of his two Nieces,
to the Princes Manteleo and Landastines. The Ships of England encountred the Pirats, 75
and after long fight tooke them: then comming to knowe of whence the Ship was that
had beene so distressed, the man that was sent to demaund the question, was Captaine
Broantine, who accompanyed the Admirall in this voiage. Ioyfull was Orbiconte when
she beheld Broantine, and comming on boord the Admirall, to whome Broantine
reuealed of whence they were, and that Palladine long expected their arriuall in 80
England: it is not to be asked how courteously he entertained them, vowing to take
sharpe reuenge on the Pirates for their villainous dealing. Broantine declared to
Nonparelia, the health of Palladine and her brother Zorian, how he was Christened, and
affianced to the faire Graciana of Flaunders: which newes pleased her not a little, as
also this happie and fortunate deliuerance, which she verily thought hardly to escape 85
with life. The Admirall made them the best cheere he could on Ship boord, and
afterward committed them to the charge of Broantine, to see them safely conducted into 4 Hercules pillers “The rocks Calpé (now Gibraltar) and Abyla (Ceuta), on either side of the Strait of
Gibraltar, thought by the ancients to be the supports of the western boundary of the world, and to have
been set up by Hercules”, see OED, s.v. “Hecules” (1c).
5 This is the first instance of the word pirat recorded in the OED for this sense (n. 2).
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
192
England: himselfe taking order for the Pirates Ships which after he had ransacked as he
pleased, he followed withall, as wind and weather gaue him leaue.
90
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
¶ How the Princesse Nonparelia, and Orbiconte arriued in England, where they were
royally entertayned by the King and his Princesse: And how Palladine bewrayed
what had passed between him and his Lady, wherewith the King and Queene were 5
well contented.
auing sayled with a good and prosperous winde, at length the Ships came
on the cape of Cornewall, and from thence to the Isle Benedict, where
coasting as occasion serued, leauing the cape of Pinda, they tooke 10
harborow in the Ile of Wight: from whence Broantine sent a Brigandine before, to
aduertise Palladine how neere his Lady was, the wise Orbiconte writing to him in this
manner.
The Letter from the wise Orbiconte, to Palladine Prince of England. 15
hese are to aduertise ye, Lord Palladine, that by the assistance of the highest
God, my Niece Nonparelia and I are safely arriued in the Isle of Saint Helena,1
from whence, we will shortly set forward, according to the promise I made at your
departure from Aquilea, hauing doone my vttermost in your cause for my Niece, who 20
(as you knowe) hath refused the great Emperour of Turkie, making choyse of you aboue
all other, in respect of your faithfull vowe to her, made in my chamber at her Fathers
1 Isle of Saint Helena The mention of this island is an inexplicable geographical inaccuracy stemming
from the French text, which Munday maintains. The British Isle of Saint Helena, later known for being
the place where Napoleon was exiled to, is in the South Atlantic Ocean, discovered on 21 May 1502 (St.
Helena’s Day).
H
T
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
194
Pallace, which I hope you will not now forget, considering what hath beene doone at
your earnest instance. Therefore (if as yet you haue not done it) make the King your
Father, and the Queene, acquainted therewith, and that so soone as possible you can: 25
because I would see your mariage perfected2 before my returne to Aquilea, that I may
credibly assure the King my Brother, what high good fortune is befallen his Daughter,
as also the continuall honor promised you by the destenies, and not to you alone, but to
your issue heereafter likewise. Thus awaiting opportunitie, to acquaint you at large with
our nauigation, and what dangers we haue escaped on the Sea, as your Admirall and 30
Broantine can testifie, who deliuered vs from bloodthirstie Pirates: I ceasse, presenting
hartie good will to you from my Niece and my selfe.
From the Isle of Saint Helena.
By your affectionate freend.
Orbiconte. 35
Such were the contents of the Letter, sent from the wise Orbiconte to the Prince
Palladine, which was presented him by one of Broantines Gentlemen, as he was
walking in the Garden with the King and Queene, conferring on the preparation for the
triumphs, at the mariage of Marcelina and Florea. No sooner had he read the name of 40
Orbiconte and from whence the Letter was directed, but he began to change his
countenance meruailously, which the King perceiuing, said. What newes hath Broantine
set ye, that makes your couller alter in such sort? the Letter doubtlesse is the cause
thereof. In truth, said the Queene, I see the Letter imports great matter, let vs vnderstand
what is contained therein. Palladine not daring to denie this commaundement, causing 45
2 I would see your mariage perfected Orbiconte wants their marriage to be brought to completion and
publicly solemnised, since it has been a clandestine, unofficial, and private matter so far.
Chapter XXXVIII
195
the Gentleman that brought the Letter to withdraw himselfe, thus answered. My
gracious Lord and Father, this Letter deliuers none but good newes: the Sister to the
King of Aquilea, and faire Nonparelia his Daughter, are come to visit your Maiestie.
Right welcome are they, said the King, and I will doo the honor I may: but what may be
the cause of this kindnesse, seeing our Realme is so farre from Aquilea. Then Palladine 50
declared the whole discourse of his voiage, how by the aduise of the wise Orbiconte, he
had promised the Princesse Nonparelia (after she had receiued her Christendome) to
take her in mariage, in that she was accomplished with as rare perfections of beawtie
and vertue, as any Princesse in the world beside. You place that formost, quoth the
King, which you loue best, preferring corporall beawtie before vertue: but heerein you 55
are to be pardoned, for loue and affection so alter the sences, as makes men put one
word in anothers place. I spake of that first my Lord, quoth Palladine, which I first sawe
in so faire a creature, namely a choise grace of corporall beawtie: and hauing afterward
by frequenting her companie, gathered sufficient knowledge of her inward endowments,
I placed them as they came to my acquaintance. And such is my hope, good Father, that 60
your selfe wil iudge no lesse then I doo, when you haue seene her. For the rest, Madame
Orbiconte her Aunt shall resolue ye, giuing you to vnderstand matters of weight, and
such as you will thinke your selfe happie to knowe: this being the meane to bring to the
Christian faith, the great and mightie Kingdome of Aquilea. Thou tellest me wonders
my Sonne, quoth the King, but why didst thou not sooner acquaint me heerewith? 65
Because I feared, answered Palladine, that misfortune on the Sea might alter my intent,
or the promise of Orbiconte, might be preuented by some other sinister meane. Well my
Sonne, quoth the King, I pray that thy desires may haue a fortunate end, and such things
as thou speakest of may come to passe: meane while, let vs prouide to receiue these two
Princesses,xxii and make them such entertainement as their calling deserues. Foorthwith 70
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
196
he commaunded, that the Pallace should bee adorned with most sumptuous Tapistrie,
and calling for the Viceadmirall, willed him to prepare certaine Ships, that might go
meete the Ladies as they came, wherein Palladine, Zorian, Manteleo, Landastines, and
many other great Lords were embarqued. And beeing come to the Ile of Tennet,3 they
espied the Ships sayling amaine toward them, and entering among them, Palladine 75
seeing Orbiconte aloft on the deck, knew well where the Princesse Nonparelia was:
wherefore going aboord that Ship, catching Orbiconte in his armes, he thus spake.
Welcome good Lady into this Countrey, this day doo you giue me life, and the onely
comfort I desire in this world: for had not your assurance at my departure from Aquilea
perswaded me, I had ere this beene consorted with the dead. As he was thus embracing 80
Orbiconte, the Princesse Nonparelia came foorth of her Cabin, and with a sweete
smiling countenance came to him, saying. Haue you not doone yet my Lord? I am not
content that you giue all the welcome to mine Aunt, and allow me no portion thereof, I
thinke I haue deserued some part. At these words, he suddenly leauing Orbiconte,
embraced his mistresse with such zealous affection, as neither of them were able to 85
speake one word: in which time Zorian and the other Princes, had leisure to welcome
the wise Orbiconte. During this time of greeting and salutation, they sayled on with so
good a winde, as in short time they entred the Port of London, where this honorable
companie were receiued with great magnificence, the Citizens conducting them
thorough the streetes with such pompe and sumptuous deuises, as neuer was the like 90
seene in London before. The King and Queene for the greater honor of their Sonne,
came to the Court gate to welcome the Princesse, at whose rare beawtie as they did not a
little wonder, so there wanted no kinde of courtesie, whereby their good will might at
large be expressed. So walking on into the great Hall, there began againe new shewes of
3 Ile of Tennet The Isle of Thanet, in the east of Kent.
Chapter XXXVIII
197
entertainement, whereby both Orbiconte and her Niece perceiued, that the Court of 95
England was incomparable for gracious behauior. While the King and Queene were
conferring with Orbiconte, Palladine tooke his Lady aside to the windowe,4 where she
at large declared to him, the dangers sustained in their voyage, and their good
deliuerance by the Admirall of England and Broantine. Heereof sweete Lady, quoth
Palladine, your Aunt already hath aduertised me, and I knowe assuredly, that you haue 100
escaped greater perill then you can report to me, all for my loue, wherein I am
religiously bound to you while I liue: yet heerewithall consider, that you haue endured
all this for your faithfull freend and husband, who now bids you welcome as his loyall
and espoused wife. Alas, my Lord, quoth the Princesse, you well knowe that I haue no
other intent, and the sooner our nuptials are solemnized, the better shall I be quieted, 105
least any dishonor should ouertake me, in respect of what hath passed betweene vs
heeretofore. Madame, answered Palladine, this cace concerneth me as neere as your
selfe, and to preuent such danger, we must heerein be aduertised by your Aunt
Orbiconte, the rest shall be accomplished with all possible speede. In all this time,
Orbiconte had so preuailed with the King and Queene, declaring that this mariage was 110
forepointed in their infancie, and should by her meanes be ratefied by the King of
Aquilea her Brother, as they both promised, that so soone as the King of Portugall was
arriued, who was sent for to the mariage of his two Nieces, the wedding should be
sollemnized at that instant likewise. Vntill which time, the Princesse should be
enstructed in the Christian faith, and be made partaker of that holy Sacrament, which is 115
the badge and cognizance of all Christians,5 so should her obscure thoughts be cleerely
4 to the windowe Added by Munday. The window (a symbol of conscience; see Cirlot, Diccionario de
Símbolos, 462) is introduced by Munday at two points in the text. On both occasions a conversation with
the wise Orbiconte takes place; Cf. Ch. XXXI, line 192.
5 be made ... Christians Baptism.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
198
illuminated, and the mariage would be more acceptable in the sight of God. The Kings
deuise was generally well liked, and the Princesse her selfe willing to vnderstand the
rules, which were so farre different from her Pagan profession: in which exercise she
had her whole studie and delight, till the time came that she should be Baptized. 120
CHAPTER XXXIX.
¶ How the Princesse Nonparelia and all her Ladyes, were with great pompe and
solemnitie Baptised, and all the honorable mariages afterward finished.
5
y paineful diligence of diuers learned Diuines, the Princesse was wonne to
receiue the faith of a Christian, and all her Ladies likewise that came with
her from Aquilea: so they being all attired in white garments, were
conducted to the Cathedrall Church in London, with such royall pompe and
magnificence, as euery eye was set to wonder. Such was her stately maiestie in going, 10
and her sweete lookes so effectuall in piercing, as the most deuoutest minde was halfe
rauished, yea double charged with the baptisme of these twelue Aquileans. Manteleo,
Landastines and the Queene were her sureties at the Font, and diuers honorable persons
for the Ladies, who changed none of their names at Palladines request. They were no
sooner returned to the Pallace, but newes was brought, that Don Roderigo the King of 15
Portugall, was come to London: which tidings pleased the King so well, especially all
the louers, whose mariages stayed onely for his comming, as I thinke the riches of the
whole world could not more content them. Roderigo thus arriued, is saluted by the
people, embraced by the King his Brother, welcommed by Palladine and the other
Princes, kissed so courteously by Nonparelia, his two Nieces, and Graciana, Daughter 20
to the Earle of Flaunders, as he imagined himselfe in the like place, as heeretofore was
feigned on the Isle of Aualon, and the Kingdome of Feria.1 On the morrow was the
1 Isle of Aualon ... Kingdome of Feria Avalon is the mythical and magical island where the remains of
King Arthur lay, whereas the Kingdom of Feria is Munday’s translation of the Fr. “Royaumes de faerie”
(Y2r; kingdoms of the fairy). Both the English and the French texts portray a positive image of the
mythical places mentioned in this instance, but Jordi Sánchez Martí analyses a negative reference to
Faeria that was misinterpreted as positive by Munday in his translation of Palmerin d’Oliva (1588), see
B
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
200
sollemnitie of the espousalles, and because the Kings, Princes and great Lords there
arriued, stroue who should giue place to each other: it was in the end concluded, that
each Bridegroome should leade his bride himself, therefore they went to the Church in 25
this manner. Nonparelia was lead by the Prince of England, Marcelina by Manteleo,
Florea by Landastines, Graciana by Zorian, Doronea, Daughter to the Duke of
Rostock, by Broantine, Erinnea, Duchesse of Rimandria, by Liboran. Heere doo I omit
the description of their sumptuous ornaments, chaines and iewelles, because you are
able to conceiue, that such persons at such a time, want nothing that may set foorth 30
themselues to the vttermost. The feastes at Dinner and Supper ended, the Maskes,
Mommeries, and other pastimes giuen ouer: the Hymen entred among them, whose
Comedie was so breefe, as he vsed but one acte and two persons in the scene, and that
without any auditors present, but those whome the play and partes concerned.2 But
cleere Dyan arising,3 gaue fauour to some, and offence to other, so for that time the 35
pastime ceassed, because the Lords and Ladies came to giue them the good morrowe,
especially to Nonparelia, who in time they hoped to see Queene of England.4 She
“Anthony Munday’s Palmerin d’Oliva and ‘Ogyer the Dane in Færia’” in Notes and Queries 61 (2014):
217–18.
2 Hymen ... concerned Hymen was a Greek god and the representation of marriage. His intervention at
the end of the day could be understood as an accomplishment of all the weddings in the English text, but
his “comedy with one act and two persons” is used clearly as an allegory for the sexual consummation of
the marriages, which Munday omits. The sexual encounter between the newly-weds is clearly present in
the French passage, which ends with an explicit “si qu’il n’y eut teton, esselle, ventre ny cuysse, qui ne
fut touché, chatouillé, pinceté & manié en dix mile façons” (Y2v; so that there was not any breast,
armpit, stomach, or thigh which was not touched, tickled, pinched or handled in ten thousand ways).
3 Diana (Greek Artemis) is a Roman goddess, the twin sister of Apollo and daughter of Zeus. She was the
protectress of the Amazons and huntresses, as well as the personification of the moon; Cf. chapter
XXXIV, line 7.
4 who in time they hoped to see Queene of England i.e. who in time they hoped would become the
Queen of England.
Chapter XXXIX
201
hauing with modest and amiable gestures thanked them, demaunded of Marcelina and
Florea her Sisters, how they fared, and how her Brother Zorian did with his faire
Princesse of Flaunders: they all replying, that loue that night rewarded their long 40
trauailes, and Venus courteously fauoured her Sonnes proceedings.5 But leaue we this to
such as haue made experience thereof, and now let vs come to a matter long time kept in
silence.
5 Venus ... proceedings Platonic love gave way to physical love. Phrase added by Munday.
CHAPTER XL.
¶ What end the aduenture of the Statues had, namely, that of the Goddesse Cytherea1
and her Sonne Cupid: and the braue Tournament after the proofe thereof, in honor of
the marriage of Palladine and Nonparelia. 5
n honor of this great sollemnitie, the Princes had concluded on a Tournament at
Armes: which to behold, the Ladies of the Court put themselues in comely
equipage, when Palladine before them vsed these speeches. Faire Ladies, you
knowe how long I haue beene desirous of this day, to make proofe how the aduenture of 10
Loues Images might be brought to end, namely, by one of the race of the King my
Father. And albeit I am not that happie Knight to whome it is destenied, and whome the
heauens will regard with such fauour, as in beawtie and firme affection to God beyond
all other: yet will not I faile to hazard my triall, being thus farre assured, that in matters
appertaining to a noble minde, no one hath beheld me inferiour to any. And if my 15
vertues are not come to perfection, it will be some greefe to me: because the abilitie of a
man shall be prized according to his successe in this triall. But to the end these Images
newly called to remembrance, may breede no obscure and difficult vnderstanding, you
must heere note, that in the great waste place before the Court at London, at the top of a
great paire of staires stood these Statues: the one representing Venus, holding in her 20
hand a lighted Torche, not to be extinguished but by the conquerour of double passions:
and the other was her Sonne Cupid, with an arrowe drawen in his bowe, as readie to
1 Cytherea Another name for Venus or Aphrodite, which stems from Cythera (present-day Kythira), the
Greek island where the goddess was first taken after being born.
I
Chapter XL
203
shoote, which likewise could not be discharged, but by her that was so much ouercome,
as victorious in amorous affections.
Now although these Statues were made of Marble, yet were they so excellently 25
carued, and approching so neere to the life: as Venus (being attired in habit after the
English manner) was able to entise the thoughts of a verie stayed person.2
Yet resteth one matter to declare, namely, that the man not deseruing the name of
a louer, might not present himselfe before these Images: for the sight of such men was
so offensiue to them, as they would disdaine to looke vpon them, and exalt themselues 30
into the aire, because such vnwoorthie people should not touch them.
Returne we now to Prince Palladine againe, he who by generall opinion had not
his second in England, and by his new entraunce into the fellowship of the maried,
caried his estimation in his owne conceit: that he should beare away this long desired
honor, in triall whereof so many had fayled heeretofore. Yet heerein his high opinion 35
was beguiled, for he must yeeld and giue place to those whome the fates had especially
appointed, to wit, his owne Sonne, the Prince Florano of England, and the faithfull
Lady Pamphilia of Greece, his wife, as in their historie at large it is discoursed. For this
cause, that the cheefest honor might remayne to him beyond all the other, he caused
Broantine and Liboran to begin the triall first, then the Prince Zorian followed: yet all 40
of them so slenderly fauoured, as they could not attaine to any shew of possibilitie.
Which when Landastines and Manteleo beheld, the desire of glorie they had before,
made them now of so high and resolute courage, as impacient of delay, they would not
tarie for each other, attempting their fortune together: but this vnkindly heate caught
such a sudden cooling, as their timeritie grew insupportable, whereby the Images turned 45
2 entise ... person This addition is probably the only instance in the text where Munday introduces a
phrase with suggestive connotations instead of omitting the sexual contents of the French text.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
204
their backs to them. Then they heereat offended, said: that the vertue of loue (in this
triall) had not his due, therefore they ought not to be any way dishabled. As for this
peece of Witchcraft, quoth they, heere beawtie is preferred before loyaltie: therefore it
must consequently followe, that he and she who should despoile these Images, must be
the most faire and loyall of all louers. So such as had not exquisite beawtie, and loyaltie 50
to be tearmed incomparable: were repulsed thence with such discontent, as the open
foyle was more greeuous then death to them. Palladine heereat thoroughly moued, yet
more reioycing at anothers fault, then distrusting his owne sufficiencie: aduanced
himself, and proffering his owne hand to the Torche, and the other to the Bowe, the
Images (making obeysance, and shewing amiable countenance to him) mounted vp on 55
high from him, which caused such a laughter among the Ladies, as if they had seene a
spectacle of greatest meriment. Erinnea Duchesse of Rimandria, and wife to Liboran,
with Doronea wife to Broantine, newly created Duke of Bastanella,3 in their triall, the
Images turned their backs to them: Graciana, Marcelina, and Florea had but little more
credit, sauing that the Images mooued not from them. 60
But now came Nonparelia to her turne and her behauior procured a generall
contentment: for Venus let her touch the Torche, and set the Crowne on her shoulder,
but tooke it back againe immediatly: thereby prefiguring, that she being married,4 had
now lost her libertie.
When they sawe the aduenture could not be ended, the Ladyes betooke them to 65
their Scaffoldes, and the Knightes entred the Lystes, to make better proofe of their
fortune by Chiualrie. Landastines, accompanied with Broantine, Mustiell of Rostock,
3 newly created Duke of Bastanella Added by Munday. There is no explanation whatsoever regarding
this newly-created title in the French text. The name of the duchy is probably invented.
4 married The word is missing in the English text; Fr. “elle estoit mariée” (Y3v; she was married).
Chapter XL
205
Brunifort his Brother, and Orliman of Flaunders, with an hundred Knightes more first
entred the feeld.
On the other side came Prince Zorian with Liboran, Durandell of Cleue, Grinday 70
of Orton, and Sedonis of Suffolke, with an hundred braue and couragious Knights: who
at the sound of the Trompets, encountred each other with meruailous valour.
Landastines and Zorian Iousted together, beeing of such equall strength and hardy
courage, as the victorie could be gained on neither side: to cut off which controuersie, a
new assayland entred the Lystes, bearing in his Sheeld a golden Phenix, and vpon his 75
Armour a coate of Crimosin Veluet, whereon, these two letters SS were verie thick
imbroidered in Gold and Pearle,5 the sight of this Gallant gaue cause of admiration, and
the matter of valew was expected to come from him.
5 SS ... Pearle Munday adds the “Gold and Pearle” detail and omits the Fr. “iointes ensemble auec vn lacz
de soye incarnate” (Y4r; joined together with a snare of crimson silk). The SS lacks any further
explanation in the original, but could be a reference to the collar worn by the “bas chevalier” (later
bachelor) or low knight, first introduced in England during the Norman conquest; see Alexander Brunet,
The Regal Armory of Great Britain from the Time of the Ancient Britons to the Reign of Her Majesty
Queen Victoria (London: H. K. Causton, 1839), 188–190. Thomas Robson records two possible
meanings: the first, Sanctus Sulpicius (Saint Sulpice); the second, Shieldbearer, arguing that it was an
honour anciently bestowed upon squires; see The British Herald, or Cabinet of Armorial Bearings of the
Nobility & Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland (Sunderland: Turner & Marwood, 1830), s.v. “Badge,
Union and Collar of SS”.
CHAPTER XLI.
¶ Who was the new Knight of the Phoenix, and of a Letter the Prince Palladine
receyued, concerning his fyrst loue.
5
eason requireth, that this new assaylant should be knowne, and the cause
of his comming, least otherwise you should misconceiue of the matter,
and so be depriued of the delight promised thereby. Know you then, that
the Knight of the Phenix was the Prince Caesar, Sonne to Othon the Emperour of
Roome then reigning, and husband to the faire Rosamond1 of Fraunce, who hearing of 10
the honorable Triumph at the marriage of the Prince Palladine, and the aduenture of the
Statues before the Court at London: trauailed thither, to win the conquest of the one, and
credit of the other, that at his returne to his best beloued, he might obtaine the greater
grace and fauour.
Caesar beeing thus entred the Lystes, and noting the braue chiualrie shewen by 15
the Princes, stood still a good while, till he sawe both the sides make offer of departure.
But fearing to be reprooued for his long stay, as though by cowardise he durst not trie
his fortune, he first encountred one of the Prince Zorians Knights, and threw him to the
ground with his heeles vpward. Seauen or eight more of them he serued in the like sort,
till Landastines would needes deale with this Champion: but Caesar met him with such 20
violence, as both horsse and man was sent to the ground.
1 Rosamond Munday corrects the inconsistency found in the French text, which alternates between the
name Rosamounde and Cesarine for the same character (see L’Histoire, Y4v).
R
Chapter XLI
207
The Prince of Norgalles desirous to reuenge this shame, called for a fresh Horsse
and a Launce: and calling his enemie to Ioust againe, as he made proffer to begin his
carire, the Prince Caesar thus spake to him.
Good Sir be not offended with him, who hath saluted you with a courtesie 25
common among Knightes errant: but enduring the same with pacience, giue the like to
such as hazard them selues against you.
I feele no taste of courtesie, quoth Landastines, in such greetings, and thou mayst
happen to confesse the same with him thou next assaylest, notwithstanding all thy
brauerie in speeches. By proofe, said Caesar, I shall be made perfect,2 a fierce assaylant 30
shall be assured of a braue defendour. So breaking off this contention, he gaue the
spurres to his horsse against Zorian, giuing him such a rough charge at the encounter, as
he was cast quite out of his saddle.
At this sight were Palladine and Manteleo greatly displeased, whom the King (for
the earnest loue he bare them) would not permit to beare Armes in this Tourney, but 35
caused them to accompanie their Ladies on the Scaffold, and to giue iudgement who
best deserued: they (as I said) mooued with the behauiour of the Knight of the Phenix,
came to the King with great reuerence, Palladine deliuering these speeches.
My Lord, the reuerence and dutie that children owe to their Parents, hath made vs
remaine idle among these Ladies, during the honest exercise of our freends and 40
companions, esteeming to contradict your commaund, were an offence more then
presumptuous. But now are our desires so stirred and prouoked, as we can no longer
containe our selues in slothfulnes, but are enforced humbly to intreat, that your
highnesse would giue vs leaue to Arme our selues, onely to teach this newcome Gallant, 2 By proofe ... I shall be made perfect Caesar demands satisfaction in the form of a trial by combat,
which will make him perfect (i.e. contented), since the winner of this kind of combat was considered
righteous. It predates the first occurrence as recorded in the OED, s.v. “perfect”, adj. 7.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
208
who thinks alreadie he hath made a conquest, that in England are Knights, sprung from 45
the race of the cheefest of the round Table,3 who are not to be feared with seeing three
or foure men vnhorssed.
My Sonne, quoth the King, my command was to no other end, then to withhold ye
from the thing you haue now desired, because assayed new Combates without Armes,
you should not be endaungered by two trials together, considering how the one may be 50
a hinderance to the other: and so doubtlesse would it come to passe at this instant, were
I not fully perswaded, that honor neuer breakes companie with true loue, but more and
more aduanceth his titles, to the great encouragement of all noble mindes. Therefore my
Sonnes, doo what you please, I will not hinder ye: go in Gods name, and returne with
the full of my desire. 55
Hauing thus obtained what they would, they departed to their lodgings, returning
soone armed and well mounted, and passing by the Scaffolds, Palladine intreated his
Nonparelia, to giue him one of her Bracelets, wherewith he might enter the Ioust vnder
her fauour. In which time, Manteleo went to trie his fortune with the Sonne of Othon,
and many Launces were broke between them, yet neither able to dismount the other. 60
Wherewith Manteleo being angrie, and seeking pollicie to preuaile against his foe: Lord
Caesar lifting vp the beuer of his helmet, imagining by the rich armes of Manteleo, that
he was the Prince of England, with courteous reuerence to him, thus spake.
3 sprung from the race of the cheefest of the round Table The Round Table around which King
Arthur’s best knights (i.e. Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, etc.) gather is one of the key elements of the Matter
of Britain – the body of romance and chivalric mythology stemming from Great Britain – and was first
mentioned in Wace’s Roman de Brut (1155), who adapted many details from Geoffrey of Monmouth’s
Historia Regum Britanniae (c.1135–7); see Geoffrey of Monmouth, The History of the Kings of Britain,
ed. Michael D. Reeve, trans. Neil Wright (Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 2007), 118–79. For a
biography of Wace, see Jean Blacker, “Wace (b. after 1100, d. 1174x83),” in ODNB.
Chapter XLI
209
Sir Palladine, perceiuing that you knowe me not, nor the cause of my comming
into this Countrey, and seeing you would proceed to the Combate: the loue I beare ye, 65
constraineth me willingly to discouer my selfe, beside, verie loth am I to loose the credit
I haue wonne alreadie, and so prouoke you to displeasure against me. I am your freend
Caesar, Sonne to the Emperour, as readie to be commaunded by you, as any other of
your Knights in England. Of this peace was Manteleo not a little glad, yet brauely
dissembling the matter, he thus answered. 70
Lord Caesar, I am not the man you take me for, but in respect of this exceeding
gentlenes, and the reuerent dutie I owe beside: I will proceed no further, but heere giue
ouer all cause of quarrell. And that your desire may be the more satisfyed, I will bring
ye to the man you imagined me to be, and likewise you shall knowe, with whome you
haue now twise dealt without aduantage. My name is Manteleo, Sonne to the Duke of 75
Millayne, and Brother by marriage to the Prince Palladine of England. But the
accustomed humours among new married folkes, had charmed Palladine in such sort, as
he sawe not when Manteleo thus ventured before him: yet afterward, seeing two
enemies so louingly embrace, he meruailed who the Knight of the Phenix should be, at
length these two pacefyed came toward the Prince, and in offering to salute him, this 80
cause of stay hindered them.
While Palladine was fastening his Ladies Bracelet about his arme, a Squire came
before him, who on his knees presented him a Letter, saying. Worthie Lord my Lady
and Mistresse the Duchesse of the rich Isles, whome you verie well knowe,
commending her selfe to your good grace, hath sent you this Letter: desiring as the 85
latest good you will doo her, to aunswere the same with all conuenient speed.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
210
This message, cheefely the verie last words, amazed the Prince, and beeing assailed
with diuers imaginations, he brake open the Seale, and opening the Letter, read there
these lines following.
90
The Letter from Brisalda, Duchesse of the rich Islands,
to Palladine the Prince of England.
t what time (my Lord) I was so happie, as to see you heere in the rich Islands, I
thought assuredly my good hap had taken such effect, as death it selfe could no 95
way bring to end. Not so much in knowing my selfe to be your beloued, as to remember
that my first freend was the Sonne of a King, whose goode partes I engraued so liuely in
my hart, as none but he was made Lord therof: reseruing to my selfe this onely regard,
that loue had made me no more yours, then dutie had confirmed you mine. Considering
heerewithall, that as a gadge of my good will, you being surprized with some part of my 100
graces, and passionate beyond measure (as your selfe sayd) if my liking did not consort
with yours: I gaue you that remedie for your sicknes, which a Lady of such calling as I
am, would not haue bestowed on the greatest Prince in the world. Notwithstanding, our
desires had then such a Simpathie of affection, as in all matters we were alike, hauing
each others honor in equall commendation, our nobilitie, parentage, and what else 105
beside, combined together in a riciprocall knot.xxiii But so it is come to passe, that of our
first sight, affection, and familiaritie, such a testimonie remaineth, as may not be
forgotten: for since your vnkind departure, leauing me in a laborinth of endlesse greef, I
am deliuered of a Sonne4 begotten by you, whom I haue named Vnyon, now aged
4 a Sonne Fr. “vne fille” (Z2r; a daughter). There is no narrative justification for this change introduced
by Munday.
A
Chapter XLI
211
twentie monethes, who bearing the perfect image of his Fathers graces, is the onely 110
comfort his sorrowfull mother hath. And heerein you may beleeue me, that an hundred
times he hath preserued my life, hauing so weightie a burthen at my hart, as is the small
account you haue made of me since your departure, and the wrong you doo mee in
racing mee foorth of your remembrance, not vouchsafing once to acquaint mee with the
cause thereof. Heerein is my hap so hard and regretable, as death were more welcome to 115
mee then life: to asswage which insupportable burthen, I haue no comfort but your little
Sonne, whome hourely I hold in mine armes, meruailing so sweete a babe should haue
so sowre a Father. Yet beeing thus cast off and disdained, the sorrow can not be so
irkesome to me, as the blame would to you, were your discourtesie openly knowne: but
such is my loue to you, that my nature vanquished, none but your selfe shall knowe how 120
you haue wronged me, nor further reuenge will I seeke, then with mine owne death to
burie your shame. What would your new loue Nonparelia say, if he knew my bed
abused by her husband, and she wife to him, who by flesh and blood is maried to me?
she beeing the second, might well thinke the first to be hardly intreated. But let not any
doubt heereof offend you, for from her will I safely conceale it: not in respect of any 125
loue to her, but by remayning euermore
Your faithfull and immooueable freend,
Brisalda, Duchesse of the rich Islands.
130
After he had read the Letter, he was strooken into such a dumpe, and oppressed
with such remorse of conscience, as scantly could he endure from falling beside his
horsse: the best meane to preuent the same, was the arriuall of Caesar and Manteleo,
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
212
which made him quickly change his countenance, when the Emperours Sonne thus
spake to him. 135
Sir Palladine, the courtesie showen me by the Prince of Millayne your Brother,
hath deliuered me from great trouble, enforcing me to forbeare armes, to entertaine him
in stead of your selfe. The happie Bridegroome are you to faire Nonparelia, whose
praises soare aboue the Eagle in height: nor can I forget your famous chiualrie,
perfourmed in defence of her portrait, when you conquered in Fraunce the prowd 140
Zarcanell, her vnworthie seruant that brought her figure thether.
I can not denie my Lord, answered Palladine, but the representation of my Ladyes
beawtie, hath made me conquerour in diuers slender enterprises, woon from such as had
no abilitie to keepe them, wherein if I haue deserued any reporte, as freends are easily
intreated to commend one another: farre inferiour are they to the faire Rosamonde, and 145
those aduentures that noble Caesar hath accomplished for her.
I see well my Lord, quoth Caesar, that you will binde mee to you in such sort, as I
shall haue no meane to compasse the least part of gratification: but let vs end this
needlesse talke, and goe see the rare creature, whose vertues hath allured hither so many
braue Gallants. So walked they to the Pallace, where the King entertained Caesar verie 150
royally, and all the Ladyes with exceeding courtesie, Landastines and Zorian doing the
lyke, nothing ashamed that the Emperours Sonne had the honor of the Tourney.
CHAPTER XLII.
¶ What answere Palladine sent to the Duchesse Brisalda, and how Caesar returned to
his faire Rosamonde, Landastines, and Manteleo likewise into their countreys: and of
the birth of Florano the Prince of England, Sonne to Palladine and Nonparelia. 5
aesar being thus welcommed in the Court of England, both by the Lords
and Ladyes, especially Nonparelia: Palladine feigning to goe vnarme
himselfe, tooke the messenger from the Duchesse Brisalda with him,
saying. My freend, you must needes haue a little pacience, and according to your Ladies 10
request, presently you shall haue a breefe answere from me. Then calling for incke and
paper, he went alone into the Warderobe, because he would not be suspected by any,
and answered the Letter in this sort.
The Letter from Palladine, to the Duchesse Brisalda. 15
adame, matters hauing so strangely passed hitherto, yet without any cause of
offence, you haue had some occasion to complaine, being ignorant of my
hinderance in trauaile: but when you shall vnderstand, who hath beene the cause of all
the honors obtained by Palladine, you will alter your conceit of displeasure toward me. 20
I desire ye to comfort your selfe, with the sight of our little Sonne Vnyon: of whose
welfare I am no lesse glad, then were I Lord of all the Orcades.1 Your bed hath not
beene abused, hauing thereby gained so faire a flower, and well may you thus vaunt of
your Palladine, that he is vowed to his Sonnes good fortune, maugre the crueltie of the
1 Orcades The Orkney Islands.
C
M
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
214
greatest Tirant in the world. And albeit I haue espoused Nonparelia, she must remaine 25
as my wife, without diminishing any part of the good will, wherein I am indebted to
Brisalda of the rich Islands.
Your freend for euer,
Palladine. 30
Hauing sealed this Letter with his Seale of Armes, and bound about it a little
golden Chaine, whereat he fastened a costly Diamond: he deliuered it to the messenger,
saying. My freend, deliuer this from me to thy noble mistresse, with my continuall dutie
to her good grace, desiring her to keepe this Iewell for my sake, in that it is the cheefest 35
I make account of. As for your paines, this Chaine of gold from mine owne neck I giue
ye, and let it serue as part of a recompence toward your trauaile. Thus is the messenger
returned to the Duchesse, who hauing read the Letter from Palladine, qualified her
sorrowes by good perswasions, and afterward maried the Prince Alfian of Ireland. Now
commeth Palladine into the great Hall, and there renewed his former communication 40
with Caesar, and the euening being spent in Maskes and braue deuises, onely to honor
the Emperours Sonne, at length they all betake themselues to their Chambers.
On the morrow, Caesar came to the Ladyes, desiring them to see him trie his
fortune at the Statues, which he perswading himselfe able to finish, was disappointed
with a shamefull repulse, the greefe whereof so offended him, as that day he secretly 45
departed from the Court, not bidding the King or any one adiew. The day following, as
Palladine was walking in the Garden with the King, he entred into these speeches.
My gracious Lord and Father, hauing graunted me to marrie with the Lady, whose
vertuous qualities deserued a much better husband, I greatly doubt, least the King her
Chapter XLII
215
Father, being ignorant of our former contract, will finde himselfe so agreeued heereat, 50
that he will seeke reuenge as Kings are wont to doo, which in plainer tearmes, is by the
Sword. To preuent the daunger imminent in this case, our freend Lydiseo being now
King of Hungaria, through whose Dominions he must needes passe: I thinke it not
amisse to aduertise him heereof, that he may there offer resistance, while we prouide
heere our men and munition in readinesse. Heereto may my Brethren of Norgalles and 55
Millayne be auailing likewise, wherefore with their Wiues they intend to returne home
into their countreys, and they being our faithfull allyed freends, will there likewise haue
their subiects in readinesse, to giue vs succour if neede shall require.
My Sonne, answered the King, seeing the marriage is accomplished, it is too late
to be blamed, or now to vse speeches in this behalfe, which are but friuolous and 60
vnprofitable. I pray thee therefore, reserue to thy children (if thou happen to haue any) a
future peace, without any cause of warre or molestation: and well hast thou aduised vs,
as concerning our beloued Brother the King of Hungaria, to whome within ten dayes, I
will send mine Ambassadour. Meane while, our Sonnes of Norgalles, and Millayne,
shall haue all things readie to depart when they please, as loth to hinder their good 65
determination, or any thing that may be for thy quiet and suretie. Manie other matters
were that day dispatched in Councell, all of as great importance as this, which I will
passe ouer with silence, because the secrets of Kings are not to bee made common.
The Ambassadour for Hungaria being dispatched, conducted Manteleo and his
Lady to Millayne, where he left this married couple so combred with prouision for 70
warre, as they not forgetting any part of their amorous desires, ere ten monethes were
past, Marcelina was deliuered of a goodly Sonne, named Hector of Millayne, imitating
his Father in deedes of chiualrie, yet beeing the first of that name that euer wan honor in
the feeld.
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
216
If Manteleo was welcomed with great ioy by his Father and his Subiects, 75
Landastines was not inferiour to him when he entred Norgalles, where the old King
Harfron his Father woorthely entertained him, being so glad of his good fortune, as
hauing embraced and kissed the Princesse Florea, the teares trickledxxiv downe his white
beard with inward conceite of ioy. Ah my Sonne, quoth he, how much are we bound to
thanke the God of heauen, for this especiall signe of his grace and fauour? how am I and 80
mine likewise continually to reioice, that our tribute to the Crowne of England is this
freely forgiuen vs? in happie houre was this mariage concluded, that not onely bringeth
a continuall league of peace, but disburdeneth vs of a paiment troublesome to our whole
countrey. Now dare no enemie vexe vs with warre, seeing we haue the King of England
our freend: wherefore my Sonne, for bringing this comfort to thy Fathers hart, whose 85
age makes him now vnfit to gouerne any longer: heere I deliuer the Crowne into thy
hands, not doubting but thou wilt rule as thy Father hath doone before thee. Landastines
being thus honored, and put into the full possession of the Crowne of Norgalles, soone
after made the King his Father a Graundsire, by the birth of Don Celidon his Sonne, to
the no little ioy of all his Subiects. The like good hap had the Prince Palladine, to honor 90
the aged King Milanor withall: Nonparelia being deliuered of the yong Prince Florano,
at whose birth were many good fortunes prognosticated, for which, the Citizens of
London in signe of their reioycing, caused bonefires to be made in the streetes, and the
Belles were rung day and night during the space of a sennighte.
All things being come to so good effect, and the maryed Louers in their owne 95
Countreys, the wise Orbiconte would now likewise take her leaue: for a mightie Griffon
as red as blood, came flying from the aire into the Pallace, which she laying hold vpon,
came before the King Milanor and the Queene, and to Palladine framed her speeches in
this manner.
Chapter XLII
217
My noble Nephewe, I beseech ye as you loue your honor and renowme, and are 100
desirous to make it immortall, that you will cause your yoong Sonne to be carefully
nourished: assuring you, that his deedes shall be correspondent to his name, floorishing
aboue all the Knightes of his time, he being the onely flower2 that euer grew in
England. And not onely shall he be famous for deedes of Armes and Chiualrie, but
vertue and loyaltie he shall haue in such commendation, as no Lady in the world shall 105
be found woorthie of his loue, but Pamphilia Daughter to the Emperour of Greece, as
yet vnborne. Florano shall loue loyally this Lady. In this loue he shall be so secret, sure,
and well aduised, and she like to him in all these giftes,xxv as through the world they
may not be equaled. To him and her, are the aduentures of the Statues reserued, let none
therefore seeke before that time to obtaine them. And now will I to Aquilea,3 to 110
confirme your peace with the King my Brother, and lay down order for his reuolt to
Christianitie.4 Her speeches thus ended, and freendly embracings passed on all sides:
she cast her selfe on the Griffons back, and mounting into the aire, left England, and is
gone toward Aquilea. With this meruailous accident we meane to pause, and heere
conclude our long labour, according to the appointment of Polismar and Palnocid, 115
auncient Historiographers of woorthy memory, who first deliuered this Historie in the
Brittish toong.5
2 the onely flower Fr. “seul Florent” (Z4r; the only Florano). Munday makes a pun drawing on the
similarity between the name Florano and flower and one of the meanings of the latter: the choicest
individual or individuals among a number of persons or things. (OED; n. 7).
3 now will I to Aquilea Archaic ellipsis of the verb of motion, i.e. “now I will go to Aquilea”. See OED
(v.1 18)
4 To him and he ... Christianitie Added by Munday in order to avoid loose ends. These events take place
in the subsequent books of Don Florando, which were never rendered into French or English.
5 of woorthy memory ... toong Added by Munday, who omits the French text just as Claude Colet omitted
the Spanish source in the Fr. “Polismar & Palnocid historiens antiques dex faitz Palladiens” (Z4v;
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
218
FINIS.
Polismar and Palnocid, Ancient Historians of Palladian Deeds). Regarding the Spanish text’s claims of
authenticity, Henry Thomas explains: “[the author informs] that the real authors of this chronicle were
Polismarco and Palurcio, respectively secretary and scribe to the Emperor of Rome, ‘men of clear
judgment and knowledge,’ but unrecorded in the annals of English literature.” Henry Thomas, Spanish
and Portuguese Romances of Chivalry, 132.
To the Gentlemen Readers
219
To the Gentlemen Readers.
eere did Claudius Colet of Champaigne, who wrote this Worke in the
French toong, make a full conclusion of the Historie:1 and I hauing no
further scope, but bound to follow the direction of mine Author, heere 5
doo I likewise knit vp the famous discourse of Prince Palladine. What errours haue past
in my simple translation, I must commit to the freendly iudgement of such, as knowe that
the wisest may step awry, and he was neuer yet heard of that pleased euery humour. My
good will is greater then my abilitie, and when a man doth bestowe his endeuour, onely
to delight and not displease: it is courtesie to entertaine such a ones labours freendly, 10
considering the recompence is small for a tedious trauaile. The historie of Palmendos
and Primaleon, promised in my two partes of Palmerin d’Oliua,2 as leysure will permit
1 Claudius Colet ... Historie Colet knew the existance of, at least, a second book of the Spanish Don
Florando. No edition of Book I on its own was ever printed, and he makes reference to a certain “Dame
du Parc” (Z4v; lady of the park) of unparalleled beauty who is yet to appear, though he has to interrupt
“nostre premier liure” (Z4v; our first book). In any case, he made no reference to the original source in his
text, nor did Etienne Jodelle in his preface. Therefore, we must not dismiss the possibility that Munday
was actually unaware of the Spanish origin of the book, and it is certain that he omitted Colet’s references
to the Lady of the Park and the first book because he did not have a Book II to translate from French.
2 Jordi Sánchez Martí determines the dates of publication of Palmerin d’Oliva as 1 January 1588 for the
first part and 9 March 1588 for the second part; see “The Publication History of Anthony
Munday’s Palmerin d’Oliva,” 190–207. Thus, roughly a month and a half elapsed since the completion of
the second part of Palmerin and the completion of Palladine on 23 April 1588. Palmendos appeared in
1589, and Primaleon of Greece was eventually delayed until 1595. For an account of the relationship
between Palmendos and Primaleon, see Álvarez-Recio, “Chapters Translated in The History of
Palmendos,” 549–51. For the role of Palmendos within the early modern publishing context, see Álvarez-
Recio, “Anthony Munday’s Palmendos,” 53–69. For Primaleon, see Gerald R. Hayes, “Anthony
Munday’s Romances of Chivalry,” in The Library 4, no. 6 (1925): 57–81.
H
The Famous, pleasant, and variable Historie of Palladine of England
220
shall be perfected: in meane while (for Countries sake) bid Palladine welcome, which
the French haue published in the honor of England.3
15
Honos alit Artes.4
Your well wishing freend
Anthony Munday.
20
iuers foule faultes haue escaped in the imprinting, in some places words
mistaken, as rich procall for riciprocall5 in Brisaldaes Letter to Palladine, and
diuers other by mishap left out, and partly by want of my attendance to reade the
proues, beeing called away by matters of greater importance, and whereto I am bound
3 for Countries sake ... the French ... England Munday adds this conclusion to appeal to a national
feeling: there is no proof of a laudatory intention in Colet’s L’Histoire Palladienne. As synthesised by
Sánchez Martí, appealing to a national feeling was a commercial resource used by Charlewood,
Munday’s previous printer, who would even change the order of publication of the romance cycle
Munday was translating. He thus ignored literary sequentiality in order to start the new wave of translated
chivalric romances with a book protagonised by a hero of English provenance, which would be more
likely to prove commercially successful: Palmerin of England (probably printed in 1581 and no later than
1585). In a similar manner to his claims regarding Palladine, Munday says about Palmerin of England
that it “is to the honour of our countrey of England, and deuised by strangers, to honor it the more” (STC
19161; Ff6r). Nicolas de Herberay des Essarts also used this kind of resource in his French translation of
Amadis de Gaule (1540). Munday himself would put that resource into practice; see “Zelauto’s Polinarda
and the Palmerin Romances” Cahiers Élisabéthains: A Journal of English Renaissance Studies (2016):
89(1) 74–82.
4 Honos alit Artes See Title-page.
5 riciprocall See Ch. XLI, line 106.
D
To the Gentlemen Readers
221
by dutie of mine office:6 therefore as you happen to finde them, and are able to conceiue 25
what in truth they should be, let me intreate you freendly to correct them, because I am
loth to trouble you with a gathered Errata.7
6 by want of my attendance ... mine office Munday had more pressing obligations as the Queen’s
Messenger, see Title-page, 2n3. For Munday’s interest in revising his texts, see To the freendly Readers,
5n2.
7 Errata This term, which is the plural of erratum (an error in writing or printing), refers chiefly to the
errors noted in a list of corrections attached to a printed book. This is the first instance of the word errata
recorded in the OED.
| Glossary |
A ability n. (4) pecuniary power; wealth, estate, means abroche adv. (2) in a state to be diffused or propagated; afloat; afoot; astir. to set
abroach: to broach, to set a-foot, to publish or diffuse. accident n. (1) an occurrence, incident, event addicted ppl. adj. (2) attached by one’s own act; given up, devoted, inclined aduertise v. (4) to call the attention of (another); to give him notice, to notify,
admonish, warn, or inform, in a formal or impressive manner affection n. (3) esp. Feeling as opposed to reason; passion, lust against adv. (18) drawing towards, near the beginning of, close to (19) with some idea of preparation: In view of; in anticipation of, in
preparation for, in time for amaine adv. (2) hence, with reference to motion. At full speed aray n. (2) a disposition of men in martial order, a display of military force arteficially adv. (2) in accordance with the rules of art, hence technically, artistically,
in workmanlike manner; with much art, skilfully, ingeniously, cleverly
assayland n. (1b) one who challenged another to wager of battle; one who accepted the defiance of a champion to combat in the lists
* astracisme n. an asterism or constellation attaint n. (1) the act of touching or hitting; spec. a ‘hit’ in tilting auerre v. (2) to prove true, confirm, verify auncient adj. (6) of living beings: that has lived many years; aged, old; of great
age awarrant v. To vouch for, warrant, guarantee.
B beuer n. (1) The lower portion of the face-guard of a helmet, when worn with
a visor; but occasionally serving the purposes of both. beholding ppl. adj. (1) under obligation, obliged, indebted bewray v. (4) to reveal, divulge, disclose, declare, make known, show bien venue n. (1) welcome bountie n. (1a) of persons: Goodness in general, worth, virtue (1b) warlike prowess, valour brigandine n. a small vessel equipped both for sailing and rowing, swifter and
more easily manœuvred than larger ships, and hence employed for
Glossary
224
purposes of piracy, espionage, reconnoitring, etc., and as an attendant upon larger ships for protection, landing purposes, etc. Used by the seafaring nations of the Mediterranean
C cace n. (1a) A thing that befalls or happens to any one; an event, occurrence,
hap, or chance carires n. (2a) of a horse: A short gallop at full speed (often in phr. to pass a
career). Also a charge, encounter (at a tournament or in battle) carnation adj. (1a) the colour of human ‘flesh’ or skin; flesh-colour (1b) a light rosy pink, but sometimes used for a deeper crimson
colour as in the carnation flower cabinet n. (3) a small chamber or room; a private apartment, a boudoir calling n. (10) position, estate, or station in life; rank carbuncle n. (1) a name variously applied to precious stones of a red or fiery
colour; the carbuncles of the ancients (of which Pliny describes twelve varieties) were probably sapphires, spinels or rubies, and garnets; in the Middle Ages and later, besides being a name for the ruby, the term was especially applied to a mythical gem said to emit a light in the dark
* censure v. (1) to form or give a ‘censure’ or opinion of; to estimate, judge of, pass judgement on, criticize, judge
chirurgerie n. tat part of medical science and art which is concerned with the cure of diseases or bodily injuries by manual operation: = surgery
chirugion n. one whose profession it is to cure bodily diseases and injuries by manual operation; a surgeon
coast v. (4b) to sail by or along the coast; to sail from port to port of the same country
collaude (1) to praise highly, extol combred pa. t. of cumber (2) to harass, distress, trouble conceite n. (1b) that which is conceived in the mind, a conception, notion, idea,
thought; device conceyue v. (3) pass. To be made pregnant; to become or be pregnant, or with
child condiscend v. (5) to give one’s consent, to accede or agree to (a proposal, request,
measure, etc.) conduit n. (2a) a structure from which water is distributed or made to issue; a
fountain confounded v. (1) to defeat utterly, discomfit, bring to ruin, destroy, overthrow,
rout, bring to nought (an adversary)
Glossary
225
confusion n. (1) discomfiture, overthrow, ruin, destruction, perdition conge n. (1) authoritative or formal leave or licence to depart, granted by one
in authority; passport contentation n. (3) contented or satisfied condition continue v. (3) with extension or complement: To keep on, maintain, retain conuay v. (2) to go with as a guide; to lead, conduct, guide, by going with or
otherwise. (6) often with a connotation of secrecy, mystery, or concealment;
esp. to carry off clandestinely, to make away with corsey n. (2) fig. A cause of trouble and grief, a grievance. corteous adj. (1e) as a formula of address; originally to superiors = Gracious,
gentle, benign countie n. count counterfeit n. (3) an imitation or representation in painting, sculpture, etc.; an
image, likeness, portrait counterfeited pa. t. of counterfeit (4c) To put on (with intent to deceive) the appearance or semblance
of; to feign, pretend, simulate course n. (5) the rush together of two combatants in battle or tournament;
charge, onset; a passage at arms, bout, encounter courtship adj. (5a) the paying of court or courteous attentions; esp. the paying of
ceremonial or complimentary acts of courtesy to (a dignitary) crazy adj. (2) having the bodily health or constitution impaired; indisposed,
ailing; diseased, sickly; broken down, frail, infirm credit n. (5) the estimate in which the character of a person (or thing) is held;
reputation, repute * crupper n. (2b) the rear (of a horse). on the crupper: in the rear, close behind
(one’s horse) curious adj. (8) carefully worked out or prepared; elaborate currant adj. (2) smoothly flowing; running easily and swiftly; fluent (s.v.
“current” adj.)
D daintie adj. (1) valuable, fine, handsome; choice, excellent; pleasant, delightful (2) precious; hence, rare, scarce debonaire adj. (a) of gentle disposition, mild, meek; gracious, kindly; courteous,
affable defect n. (3) the quality of being imperfect; defectiveness, faultiness declare v. (2) To manifest, show forth, make known; to unfold, set forth (facts,
circumstances, etc.); to describe, state in detail; to recount, relate default n. (1a) absence (of something wanted); want, lack, scarcity of
Glossary
226
defray v. (3) to meet the expense of; to bear the charge of; pay for delivered pa. t. of deliver (11a) to declare, communicate, report, relate, narrate, tell, make
known; to state, affirm, assert; to express in words, set forth, describe
despight v. (2) to vex or provoke to anger; to spite deuise v. (14) to confer, commune, discourse, converse, talk deuoire n. (1) that which one ought to do, or has to do; (one’s) duty, business,
appointed task diffidence n. (1) Want of confidence or faith; mistrust, distrust, misgiving, doubt discern v. (2) to recognize as distinct; to distinguish or separate mentally (one
thing from another); to perceive the difference between (things) discourse v. (5) to go through in speech; to treat of in speech or writing; to talk
over, discuss; to talk of, converse about; to tell, narrate, relate displeasure v. to cause displeasure to; to annoy; to displease disport n. (1) anything which affords diversion and entertainment; a pastime,
game, sport dissemble n. the act of dissembling, dissimulation diuine n. (2) one who has officially to do with ‘divine things’; formerly, any
ecclesiastic, clergyman, or priest; now, one skilled in divinity; a theologian
doctor n. (2a) one who, by reason of his skill in any branch of knowledge, is competent to teach it, or whose attainments entitle him to express an authoritative opinion; an eminently learned man
doublet n. (1a) a close-fitting body-garment, with or without sleeves, worn by men from the 14th to the 18th centuries
doubt v. (5) to dread, fear, be afraid of doubtfull adj. (4) giving cause for apprehensions dumpe n. (1) A fit of abstraction or musing, a reverie; a dazed or puzzled state,
a maze; perplexity, amazement; absence of mind. (2) A fit of melancholy or depression; now only in pl. (colloq. and
more or less humorous): Heaviness of mind, dejection, low spirits.
E *effuse n. a pouring out, effusion embase v. (2) to lower in rank, dignity, office, condition, or character; to
humble, humiliate; often with the sense of degrade, make base endue v. (7) To invest with honours, dignity, etc. enorme adj. (2) of sins and crimes (rarely of persons): Abnormally wicked,
monstrous, outrageous
Glossary
227
ensue v. (5a) of an event, state of things, portion of time, portion of a book or discourse: To follow, succeed, be subsequent to
enterprise v. (3) to make an attempt, undertake an operation, form a design entertaine v. (5b) to take (a person) into one’s service; to hire (a servant, etc.); to
retain as an advocate entise v. to stir up, incite, instigate (to a course of action) entreat v. (1) to treat, deal with, act towards (a person, etc.) in a (specified)
manner * equipage n. (4b) apparel, attire, costume, dress, ‘get up’ esprized ppl.of esprise To set on fire, enkindle, inflame (with love, etc.); also lit. (with
flame) espials n. (2) concr. A body of spies; hence (chiefly in pl.) a spy, scout. estate n. (3a) status, standing, position in the world; degree of rank; esp.
exalted rank or dignity (3c) person or persons of estate. (Cf. similar use of dignity.) euen adv. (6) exactly, precisely, ‘just’ exalt v. to raise or set up on high; to lift up, elevate exigent n. (1) a state of pressing need; a time of extreme necessity; a critical
occasion, or one that requires immediate action or remedy; an emergency, extremity, strait
extremitie n. (4) extreme or inordinate intensity or violence (of passion, action, suffering, labour, etc.); an instance of this; a violent outburst
F fatall adj. (1) allotted or decreed by fate or destiny; destined, fated fable v. (3) to speak falsely, talk falsehoods, lie fauchion n. falchion ferrer n. (3) with n. prefixed as sergeant-ferrer, valet-ferrer, yeoman-ferrer:
An official who had care of the horses in a large household * foyle n. (1) a light weapon used in fencing; a kind of small-sword with a
blunt edge and a button at the point. foile n. (2) a repulse, defeat in an onset or enterprise; a baffling check forbeare v. (7) to refrain from using, uttering, mentioning, etc.; to withhold,
keep back forepoint v. (1a) to appoint or determine beforehand; to predestine forgoe n. (4) to go from, forsake, leave forsworne ppl. adj. (1) that has forsworn himself, perjured forward adj. (6c) ardent, eager, spirited, zealous full adv. (1c) simply intensive: very, exceedingly furniture n. (4a) apparel, dress, outfit, personal belongings (4b) armour, accoutrements, weapons, munitions of war. Also, a suit
of armour
Glossary
228
G * gagd pa. t. of gag v. (3) to project, stick out gadge n. = gage n. gadge v. (2) to stake, wager; to risk, bet (2b) to pledge, offer as a guarantee or forfeit (one’s head, life, etc.)
(s.v. “gage” adj.) glozed pa. t. of gloze v. (3c) trans. To clothe (words, etc.) with specious adornment gouernment n. (2) the manner in which one’s action is governed
(2b) in moral sense: Conduct, behaviour; becoming conduct, discretion
gouernor n. (6) One who has charge of a young man’s education and occupations; a tutor, esp. of a prince or young noble
graundsire n. (1) = grandfather gratulation n. (2) manifestation or expression of joy; an instance of this; a rejoicing great adj. (2b) of persons and animals: Stout, corpulent Guelles adj. red in colour
H habits n. (1c) clothes, garments, habiliments hap n. (1) chance or fortune (good or bad) that falls to any one; luck, lot halbard n. a military weapon, especially in use during the 15th and 16th
centuries; a kind of combination of spear and battle-axe, consisting of a sharp-edged blade ending in a point, and a spear-head, mounted on a handle five to seven feet long
hardines n. (1) boldness, daring; audacity; hardihood heerehence adv. (1) from this source; from this fact or circumstance; as a result of this historie n. (1) a relation of incidents (in early use, either true or imaginary; later
only of those professedly true); a narrative, tale, story humbled pa. t. of humble v. (3) to render oneself humble; to assume a humble attitude; to do
obeisance, bow hye v. (2) to hasten, speed, go quickly
I Iack an Apes n. (2b) as quasi-proper name of a man using the tricks, or displaying
the qualities, of an ape iealous adj. (2) ardently amorous; covetous of the love of another, fond, lustful impeach v. (1) to impede, hinder, prevent
Glossary
229
impeachment n. (1) hindrance, prevention, obstruction; impediment, obstacle (2) detriment, impairment, injury, damage incident adj. (3) relating or pertinent to infortunes n. (1b) with pl. A piece of ill luck; a misfortune, mishap instant adj. (4a) Following immediately. Next in order of time, very next intent n. (1b) design, plan, project, scheme (6) an end purposed; the object of an action, etc.; aim, purpose intreate v. (9) to make an earnest prayer or request to; to beseech, implore (s.v.
“entreat” v.) (1) to treat, deal with, act towards (a person, etc.) in a (specified)
manner inueigling ppl. adj. from inveigle v. (1) to blind in mind or judgement; to beguile, deceive, cajole inuocate v. (2) to make invocation; to call in prayer (on or upon) insufficiencie n. (1) of a person: Inability to fulfil requirements; unfitness, incapacity,
incompetence
L labour v. (7a) to endeavour to influence or persuade; to urge or entreat league n. (2) A covenant, compact, alliance. leaser adj. a liar licence v. (1) to give (a person) permission to (do something) loose adj. (7) of persons, their habits, writings, etc.: Free from moral restraint;
lax in principle, conduct, or speech; chiefly in narrower sense, unchaste, wanton, dissolute, immoral
loth adj. (4) averse, disinclined, reluctant, unwilling (s.v. “loathe” adj.) lubricious adj. (3) lascivious, wanton lustie adj. (6) insolent, arrogant, self-confident
M maugre prep. (1) in spite of, notwithstanding; notwithstanding the power of marten n. (1) the skins or fur of the animal now called marten meaner adv. (2a) of persons, their rank or station: Undistinguished in position; of
low degree; often opposed to noble or gentle meate v. (2) to feed, to partake of food measure n. (20a) a dance, esp. a grave or stately dance meruaile n. marvel mickle adj. (2a) a great quantity or amount of; = much misdeeme v. (2) to form an unfavourable judgement, think ill (of)
Glossary
230
molest v. (1) to cause trouble, grief, or vexation to; to vex, annoy, put to inconvenience
mot n. (1) a motto (2) a word motion n. (7a) the action of moving, prompting, or urging (a person to do
something, or that something be done); a proposal, suggestion (esp. in phr. to make a motion); an instigation, prompting, or bidding
N needs adv. of necessity, necessarily. (e) will needs or would needs, implying determination or fixity of
purpose neere adv. (4) nearer in kinship or relationship
O obeysance n. (1) the action or fact of obeying occasion n. (7a) a juncture of circumstances (in itself); the falling out or
happening of anything; a casual occurrence; an event, incident, circumstance
open v. (0a) to lay bare or make manifest to the (mental or spiritual) view; to reveal, disclose, declare, make known
ouerthwart adv. (1) over from side to side, or so as to cross something; across, athwart; crosswise, transversely
over-trauailed ppl. a. to work too much, oppress or harass with toil; to overwork
P paillard n. a professional beggar or vagabond (who sleeps on the straw in barns
and outhouses); transf. a low or dissolute knave; a lewd fellow, a lecher, a debauchee
* parangonned pa. ppl. of paragon v. (2) to match, to mate parle n. (1) speech; talk; conversation passengger n. (1b) a traveller (usually on foot), a wayfarer * pawne n. (1c) a pledge or gage of battle paynes n. pl. (6a) trouble taken in accomplishing or attempting something; labour,
toil, exertions, or efforts, accompanied with care and attention, to secure a good or satisfactory result
peasant adj. Heavy. (a) Having great weight, ponderous. (b) Forcible, as a blow given with a heavy body
Glossary
231
* perfect adj. (6) completely assured, fully informed, certain: of a statement or speaker
(7) in a state of complete satisfaction; satisfied, contented perforce adv. (1a) by the application of physical force or violence; by violence;
forcibly. personage n. (3) a person (man or woman) of high rank, distinction, consideration,
or importance; a person of note perswations n. (1b) something tending or intended to induce belief or action; an
argument or inducement * pirat n. (2) A vessel employed in piracy or manned by pirates; a pirate-ship.
(s.v. “pirate” n.) philosopher n. (2) an adept in occult science, as an alchemist, magician, diviner of
dreams, weather-prophet, etc pollicie n. (4b) a device, expedient, contrivance; a crafty device, stratagem,
trick potsheard n. a fragment of a broken earthenware pot; a broken piece of
earthenware practise v. (8b) to devise means to bring about (a result); to plan, scheme,
intend (something to be done) prease n. (1a) the condition of being crowded or thronged; a crowd, a throng, a
multitude (s.v. “press” n.) preferment n. the action of putting or bringing forward; furtherance, promotion present adj. (9a) occurring or used at the very time, without delay; immediate,
instant; needed immediately, urgent, pressing present n. (2) the thing or person that is present; that which is before one, or
here; affair in hand; present occasion; pl. things present, circumstances
profer v. (4) to bring or put near or into contact with something; to present profered pa. t. of proffer v. (3) to make an attempt, to essay proue n. (12) A trial or preliminary impression taken from composed type, in
which typographical errors may be corrected, and alterations and additions made (s.v. “proof” n.)
prouision n. (1) foresight, prevision; foresight carefully exercised; looking ahead puissance n. (1a) power, strength, force, might; influence puissant adj. possessed of or wielding power; having great authority or influence;
mighty, potent, powerful
Glossary
232
Q quoth pa. t. of quethe v. said quail v. (4) to affect injuriously, to spoil, impair; to overpower, destroy, put
an end to
R ranckle v. (1b) to fester, esp. to a degree that causes pain * rebuke n. (3a) a check, stop. A severe blow. Reproof or correction by a blow reckned ppl. reckoned recomfort v. (1b) to soothe, console, or relieve in distress or trouble * redoubled pa. t. of reoduble v. (3b) esp. To repeat (a blow, etc.) refer v. (7a) to defer, postpone, put off (something) to, unto, till, until
another time or season regarded pa. t. of regard v. (2) to look after, take care of. regiment n. (1) rule or government over a person, people, or country; esp. royal
or magisterial authority rent v. (1) to rend, tear, pull asunder or in pieces repine v. (2) to regard with discontent or dissatisfaction; to fret or murmur at;
to grudge to one reprooued ppl. of reprove v. (2) to express disapproval of (conduct, actions, beliefs, etc.); to
censure, condemn reserve v. (6b) to set (a person) apart for some fate, destiny, end, etc. resolue v. (16b) to assure (one) that. Also with of. * return v. (19b) to say or state by way of reply or answer reuerence n. (1) deep or due respect felt or shown towards a person on account of
his or her position or relationship; deference roue v. (5) to wander about with no fixed destination; to move hither and
thither at random or in a leisurely fashion; to stray, roam, ramble (5b) fig. or in fig. context rude adj. (8a) of language, composition, etc.: Lacking in elegance or polish;
deficient in literary merit
Glossary
233
S scaffold n. (5) a raised platform or stand for holding the spectators of a
tournament, theatrical performance, etc. scant adj. existing or available in inadequate or barely sufficient amount,
quantity, or degree; stinted in measure, not abundant. Said of commodities, esp. provisions; also of immaterial things, actions, qualities
semblable adj. (2a) corresponding, proportional, accordant, suitable semitarie n. scimitar sennighte n. A period of seven (days and) nights; a week signe n. (6a) a characteristic device attached to, or placed in front of, an inn
(house), or shop, as a means of distinguishing it from others or directing attention to it
signifie v. (6) to notify or inform (a person) (6b) in phr. at the sign of (the Bell, Sun, etc.) sleight n. (3) skill, skilfulness, cleverness, or dexterity in doing or making
something, in handling a tool or weapon, etc. sooth n. (3) in prepositional phrases or constructions having an adverbial
force: In truth, truly, really speed v. (1a) of persons: To succeed or prosper; to meet with success or good
fortune; to attain one’s purpose or desire (3c) in sooth * stain v. (3c) to obscure the lustre of stand v. (48) to stand in stead. To be of use or advantage, to be serviceable
or profitable. stay v. (1) to cease going forward; to stop, halt; to arrest one’s course and
stand still (19) To wait for, await (a person, his coming, an event, etc. straunge adj. (1a) of persons, language, customs, etc.: Of or belonging to another
country; foreign, alien suborned ppl. a. in senses of the verb suborn; obtained by corrupt means successe n. (1a) that which happens in the sequel; the termination (favourable or
otherwise) of affairs; the issue, upshot, result sundrie adj. (5) as an indefinite numeral: a number of, several surety n. (7b) a sponsor at baptism sustaine v. (1) to support the efforts, conduct, or cause of; to succour, support,
back up surname n. (1) a name, title, or epithet added to a person’s name or names, esp.
one derived from his birthplace or from some quality or achievement
Glossary
234
T tallant n. talon target n. (1) A light round shield or buckler; a small targe. tary v. (4) to remain, stay, abide, continue (in some state or condition) therewith adv. (3b) with that as cause or occasion; on account of or because of that;
in consequence of that tofore adv. (1) of time: Previously, beforehand, earlier; heretofore, in the past toong n. tongue trauaile/trauayle v. (3) of a woman: To suffer the pains of childbirth; to be in labour (5) to journey trifle v. to pass or spend (time) frivolously or idly; to waste (time) triumph n. (4) a public festivity or joyful celebration; a spectacle or pageant;
esp. a tournament trunchion n. (1b) a fragment of a spear or lance; a piece broken off from a spear
V vaunt v. (1) to boast or brag; to use boastful, bragging, or vainglorious
language visit n. (9c) to examine medically vncouth adj. (4a) of a strange and unpleasant or distasteful character (4c) unseemly, indecorous vndestand v. (11) to have knowledge or information, to learn, of something
W wade v. (2a) to go (in action, thought, or discourse); to proceed walk v. (2) to beat, drub (a person) warrantise n. (2) defence, protection warren n. (1a) a piece of land enclosed and preserved for breeding game watch n. (2a) watching as a devotional exercise or religious observance; an
act or instance of this whereupon adv. (3b) on which account, for which reason, wherefore; (of derivation
or inference) from which, whence will v. (4) to express or communicate one’s will or wish with regard to
something: with various shades of meaning. (a) To enjoin, order; to decree, ordain
whet v. (2) to incite, instigate, egg or urge on to or to do something wonted ppl. adj. accustomed, customary, usual
Glossary
235
Y yea adv. (3) used to introduce a statement, phrase, or word, stronger or more
emphatic than that immediately preceding: = ‘indeed’; ‘and more’
236
| Traductological notes |
Chapter I
Line 33] being confederate with England Munday personifies and gives a central
role to the country over the king, opposedly to the Fr. “confederez & alliez
auec luy” (A1v; confederate and allied with him).
Line 45] as no registred memorie records the like Added by Munday.
Line 52] After the cloud begins to vanish, Munday omits that the weather also begins
to “se serener & rendre clair & beau” (A1v; to calm and become clear and
pleasant).
Line 67] being framed ... side Fr. “Cupidon d’enuiron deux piedz de hauteur fait
d’une pierre de Strin tenant son arc & ses flesches dorées en son poing”
(A2r; Cupid of about two feet of height framed of Strin stone, holding his
bow and his golden arrows his fist). Munday specifies the precedence and
characteristics of the precious stone on which Cupid is carved, omits the
height of the statue, and introduces a quiver and gives more detail about the
position of the bow and arrows.
Line 91] these monstruous men the adjective is added by Munday.
Line 98] diuers went to aduertise the King of this accident “les principaux voyans
les portes du palais encores fermées” (A2v)
Line 108] confessing [...] aduentures Added by Munday.
Traductological notes
238
Chapter II
Line 11] in that holy Sacrament Added by Munday.
Line 14] so well contented Munday omits the answer of the Queen, in which she
states her trust towards the King’s judgment. Fr. “Sire, respondit la Royne
… Norgalles.” (A3r–A3v).
Line 22] and afterward Munday omits the Fr. “puis reporté au palais à la mere en
mesme triumphe” (A3v; later returned to the mother in palace with the
same joy).
Line 26] yet was not this ioy … before that time Munday greatly condenses the
detailed narration of the sumptuous celebrations in the court, the prizes and
duration of the tourneys, as well as the shows of love of the subjects towards
their king in Fr. “arrivez en equipage … bien vser.” (A3v–A4r).
Line 31] Comedies … inuentions Fr. “comedies & aultres maneres de ieux
representez à l’antique” (A3v; comedies and other kind of plays represented
as of old).
Line 37] on the Morrow Fr. “enuiron le mydy” (A4r; around midday).
Line 52] as beseemed their estates Added by Munday.
Line 65] the rest of the twuelue Munday abbreviates the trial of the knights by
explaining what happened to only two of them (the first and the eighth),
whereas the Fr. version provides a lengthy account of the fortune of nine
Traductological notes
239
knights, their weapons, and the commentaries and japes that the kings make
about their performances. Fr. “Incontinent … la teste en pieces” (A4r–A5r).
Chapter III
Line 7] charge Munday omits the Fr. “ce qu’auez entendu sur la fin du chapitre
precedent” (A5v; as you have learnt at the end of the previous chapter).
Line 12] quoth the King Munday omits the Fr. “se souzriant” (A5v; smiling).
Line 20] whome loue … sight of Munday’s addition. He omits the Fr. “puis que
n’auez peu approcher de plus pres la collonne” (A5v; since you have not
been able to get closer to the column).
Line 24] thrust him Fr. “le repousa tout doucement” (A5v; repulsed him very
gently).
Line 27] so high Fr. “or voyons que feront les aultres” (A5v; "now let’s see how the
others did").
Line 32] Brother Fr. “Cousin” (A6r; cousin).
Line 38] by the arme Fr. “par la seinture” (A6r; by the belt).
Line 52] about the shoulders Fr. “sur les doitz” (A6r; on the fingers).
Traductological notes
240
Chapter IV
Line 12] in honor of their Prince Munday omits the fact that the banquet is made
because of the Kings of Scotland and Norgalles, hence the Fr. “pour leur
faire honneur, & á leur Prince” (B1r; to honour them, and their Prince).
Line 14] Afterward Omission of the Fr. “Apres que les Citadins de Londres eurent
bien dansé & mené les Dames” (B1r; After the Citizens of London had
thoroughly danced and led the Ladies).
Line 19] Pyke ... Battle-Axe Munday omits the Fr. “l’espieu” (B1v; the spear).
Line 21] were conducted on their iourney by many English Lords Munday omits
the King’s orders to the English Lords regarding the Kings; Fr. “auxquelz le
Roy commanda de les aller le lendemain conuoyer iusques à vn chasteau de
plaisance distant de Londres d’environ troys lieuës, & ou (dist il) leur sera
apresté le disner” (B1v; to whom he commanded to go on the morrow to
escort them up to a leisure castle three leagues from London, where (he
said) dinner will be prepared for them). The account of the next morning,
when the Kings take their leave, how magnificently they were treated during
the dinner, and how they were escorted with great pomp through the villages
is also omitted, Fr. “Or venu le matin … & lieux ou ilz passoient” (B1v).
Line 25] surpasse all other of his time Munday omits the religious reference Fr.
“dont il remercioit & louoir souuent Dieu en son cueur” (B1v; for which he
thanked and praised God often in his heart).
Line 29] and the other Florea Munday omits the Fr. “au batesme desquelles se
firent de grandz triumphes, auxquels ne nous amuserons pour le present”
Traductological notes
241
(B2r; in whose baptism great triumphs were made, on which we will not
entertain ourselves for the moment).
Line 37] to Hawke and Hunt Munday expands the Fr. “pour prendre le plaisir des
champs” (B2r; to take the pleasure of the fields).
Line 39] wherein he took delight Fr. “desquelz souuent il sonnoit deuant le Roy & la
Royne qui y prenoient fort grand plaisir” (B2r; which he often played before
the King and the Queen, who took great pleasure).
Line 46] in his youthful time Fr. “la pluspart de son temps” (B2r; most of his time).
Line 52] and beautifull creatures Munday’s addition.
Line 53] as heereafter you shall reade Munday prefers to address his audience
directly, unlike his source; Fr. “ainsi que nous dirons cy apres” (B2r; as
hereafter we will tell).
Chapter V
Line 8] Fr. “beau” (B2v; handsome) omitted.
Line 13] Fr. “tout ioyeux & deliberé” (B2v; very joyful and determined) omitted.
he came and kneeled before him Fr. “s’en alla presenter à luy” (B2v; went
to show himself to him).
Line 16] wise Fr. “preux” (B2v; valiant).
Line 28] Fr. “dist il, en se souzriant” (B2v he said, smiling) omitted.
Line 35] let me dye … dismaying Added by Munday.
Traductological notes
242
Line 55] which … cogitations Added by Munday.
Line 58] as you remaine … saw you Munday reinterprets the Fr. “qu’vn chascun en
est esmerueillé” (B3r; that everybody is filled with wonder).
Line 60] heauen ... fortunate Munday adds this final reference to heaven omitting
the initial Fr. “Or vueille dieu” (B3r; God willing) omitted by Munday.
Line 62] as I knowe … prayse Munday tones down the humility expressed by
Manteleo in Fr. “ie n’ay la disme des perfections que vous m’attribuez”
(B3r; I do not possess the tenth part of the perfections that you attribute to
me).
Line 66] as our … freend Fr. “comme nostre amy & confederé” (B3r; as our friend
and ally).
Line 69] Thus beguiled … Pallace Fr. “L’ayant le prince Mantilée, remercié de son
bon vouloir fut conduit droit au palais” (B3r; the prince Manteleo, having
thanked him for his good will, was led straight to the palace).
Line 73] embraced him verie lovingly Munday’s interpretation of the Fr. “qui le
receut fort humainement & de bon coeur” (B3r; who received him very
humanely and willingly).
Line 75] Fr. “& de luy aussi” (B3r; and of him as well) omitted by Munday.
Line 81] he found his sences so strangly inueigled Fr. “se trouva incontinent si
tresespris de son amour” (B3r; he immediately found himself so impassioned
with her).
Line 87] as your owne hart can wish Munday’s addition.
Traductological notes
243
Line 89] poore Ladies Munday’s addition.
These words … spirits Fr. “Le prince Mantilée ayant vn peu repris ses
espritz” (B3v; the prince Manteleo having recovered his spirits a bit).
Line 92] comfort Munday’s addition.
Line 93] rare Munday’s adition.
Line 94] renew Munday’s addition.
Line 95] and cheefe Mundays adition.
heauen Fr. “dieu” (B3v; god).
Line 98] rare and most perfect beautie Fr. “beauté extreme & gracieux maintien”
(B3v; extreme beauty and gracious countenance).
Line 99] And though … heereby Munday’s addition.
Line 101] Emperour of the world Munday expands the Fr. “Empereur de toutes les
Gaulles” (B3v; Emperor of all the Gauls).
Line 112] assuring … go Munday’s addition.
Line 117] Manteleo Munday omits Manteleo’s actions and thoughts. Fr. "Mantilée,
doutant que la Royne ne voulust reposer, obtempera voluntiers à ce que luy
dist le prince Palladien, & pource ayant donné le bon vespre à la Royne, &
aux Infantes” (B3v; Manteleo, doubting that the Queen would not want to
rest, complied with what prince Palladine told him, and having said good
evening to the Queen and the Infantas).
Traductological notes
244
Line 128] Fr. “comme vous pouuez penser” (B4r; as you can imagine) Address to the
reader omitted by Munday.
Line 129] but vsing … each other Verba visibilia made more explicit by Munday; cf.
Fr. “à fin de mieux & à son ayse le contempler, & luy elle au semblable”
(B4r; with the end of gazing at him better and at her will, and he at her
alike).
Line 149] Munday omits the final sexual reference of the Fr. “ce qu’il desiroit tant
auoir d’elle qui estoit le fruict de douce iouïssance” (B4r; that which he
desired to have from her so much, which was the fruit of sweet pleasure).
Line 151] nothing … opinions Munday tones down the Fr. “pas moins agitée
d’amoureuses fantasies” (B4r; no less troubled by amorous fantasies).
Chapter VI
Line 4] by the King Milanor Fr. “par les mains du bon roy Milanor” (B4v; by the
hands of good king Milanor).
Line 7] Faire … night Munday rephrases and shortens the Fr. “Les tenebres de la
nuist n’auoient encor’ du tout quité la place à la belle & plaisante Aurore”
(B4v; the darkness of the night had not completely left the place to the
beautiful and pleasant Aurora).
Line 8] Fr. “qui n’estoit encores abillé” (B4v; who was not yet dressed) omitted by
Munday.
Traductological notes
245
Line 12] Fr. “estant habillé Mantilée fort richement & le prince Palladien” (B4v;
being Mantileo and Palladine very richly dressed). Munday continues to
omit details of the character’s garments.
Line 14] Manteleo Fr. “Mantilée qui portoit la parolle pour tous” (B4v; Mateleo, who
spoke on behalf of all).
Line 17] and to morrow Munday suppreses the reference to the catholic mass; Fr.
“& demain (qui sera la feste du saint sacrement)” (B5r; and tomorrow
(when the celebration of the holy sacrament will take place)) omitted by
Munday.
The two Princes Fr. “Les deux Pinces & les autres” (B5r; the two princes
and the others).
humbly thanking his Maiestie Fr. “& luy ayans baisé las mains” (B5r; and
having kissed his hands).
Line 20] the … honor Munday omits the fact that the Knights are not alone during
their vigil, since the queen and the infantas accompanied them most of the
night, being very happy for the honour they where going to receive, and
mainly Marcelina, who could not stop looking at her “bon amy”; Fr. “la
Royne … amy” (B5r)
Line 22] In the morning Fr “Le matin enuiron huit heures” (B5r; in the morning,
around eight o’clock).
Line 24] a … hand Fr. “portoit en escharpe vne riche espée auec son fourreau” (B5r;
carried in a sash a rich sword with its scabbard).
Traductological notes
246
Line 25] with them was Munday turns into a passive character the knight of the Fr.
“les conduysoit vn Cheualier” (B5r; a knight led their way).
Line 28] by a wicked Sorcerer Fr. “par vne magicienne” (B5r; by a sorceress). The
adjective wicked is also Munday’s addition.
Line 38] these Swords Fr. “ces deux espées que voyci les meilleures qui furent
oncques forgées” (B5r; these two swords which are the best which were
ever forged).
Line 39] yet … drawne Added by Munday.
Line 46] he should receiue so great discourtesie Fr. “& sa femme aussi” (B5r; and
his wife as well) omitted by Munday.
Line 47] and … desarts Munday omits the reference to God and tones down the
violence of the Fr. “que pleust à dieu la tenir maintenant icy, ie croy que ie
luy ferois bien deffaire l’enchantement ou son corps ne peseoit vne once de
pouldre auant qu’il fust le vespre” (B5r–B5v; if it pleased God to have her
here now, I think I would make her end the enchantment, or her body would
not weight an ounce of dust before the evening ended).
Line 54] each after other Fr. “puis s’auancerent les pus anciens” (B5v; then the
oldest moved forward).
Line 55] half a foote Fr. “plus d’vn pied” (B5v; more than a foot).
Line 68] ioyfull and amazed Fr. “ny tous les assistans aussi” (B5v; and all the
people attending as well) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
247
Line 72] Marcelina Fr. “qui auoit tousiours l’oeil sur luy” (B5v; who had always the
eye on him).
Line 73] brest Fr. “chaste coeur” (B5v; chaste heart).
Line 76] we … denie it Fr. “demandez seulement” (B5v; just ask).
Line 80] quoth the King Fr. “vous n’estes pas si hasté” (B5v; don’t be in such a
hurry) omitted.
Line 85] his Marcelina Fr. “sa bien aymée Mercilane” (B6r; his bed Marcelina).
Line 86] deuising Fr. “dedans les trois iours” (B6r; within the three days) omitted by
Munday.
this voyage Munday omits the initial reaction of Marcelina, who faints at
the end of the passage. Fr. “elle se fust pasmée en la place” (B6r; she fainted
on the spot).
Line 89] which … assaults Added by Munday.
Line 90] in … shoulder Fr. “sur l’epaule de l’vn de ses Gentilzhommes qui estoit lá”
(B6r; on the shoulder of one of his gentlemen who was there).
Line 92] so … alteration Fr. “telle foyblesse” (B6r; such a weakness).
Line 94] some refection Munday omits the intervention of Manteleo’s
“gentilhomme”. Fr. “Sire, dist le gentilhomme qui le soustenout, ie croyrois
bien que ce ne luy procede d’autre part: car il n’a pas acoustumé de ieusner
si tard” (B6r; Lord, said the gentleman who was holding him, I would think
that it does not come from anywhere else, since he is not used to having
lunch so late).
Traductological notes
248
Line 96] for … hurtfull Munday’s addition.
Chapter VII
Line 6] from the Chappell Fr. “auec tous les seigneurs & Dames” (B6r; with all the
lords and ladies) omitted by Munday.
Line 8] for ... Knightes Munday’s addition.
Line 9] Manteleo Fr. “qui auoit vn peu repris ses forces” (B6r; who had regained
his strengths a bit).
Line 10] who still remained Munday omits the intervention of the narrator. Fr.
“(comme ie vous ay dit)” (B6r; as I have told you).
suspitious of their silence Munday’s interpretation of the Fr. “vn peu
ialouse” (B6r; a bit jealous).
Line 12] the secret messages Fr. “l’alteration” (B6r; the agitation).
Line 14] new Fr. “ieunes” (B6r; young).
Line 16] to courte his mistresse Munday’s interpretation of the Fr. “de deuiser auec
sa Dame” (B6r; to converse with his lady).
Line 21] let ... thing Munday’s addition.
Line 22] religious faith Adjective added by Munday.
Line 25] sufficient Fr. “honneste” (B6v; honest).
Traductological notes
249
Line 29] such ... thoughts Munday’s amplification of the Fr. “vous auez desia tant
gaigné sur moy” (B6v; you have won so much over me already).
Line 32] and ... heereafter Munday introduces love, not present in the Fr. “& la
porter pour l’amour de moy par tout ou vous irez” (B6v; and wear it for my
love’s sake wherever you go).
Line 33] with exceeding reuerence Munday’s addition.
Line 36] your diuine figure Fr. “vous” (B6v; you).
Line 38] the King Fr. “qui deuisoit avec la Royne” (B6v; who was conversing with
the queen) omitted by Munday.
Line 41] impaired This verb is added by Munday.
Line 47] who ... Scaffold Fr. “Doncques estans tous prestz d’entrer a l’estour, le Roy
les fit venir en la place ou estoient le statues” (B6v; thus being all ready to
enter the lists, the king made them go to the place where the statues were).
Munday adds the reference to the rest of the assistants.
Fr. “à la priere de Mantilée” (B6v; heeding Manteleo’s petition) omitted by
Munday.
Line 52] faire Image Fr. “mon gentilhomme” [sic] (B6v; my gentleman).
Line 54] I will not Fr. “Ie ne veux” (B6v; I do not want to).
Line 59] mounted Fr. “voulut monter” (C1r; wanted to mount).
Traductological notes
250
Line 68] therefore ... reach Munday reinterprets as denial of what is simply
ignorance on the Fr. “à tout le moins ne l’ay-ie point esprouuée” (C1r; at
least I have not experienced it).
Line 72] King Fr. “qui ne pensoit que la statue deust combatre, non plus quélle auoit
fait, du temps de la naissance du prince Palladien, y auoit enuiron dixsept
ans, contre tous ceux qui auoient attenté de leuer l’ymage du Cupidon”
(C1r; who did not think that the statue should combat, no more than it had
done, in the days of the birth of prince Palladine, around sixteen years ago,
against all those who had tried to take the image of Cupid) omitted by
Munday.
Line 76] King, Queene, and Palladine Fr. “le Roy & tus les assistans” (C1r; the
king and all the people attending).
Line 78] so aboundantly Munday’s addition.
that ... ghost Munday’s rendition of Fr. “qu’il fust expiré” (C1r; that he had
perished). To yield up the ghost is an archaic expression which means to die,
to expire.
Line 84] cruell Fr. “pesans” (C1r; heavy).
Line 85] though ... noise Munday’s addition.
Line 86] finding ... lustie Fr. “Estant reuenu à soy & repris sa couleur naturelle”
(C1r; having recovered from fainting and having regained his natural
colour).
Traductological notes
251
Line 94] the sweetes of loue Munday omits the sexual connotation of the Fr. “la
iouïssance” (C1v; the enjoyment).
Line 96] the day was farre spent Fr. “le Soleil commençóit fort a dècliner” (C1v;
the sun was quickly setting down).
Line 99] hauing ... Presence Fr. “les Cheualiers se retirerent pour s’aller desarmer &
refraischir attendant le soupper ou tous se trouuerent” (C1v; the knights left
to unarm and refresh themselves until the dinner where all would meet).
Line 101] his faire Goddesse Fr. “l’Infante s’amye” (C1v; the infanta his mistress).
Chapter VIII
Line 6] yong Fr. “vieux & nouueaux” (C2r; old and new).
shew ... feeld Munday amplifies the Fr. “faire leur deuoir” (C2r; do their
duty).
Line 8] by ... hunting Fr. “faignant aller courir vn lieüre attendant le disner” (C2r;
feigning going to chase a hare until the dinner).
Line 7] hounds Fr. trompe (C2r; horn).
Line 9] a keepers ... intended Munday slightly omits and reinterprets several
details of the Fr. “vne maison de plaisance (qui estoit à demy quart de lieuë
de la ville apartenent à vn riche citadin, duquel Mantilée fut receu & traité
au moins mal qu’il peut” (C2r; a pleasure palace, which was half a quarter
of a league from the city, owned by a rich citizen, by whom Manteleo was
received and treated the best he could).
Traductological notes
252
Line 11] the Ioustes began Fr. “le Roy fit commancer les ioustes” (C2r; the king bad
the jousts begin) omitted by Munday.
Line 15] The Champions Added by Munday.
Line 16] Fr. “auec aultres gentilz Cheualiers” (C2r; with other noble knights) omitted
by Munday.
Line 17] the Heralds Fr. “Le Roy” (C2r; the king).
Line 48] Fr. “ie vous prie” (C3r; I beg you) omitted by Munday.
Line 49] of whence you are Fr. “qui vous estes” (C3r; who are you). Munday gives
emphasis to the knights’s provenance rather than to their names.
Line 56] Fr. “& ce pendant ilz se prindrent à caresser & acoler le dernier Cheualier
qui durant leur propos auoit tousiours eu l’oeil sur l’infante Mercilane”
(C3r; and meanwhile they embrace the last knight, who had always had the
eye over the infanta Marcelina during their words) omitted by Munday.
Line 57] I leave ... imaginations Intervention added by Munday.
Line 63] to shew ... Chiualrie Munday’s expands the Fr. “á vous mostrer par tout”
(C3r; to show yourselfe at all).
Line 65] very louingly Munday’s additon.
Line 66] religiously held irreuocable Munday’s interpretation of the Fr. “qu’ilz
continuërent toute leur vie” (C3r; which they kept all their lives).
Line 68] Manteleo hauing saluted Fr. “le Roy les mena saluër” (C3r; the king lead
them to salute) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
253
Palladine ... successe Munday summarizes the events by means of the
narrator, omitting the dialogue between Palladine and Manteleo in the Fr.
“Sur mon dieu ... entendu” (C3r–C3v). The fact that Marcelina “was now
zealous of his honourable successe” is added by Munday.
Line 76] Palladine ... beawtie Munday summarizes the final part of the chapter
omitting that the king sends “à chacun vn riche manteau” (C3v; to each one
a rich overcoat) and that Palladine and Manteleo express their desire “d’en
faire autant le landemain matin au Roy, à la Royne, & aux Princesses” (C3v;
to do as much the following morning with the king, the queen, and the
princesses), i.e. to have breakfast.
Chapter IX
Line 6] armed themselves Fr. “se garnir de ce qu’il leur estoit necessaire pour les
champs” (C4r; to equip themselves with the necessary for the country).
Line 8] Fr. “qui estoit encor’ au lit” (C4r; who was still in bed) omitted by Munday.
Line 10] and sad regrets Munday’s addition.
Line 13] little ... Countreys Munday adds the reference to the “contrary nature” of
the Countries, absent in the Fr. “n’auez acoustumé d’aller par païs” (C4r;
you have not got used to travelling throughout the countries).
a learning Fr. “commencement” (C4r; beginning).
Line 21] secret loue Adjective added by Munday.
Traductological notes
254
Line 23] say ... would Fr. “dire a dieu plus priuément” (C4r; say good bye more
privately).
Line 24] teares ... cheekes Fr. “la larme, á l’oeil & tout tremblant” (C4r; the tear, in
the eye and trembling).
Line 28] Fr. “leur magnanime cueur” (C4r; their magnanimous heart) omitted by
Munday.
Line 29] Fr. “bien aymée” (C4r, beloved) omitted by Munday.
Line 31] sad laments Fr. “mille piteux regretz” (C4r, a thousand sad laments).
Line 35] had ... sexe Clause introduced by Munday.
Fr. “ny moy sans vous!” (C4r; nor me without you!) omitted by Munday.
Line 38] the Princes Fr. “noz nouueaux Cheualiers” (C4r; our new knights).
a mile Fr. “vn quart de lieuë” (C4r; a quarter of a league).
Line 44] for ... accident Fr. “car elle le scet aussi bien & mieux que moy” (C4v; for
she knows it well too, and better than I do).
Line 45] riding along Munday introduces the reference to horse riding, absent in the
Fr. text.
Line 53] of the most beautifull Fr. “des plus riches & belles” (C4v; of the most rich
and beautifull).
Line 58] for ... kindnesse Munday’s addition.
Traductological notes
255
Line 59] Fr. “en telle sorte qu’il delibera de faire toutes les choses á luy possibles
pour en auoir la iouïssance” (C4v; in such sort that he considered to do
every thing possible to obtain the pleasure) omitted by Munday.
Line 63] whether ... pleased Fr. “de sa maison” (C4v; from his house).
Line 65] his two kinsemen Introducing this reference to the afore-mentioned
kinsmen, Munday provides the text with coherence, whereas the Fr. “deux
de ses freres” (C4v; two of his brothers) shows some inconsistency.
Line 71] to make ... tractable Fr. “luy amollir son coeur” (C4v; to soften her heart).
Line 73] Fr. “se serra tant au cueur” (C4v; his heart tightens up so much) omitted.
Line 74] disloiall Fr. “mauldit & malheureux” (C4v; wretched and shameful).
Line 76] doost ... villainie? Added by Munday.
Line 91] See Fr. “tenez” (C5r; take).
Line 94] on ... him Munday personifies the Fr. “du tort qui luy esté fait” (C5r; of the
wrong which has been done to him).
Line 97] the Lady Munday personifies the Fr. “la perte” (C5r; the loss).
Line 100] Fr. “qui estoit creux” (C5r; which was hollow) omitted by Munday.
Line 101] pitifully The French cry is also “espouëntable” (C5r; dreadful).
Line 116] maleuolent villains Munday pluralizes and adds the adjective to the Fr.
“trahistre” (C5v; traitor).
Line 117] monstrous Fr. “si grande” (C5v; so big).
Traductological notes
256
Chapter X
Line 6] Princes Fr. “ieunes Princes” (C5v; young princes).
a thick wood Fr. “vne petite touffe de boys de haulte fustaye” (C5v; a small
clump of trees of mature timber).
Fr. “fort bien deliberez á voir leur cotenance” (C5v; very headstrong,
judging by their countenance) omitted by Munday.
Line 8] demaunded Fr. “demanda amiablement” (C5v; demanded amicably).
Line 13] two ... more Fr. “depuis huit iours ença” (C6r; eight days ago).
Line 15] Italian ... Millayne Munday specifies the country of origin. Fr. “l’autre
Milannoys” (C6r; the other a Milanese). He also omits the city on behalf of
the country in the next two instances in the chapter (line 25 and 28).
Line 16] great Adjective added by Munday.
Line 19] moment Noun added by Munday.
Line 20] all Fr. “plusieurs” (C6r; many).
men ... estimation Fr. “peu hardis au fait des armes” (C6r; not very bold at
feats of arms).
Line 22] their Countreys Fr. “les Gentilzhommes de leurs païs” (C6r; the gentlemen
of their countries).
Line 24] vnquenchable Adjective added by Munday.
Traductological notes
257
Fr. “prenant la parolle” (C6r; taking the floor) omitted by Munday.
Line 25] Fr. “beau sire” (C6r; good sir) omitted.
Line 26] Trust ... words Munday tones down the Fr. “par nostre Dame vous
monstrez bien qu’il n’y a pas beaucoup de ceruelle en vostre teste” (C6r; by
our Lady, you clearly show that you have not many brains in your head).
Line 29] that ... little Fr. “qui amortiroient bien tost ceste fumée” (C6r; that will
extinguish well all this smoke).
Line 31] teach ... toong Fr. “vous monstreront vostre indiscretion” (C6r; will show
you your indiscretion).
Line 33] my Lord Fr. “Monsieur mon compagnon” (C6r; my Lord my companion).
Line 36] making ... doo Munday adds the reference to Palladine’s nationality and
omits the way he gets ready to prove his foes wrong, Fr. “laça son armet &
prit la lance que luy portoit son Escuyer” (C6r; tied his helmet and took the
lance his Squire bought him).
Line 39] on the Prince Munday omits the fact that Palladine is not hurt due to the
quality of his harness, which was white and well polished. Fr “à cause de la
bonté de son harnoys qui estoit estoit tout blanc & bien poly”. (C6r)
Line 40] was throwne ... foote Due to the pain caused by Palladine’s lance, which
pierces him in the left arm. Fr “le Prince luy mist la lance à trauers le bas
gauche dont il sentit telle douleur que, laschant la bride de son cheual, il se
laissa cheoir de dessus tout pasmé” (C6v; the prince pierced his left arm
Traductological notes
258
with his lance, whereas he felt such a pain that he dropped the reins of his
horse and fell down in a swoon).
Line 42] such a freendly welcome Fr. “si ferme attainte” (C6v; such a firm stroke).
Line 44] Fr. “commencerent à chamailler & ruer sur luy d’vne force meruilleuse”
(C6v; started to squabble and rushed towards him with marvelous might).
Line 45] the Prince Fr. “qui estoit fort agile & dispos” (C6v; who was very agile
and ready) omitted by Munday.
Line 49] his horsse This reference to the horse is introduced by Munday. The only
reading deduced from the French original is that Palladine kicks the knight
in the hollow of the knee. Fr. “luy rua sur le iarret droit” (C6v).
Line 51] the vanquished Spanyard Added by Munday.
Line 54] fond and ouerfoolish Munday duplicates the Fr. “trop legeres” (C6v; overly
flimsy).
Line 63] answered the Spanyard Added by Munday.
Line 68] Fr. “par la playe du bras” (C6v; by the wound on his arm) omitted by
Munday.
Line 74] no further ... vertue Munday reformulates the Fr. “autant peu de force &
vertu qu’ilz ont peu de barbe” (D1r; even less strength and virtue than
beard).
Line 76] Munday omits Palladine’s approach to the dying knights and the religious
pleas of one of them. Fr. “ó dieu ... secourez moy! ayez pitié de moy!” (D1r;
oh God, save me! Have mercy on me!).
Traductological notes
259
Line 78] offered ... heads Fr. “l’espée sur la gorge” (D1r; the sword on the throat).
Line 83] sore hurt Fr. “qui auoit le col tout tors de la cheut” (D1r; whose neck was
twisted from the fall).
Line 86] and say ... Spanyards This remark, which extols the quality of English
chivalry over the humiliated Spanish knights, is introduced by Munday. The
translator omits the account of the Spanish knights’ painful departure and
their intention to tend to their wounds in the nearest city, as well as the
recovery of the horses that had escaped during the fight, a task they carry
out following Palladine’s command. (Fr. “Or suyuez ... leurs playes”; D1r).
Cf. Introduction, xlvii.
Chapter XI
Line 8] Fr. “vn matin” (D1r; a morning) omitted by Munday.
Line 9] Munday omits what the characters talk about when the action pauses (e.g.
during a boat trip), as in this case, when Manteleo and Palladine spend their
time during the trip talking in general about the vanquished Spanish knights.
(Fr. “se mirent ... sentoit”; D1r–D1v).
Line 10] Munday omits the duration of the trip: Fr. “en vn iour & demy” (D1v; “in a
day and a half”).
Line 11] greatly Added by Munday.
Line 13] Hauing ... Holland Added by Munday.
Line 16] yong woman Fr. “villageoyse” (D1v; villager) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
260
Line 18] let ... pray Summarized account of the French version, in which Palladine
advices the party to close the way to the beast in case it decides to go away
while Manteleo and Palladine go to fight it on foot, to which Manteleo
gladly agrees (Fr. “ie ... poing”; D1v).
Line 21] Munday omits Palladine’s utterance when the lion tries to get into the cave:
Fr. “par dieu monsier du Lyon, dist le Prince, il ne sera pas vray” (D1v; by
God Lord of the Lion, said the Prince, it will not be true).
Line 23] Manteleo also threw one of the lion’s legs to the floor. Fr “ly fit voller vne
des pates par terre” (D1v).
Line 27] Munday summarizes with this line all the violent actions, such as piercing
the lion’s belly with a lance or slitting the lioness back to the entrails (Fr.
“quelz ... champ”; D1v).
Line 28] had ... daunger Fr. “Dieu l’auoit gardé” (D1v; God had guarded her).
humbly thanked Direct speech of the woman summarized and ommited by
Munday (Fr. “Helas ... vous”; D1v).
Line 30] good woman Fr. “m’amye” (D1v; my friend).
Line 39] I made ... done This part of the woman’s account is added by Munday.
Line 40] three Fr. “deux” (D2r; two).
Line 41] some Boores Added by Munday.
Line 42] And ... Caue Munday summarizes a conversation between the Damosel and
the woman, in which the former tells the woman to breast-feed her child (Fr.
“donnez luy le tetin”; D2r), a fact omitted by Munday. A reference to the
Traductological notes
261
lioness’s nipples as a way to know that the cubs should be near is also
omitted (Fr. “que les petitz ne sont pas loing, on le peult cognoistre aux
tettes de ceste Lyonne”; D2r). Also omitted is Manteleo’s eagerness to enter
the cave on his own, Palladine having thus to refrain him (Fr. “Foy ...
compagnon”; D2r).
Line 45] to your house Fr. “au bourg” (D2r; to the village).
Line 49] staues, flayles, and pikeforkes Munday expands the agrarian connotatios
of the Fr. “espieux, fourches & iauelines” (D2r; spears, pitchforks and
javelins).
Line 54] but God ... sort Added by Munday.
Line 57] poore All the subsequent references to the woman and the countrymen as
“poore” are added by Munday.
Line 59] nourished Fr. “avec du lait de vache & du pain” (D2v; with cow milk and
bread).
Line 71] if ... further This hyperbolic statement is added by Munday.
Line 79] at length Fr. “en peu de iours sur le midy” (D2v; in a few days, at noon).
Line 85] Manteleo still remembring In the French text, Manteleo’s thoughts take
place “estans tous couchez” (D2v; all being in bed).
Line 86] remembring ... Marcelina Munday omits Manteleo’s clear intentions
towards the princess; Fr. “faire tant d’armes pour l’amour d’elle qu’a leur
retour son frere Palladien luy en ferit le recit & moyenneroit le mariage
Traductological notes
262
d’entre eux” (D2v; do so many feats of arms for her that on their return her
brother Palladine will recount and intercede for their marriage).
Chapter XII
Line 4] Gentleman of the Castell Fr. “le Cheualier rauisseur” (D3r; the ravishing
knight).
Line 7] the one ... him This reminder of the previous events is added by Munday.
Line 12] the Knightes Sister Fr. “Celle qui auoit la charge de luy porter la parolle”
(D3r; the one who was in charge of speaking for him).
Earely ... determined The enchaunted knight leads the action in the French
text during this passage, looks for his companions and wakes them up, since
from dawn “il fut incontinent sur piedz” (D3r; he could not restrain his
feet).
Line 15] two or three of his seruants Fr. “trois ou quatre soldatz” (D3v; three or
four soldiers).
Line 19] most ... liuing Munday exaggerates the Fr. “lasche and meschant” (D3v;
coward and malicious).
Line 20] of a man towards his freend Added by Munday.
Line 23] before two houres are expired Fr. “auant qu’il soit mydi sonné” (D3v;
before it’s gone midday).
Line 28] thy Brothers wife Fr. “vostre belle soeur” (D3v; your beautiful sister).
Traductological notes
263
Line 29] a foolish woman Munday tones down the Fr. “vous, qui monstrez n’auoir
pas beaucoup de ceruelle” (D3v; you, that show not to have a lot of brains).
Line 32] for ... them Added by Munday.
Line 34] Princes Fr “qui estoient ia tous armez & pretz de monter à cheual” (D3v;
who were already armed and ready to ride) omitted by Munday.
Line 35] the ... mishap Fr. “la reponse” (D3v; the reply).
toward the Castell Fr “auec leurs Escuyers & les Damoyselles qui les
conduirent” (D3v; with their squires and the the damosels who led them).
Line 39] secretly ambushed The concealment element is added by Munday. Fr.
“commanda armer vingt aultres de ses gens” (D3v; commanded twenty
other of his people to arm).
Line 42] to the Castell Munday omits a paragraph were the party arrives close to the
castle and Palladine bids the squires and the damosels stay, since a combat
of three against three has been agreed. (Fr. “arriuez ... qu’eux”; D3v).
Line 47] Palladine ... so Palladines’s consent added by Munday.
Line 51] outright A more detailed account of the combats between the enchanted
knight and the gentleman (Fr. “A l’instant ... coups”; D4r); and the princes
and the brethren (Fr. “Ce pendant ... aux aultres”; D4r) is omitted by
Munday.
Now ... death Once again, Munday omits the details of the skirmish
between servants, princes and squires. The direct speech of the gentleman’s
Traductological notes
264
people is rendered into indirect speech in the English version (Fr. “ah
malheureux ... la mort”).
Line 55] hunting Fr. “allé courre le Cerf” (D4r; deer hunting).
Line 57] Knightes Fr. “quinze ou vingtz Cheualiers” (D4r; fifteen or twenty knights).
When he beheld Fr. “voulut la fortune qu’il entendit d’assez loing les cris
& les coups” (D4r; fortune would have it that he heard the cries and the
blows from afar).
he commaunded ... punishment Lydiseo’s speech about the unfairness of
the fight and details of the ensuing combat omitted by Munday (Fr. “Par
dieu ... porte”; D4v).
Line 62] The two Damosels Fr. “qui n’auoient fait que plorer & se desconforter”
(D4v; who had not done other than crying and discouraging) omitted by
Munday.
Line 68] dungion Fr. “chambre” (D4v; room).
Line 69] Lydiseo Munday omits several details such as the Gentleman of the castle
and his servants trying to obtain the prince’s pardon at his feet (Fr. “à ses
piedz luy demanda pardon & tous ses gens semblablement”; D4v) and
Lydiseo’s gratitude towards God, who has allowed him to meet the English
Princes (Fr. “ie remercie Dieu qui m’a fait la grace de vous cognoistre”;
D4v).
Line 73] they found her Fr. “les troys Princes tascherent à ouurir l’huys de la
chambre: mais il ne leur fut oncques possible: en fin le mary de la
Traductological notes
265
Damoyselle la print & l’ouurit bien facilement” (D4v; the three princes
attempted to open the door of the room, but it was not possible. In the end,
the lady’s husband took [the key] and opend it very easily).
Line 75] I leaue ... louers Munday summarizes a lengthy amorous dialogue between
the couple. The translator omits the fact that the lady, who was well
acquainted with the treating of injuries, promised [Palladine and Manteleo]
full recovery within ten days at the latest (Fr. “qui se cognoissoit fort bien
en la chirurgie leur promist entiere guerison dedans dix iours au plus tard”;
D5r).
Line 77] free ... dishonor Fr. “oncques ne me toucha ny fit deshonneur quant à mon
corps” (D5r; as for my body, he did never touch me nor do dishonour).
Line 81] wilde Adjective added by Munday.
Chapter XIII
Line 8] with them Fr. “puis descendirent aux iardins bien peuplez de toutes sortes
d’arbres & belles fonteines” (D5r; then they went down to the gardens, filled
with trees of all kinds and beautiful fountains) omitted by Munday.
Line 11] The enchaunted ... Lady In the French version, the men go for a walk
while the damosels tell the enchanted knight’s wife the previous issues
(D5r; “les Damoyselles ce pendant racontoient à la femme du Cheualier tout
le discours de leur voyage”).
Line 12] Sorceresse Fr. “Nigromancienne” (D5v; necromancer).
Traductological notes
266
Line 15] her great care ... minde Added by Munday.
Line 16] Needlesse ... Castell Munday adds the reference to Lydiseo’s father and his
presents. Munday also omits almost a whole French folio containing “the
story of the servant”. In the passage, the princes and their companions hear
some cries coming from a man who is starving to death. The man, a servant
of the villanous owner of the castle, was put in the bottom of a pit as a
punishment, since he tried to help the wife of the enchanted knight escape.
As a reward, they all agree to take him out of the well and dress him with
the best clothes found, obtaining the servant’s undying loyalty (Fr. “d’ou ilz
... commander”; D5v).
Line 46] superstitious Fr “sottes & supersticieuses” (D6r; silly and superstitious)
Line 51] of wonderfull possessions Added by Munday
Line 58] he ... honor Munday tones down the sexual content of the Fr. “elle le feroit
coucher auec ses filles” (D6r; she will make him sleep with her daughters).
Line 68] deserts Fr. “la grace à Dieu” (E1r; thank God) omitted by Munday.
Line 89] bow shoote Fr. “trait d’arbalestre” (E1v; crossbow shot).
Line 93] at lenght The time Palladine waited is specified in the Fr. “demy quart
d’heure” (E1v; half a quarter of an hour).
Line 123] came ... wood Munday omits the fact that the two knights’ destriers run
during the fight, and the damosel tries to get them back with no success.
Palladine manages to catch one of the horses, which he rides into the battle
(Fr. “dont les destriers ... quasi plus”; E2r).
Traductological notes
267
Line 124] four ... mercie Munday alters the numbers from the original passage. In the
French text, three knights stay on the ground, while the four remaining start
to “lose heart”. Afterwards, two knights yield to their mercy and one dies
(Fr. “sept ... mourut”; E2r).
Chapter XIV
Line 29] of him ... well Added by Munday.
Line 42] verie cunningly Added by Munday.
Line 43] yet ... recouerie Added by Munday.
Line 52] a most shamefull Added by Munday.
Line 54] many Fr. “tous” (E3r; all).
Line 59] Knightes ... world Munday reformulates the Fr. “deux Cheualiers qui
auoient fait mourir ses trois freres” (E3r; two knights who had killed his
three brothers).
Line 64] Thanks be to heauen Fr. “ie remercye Dieu” (E3r; I thank God).
Line 72] action Munday omits the fact that each prince takes one of the best lances
from the ten vanquished knights before leaving (Fr. “les Princes, ayans
chascun choysi vne des meilleures lances qui restoient aux dix Cheualiers,
suyuirent leur chemin”; E3r).
Line 73] two or three Fr. “trois” (E3r; three).
Traductological notes
268
Line 73] to furnish ... brused Munday introduces the references to the bruised
armours, thus changing the original reason of the knights’s stay, which is
the Fr. “qu’ilz se sentirent entierement gueris de leurs playes” (E3r; so they
felt completely recovered from their wounds).
Line 80] for ... seruice Munday modifies the Fr. “ie n’ay pas moindre affection de
faire seruice à vostre maistresse que vous mesmes” (E3v; I have no less
disposition to be of service to your mistress than yourself).
Line 89] some ... person Fr. “aux Dames” (E3v; the ladies).
Chapter XV
Line 7] Lycelio ... Damosell Fr. “Licelie son Escuyer & la Damoyselle
d’Orbiconte” (E3v; Lycelio his squire and Orbiconte’s damosel).
Line 13] eight ... miles Fr. “quatre lieuës” (E4r; four leagues).
Line 14] all ... wounded Fr. “tous meurdriz & blessez de coups d’espées” (E4r;
sorely wounded and injured by sword strokes).
Line 16] for Gods sake Fr. “s’il vous plaist” (E4r; please).
Line 29] thither Munday omits the Fr. “dont ilz mirent à mort les pere & mere qui
nous faisoient beaucoup d’ennuy” (E4r; who put to death the father and the
mother who gave us big trouble).
Line 30] for ... easily Fr. “aultrement tu est mort” (E4r; otherwise you are dead).
Line 31] tree Fr. “vn gros chesne” (E4r; a big oak-tree).
Traductological notes
269
Line 32] got ... life Munday rewrites the original French, in which the thief starts
running around the three, making it impossible for Manteleo to get him
while he is on horseback. Lycelio distracts the thief while Manteleo gets
down from his horse, and then he kills him with his sword. Afterwards, the
squire reminds the prince that he should not have kill the thief before he
could tell them where the money was. (Fr. “gaigna ... il est”; E4r).
Line 38] The one of them hauing some life left in him Fr. “& là trouuerent vn de
leurs compagnons mort estendu à trauers le chemin” (E4v; and there they
found one of their companions lying dead on the path).
Line 41] for his inward bleeding presently strangled him Munday adds the
reference to the internal wounds, and omits his way of dying “entre les bras
de ses compagnons” (Fr. on the arms of his companions; E4v).
Line 57] foure Fr. “six” (E5r; six).
Line 61] and ... pacified The outcome of the combat in the French text (which
involved a total of six rival knights) finished with three dead knights and
three yielding (E5v–E6r).
Line 64] Munday omits a comic dialogue between the three knights and a man with
“oyt dur” (hard of hearing), whom they take turns to question, to the top of
their lungs, if he has seen any passing knight. The man only returns wine-
related answers, showing them bottles, suggesting wines and informing of
the prices. The knights give up eventually. (Fr. “Et comme ... apetit”; E6r).
Line 68] Knight Fr. “amy” (F1r; friend).
Traductological notes
270
Chapter XVI
Line 4] that was carried to prison Fr. “que six autres menoient en prison” (F3r;
that six other took to prison).
Line 9] at lenght ... Dace Fr. “ilz trauerserent le royaunme de Hongrie sans trouuer
auenture” (F3r; they went throught the country of Hungary without finding
any adventures).
Line 17] Castel Munday omits the description of the castle and its surroundings; at
the foot of a small mountain filled with young elms, hazels and thick
undergrowth, next to which there was a castle which seemed very strong
and defendable (Fr. “au pied d’vne petite montaigne peuplée de ieunes
ormeaux, couldres, & brousailles fort espais, au dessus de laquelle y auoit
vn chasteau qui sembloit estre fort & deffensable”; F3r).
Line 22] Castell Fr. “forteresse” (F3r; fortress).
Line 23] gaue ... verie teeth Munday adds the explicit violence to this first
encounter; in the French text, the first knight just falls to the floor and
breaks his leg (Fr. “il donna ... nette”; F3r–F3v).
Line 31] Porter Munday omits a previous apparition of the porter, whose keys where
stolen by Palladine while he was asleep (Fr. “le Prince ... ny sortir”; F3v).
Line 37] Gentlemen ... him Fr. “vn de ses valletz qui luy frotta la paume des mains &
les temples” (F3v; one of his servants, who rubbed the palms of his hands
and the temples).
Line 41] Lion Fr. “tygre ou lyon” (F3v; tiger or lion).
Traductological notes
271
Line 45] humbly thanked Fr. “se ietta aux genoux de Palladien” (F4r; kneeled
before Palladine).
Line 46] because ... without Added by Munday.
Line 47] wounds Fr. “qui ne furent trouuées dangerouses” (F4r; which were not
thought to be dangerous).
Line 50] Worthie Added by Munday.
Line 54] allured Munday softens the Fr, “treiné à force” (F4r; brought by force).
Line 57] Sword Fr. “dague” (F4r; dagger).
Line 58] vnlawfull Adjective added by Munday.
Line 59] out of breath Fr. “et demye morte” (F4r; and half dead) omitted by
Munday.
her chastitie The reference to chastity is introduced by Munday.
Line 66] defend the chastitie of virgins Munday emphasizes the importance of
chastitie and virginity, whereas the French text refers to a more general
“garder l’honneur des dames & filles de bien” (F4r; to defend the honour of
the good ladies and girls).
Line 70] he stabd ... dagger Fr. “luy mist la dague a trauers la mammelle & la tua”
(F4r; stabbed her with his dagger thorugh her breast and killed her).
Munday’s use of political correctness is present thoughtout the text.
Line 108] his own Castel Fr. “vn sien chasteau à vne petite lieuë de lá” (F5r; his
castle, a little league from there) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
272
Chapter XVII
Line 3] How ... Palladine Fr. “estant guery de ses playes” (F5r; being healed of his
wounds) omitted by Munday.
Line 7] remained Fr. “six iours” (F5r; six days) omitted by Munday.
Line 8] being entertayned Fr. “par la dame de leans & de trois belle damoyselles
ses filles (F5r; by the lady of [the castle] and her three beautiful daughters).
Line 14] seuenteene Fr. “n’a pas plus de seize ans” (F5v; was not more than sixteen
years old).
Line 17] exceeding in crueltie Fr. “plus qu’vn Tygre ou lyon affamé” (F5v; more
than a hungry tiger) omitted by Munday.
Line 25] Lyons ... other Fr. “chiens & plusieurs autres” (F5v; dogs and many
others).
Line 29] By my Sword Fr. “par dieu” (F5v; by God).
Line 30] for perhaps ... coniured Fr. “& si ie verray s’il est tant dyable qu’on le fait”
(F5v; and then I will see if he is such a devil as we make of him).
Line 38] kinred Fr. “des plus gros personnages de Bulgarie” (F5v; the biggest
figures in Bulgary) omitted by Munday.
Line 51] wounded Fr. “blessé quelque peu en la main” (F6r; somewhat wounded in
your hand).
Traductological notes
273
Chapter XVIII
Line 6] beautifull Added by Munday.
Line 10] wayting Laydies Munday omits the dialogue between Brisalda and the
waiting lady who gave him the nightrobe. Brisalda enquires about his birth
and precedence, which the waiting lady can not ascertain, although she see
by his countenance and demeanour that he is noble, gracious, handsome and
of high birth, which suffices to increase the amorous affection in the young
duchess’s heart (Fr. “augmenta l’affection amoureuse au cueur de la ieune
duchesse”; G1r).
Line 26] many Fr. “deux” (G1v; two).
Line 27] and were I Fr. “& s’il plaisoit au bon dieu” (G1v; and if it pleased good
God).
Line 31] God Fr. “Dieu qui est tant bon & iuste” (G1v; God who is so good and fair).
Line 51] Gouernesse Fr. “qui estoit vne bonne vieille matrone”(G2r; who was a
good old matron).
Line 53] What ... favourite Munday tones down the specific nature of the French
text, in which the duchess, whether asleep or awake, sees the Prince before
her eyes, increasing her affection; likewise is Palladine tormented by this
new wound of, making him forget the ones suffered fighting the proud
Dardalon (Fr. “ceste nouuelle playe d’Amour luy faisoit oublier celles qu’il
auoit receuës en combatant le superbe Dardalon”; G2r).
Line 71] eight or ten Fr. “douze ou treize” (G2v; twelve or thirteen).
Traductological notes
274
Line 74] armed cap a pe Fr. “armé de toutes pieces” (G2v; armed with all the
pieces). Munday introduces the expression “cap a pe” (from head to foot),
which is not present in the French text but has the same meaning.
Line 76] flesh Fr. “charongne” (G2v; rotting carcass).
Line 85] terrible combatte Munday omits several explicit detailes such as the
giant’s being beaten so hard by Palladine that one of his eyes pops out out of
his head (Fr. “Brandidol, quasi ... precedent”; G2v–G3r).
Line 92] In the French text, Munday omits Palladine’s acknowledgement of the role
of God in his victories, which reflects the chivalric ideal that victory was
granted to the truthful knight, rather than to the most dexterous. In
Munday’s version, the emphasis lies solely on Palladine. Fr. “Estimez ma
dame, dist Palladien, que Dieu tout puissant y a besongné, n’ayant volulu
que vostre innocence & pureté fuissent en rien offensées” (G3r; Consider
my dear lady, said Palladine, that God almighty has toiled, not wanting
your innocence and purity to be offended in anything.)
Line 95] Each day ... heare. Once again, Munday provides a noteworthy summary
of a sexual encounter, which was the subject of a whole chapter in the
French text. (Fr. “comme son mary ... trouuent scandalisèes”; G3v–G4v).
Chapter XIX
Line 9] Marcelina Fr. “de laquelle il eut iouïssance par plusieurs nuitz dans le
iardin” (G5r; from whom he had the plesure during many nights in the
garden) logically omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
275
Line 10] left ... England Fr. “le laissa en Angleterre iouïr de ses amours” (G5r; left
him in England enjoying his loves).
Line 15] his affection Fr. “amour qu’il auoit laissé iusques alors sans luy donner vne
seule atainte de ses traitz dorez le frapa tellement au cueur de l’amour de la
belle Belanicie” (G5v; which had not given him a single touch of its golden
features yet stroke his heart so much with for the beautiful Belanicia).
Line 16] with ... enthralled Added by Munday.
Line 21] many ... sicknesse Fr. “confitures, & viandes à malades fort excellentes”
(G5v; maramalades and meats excellent for maladies).
Line 30] by... virgin Added by Munday.
Line 47] within few dayes Fr. “en moins de quatre iours” (G5v; in less than four
days).
Line 63] twelue Knights Fr. “plus de quinze Cheualiers sans que pas vn luy peut
faire perdre vn estrier” (G6r; more than fifteen knights, none of them making
him lose a stirrup).
Line 76] a resolued assurance Fr. “ce que i’ay veu de mes deux yeux” (G6r; what I
have seen with my two eyes).
Chapter XX
Line 3] How ... departure Fr. “& deu deuil que’lle en fit” (H1r; and the
bereavement she suffered) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
276
Line 15] A bed scene between Palladine and Brisalda is wholly omitted by Munday.
On the passage, after dancing with such a grace that marvelled everybody
(Fr. “auec vne telle grace que chacun en estoit esmerueillé”; H1v), they go
to their respective chambers to have some rest. When Palladine considers
everybody to be asleep, he walks into Brisalda’s chamber and gets into her
bed. Before telling her that he is planning to leave, they have sex, and
Palladine’s intentions become clear through the narrator: God knows that he
did his duty towards her (he who had pondered to leave in the morning),
believe he took her twice, considering that he would not return for a long
time (Fr. “& dieu sçait s’il fit son deuoir enuers elle (luy qui auoit deliberé
de partir le lendemain) croyez qu’il en print pour deux foys, estimant bien
que de long temps il n’y retourneroit”; H1v).
Line 35] bracelets Fr. “brasseletz d’or” (H2r; golden bracelets).
Line 49] if ... therewith Munday omits a part of the dialogue between Brisalda and
her Moor maiden, who tries to soothe her saying that she will not be
dishonoured if my lord comes back within six weeks or two months to fulfill
the solemnity of marriage (Fr; “si monsieur reuient dedans six semaine ou
deux moys accomplir la solennité du mariage d’entre vous deux”; H2v).
Line 52] she sent ... gold Fr. “[Palladien] print seulement quelque quantité d’escuz &
luy enuoya le reste, ayant fait present à la bonne messagere d’vne chesne
d’or pesant enuiron trente escuz” (H3r; [Palladine] took just a small amount
of crowns and sent her the rest, giving the good messenger a golden chain
having a worth of crowns as a present).
Line 57] halfe part of the day Fr. “vn quart de lieue” (H3v; a quarter of a league).
Traductological notes
277
Line 75] Abbot The French text alternates the form “abbé” (H4v; abbot) and “vn
religieux” (H4r; a priest; a clergyman).
Line 98] Fr. “Palladien vn dimanche matin partit de l’abaye auec Licelie son
Escuyer” (H4v; Palladine departed the abbey a Sunday morning with his
squire Lycelio) omitted by Munday.
horsseman Fr. “courrier” (H4v; a messenger).
Line 99] Caesar of Roome The French text alternates the forms “Cesar” (H5r),
“Cesarien” (H5r), and “Cesarin” (Y4v).
Line 101] incomparable in beautie Fr. “la plus belle Princesse de tout l’Vnivers”
(H5r; the most beautiful princess in the whole universe). This is one of the
few instances in which Munday moderates the original adjectivation instead
of amplifying it.
Line 106] Munday omits the date of the tournament, Fr. “le iour de la myaoust [...] qui
sera enuiron d’icy à six semaines” (H5r; the day of mid-august, which will
be held about six weeks from now), i.e. the 15th of August.
Line 110] was prouoked The knights provoke Palladine by means of calling him
fearful and a coward (H5r; “craintif & couard”) if he does not joust with
them.
Line 114] not ... other Fr. “& desirant empescher la mort de deux tant bons Cheualiers
pour si petite occasion, parquoy elle enuoya deux de ses Damoyselles les
prier de cesser leur meslée” (H6r; and desiring to avoid the death of such
good knights for such a petty occasion, so that she sent two of her damosels
to beg them to cease their fray) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
278
Line 115] Court Fr. “ceste maison de plaisance, qui n’estoit qu’à deux lieuës loing de
la ville ou estoit pour lors le Roy” (H6v; the pleasure palace, which was no
further than two leagues from the town where the king was at the time)
omitted by Munday.
Chapter XXI
Line 11] Munday omits Simprinell’s pathetic excuses for his defeat before the court
several weeks earlier, claiming to be looking for the knight that vanquished
him in order to have a proper fight, since the defeat was his horses’s fault.
The knights present and the duchess are amazed at his intention of fighting
again the knight that vanquished him so boldly (i.e. Palladine).
Understanding that the knight left the court, he challenges all comers. Fr.
“demandá deuant tous ... tous autres ” (I1v).
Line 15] had ... harte Added by Munday.
Line 18] the shiuers ... aire Fr. “tellement que su leurs lances ne se fussent rompuës,
ilz se les eussent mises à trauers le corps” (I1v; in such a way that if their
launces hadn’t broken, they would have pierced each other).
Line 26] the Iudges ... Simprinell Munday omits Belanicia’s contempt towards
Simprinell. It is actually her who tells the judges to accept his terms but also
urge him to leave her lands within three days. His tutor, one of the judges,
advises her not to mistreat errant knights in her court, since that would
greatly damage her honor. Fr. “elle dist aux Iuges [...] d’auantage” (I2r).
Traductological notes
279
Line 43] Munday quickens the Fr. “dedans quinze iours au plus tard” (I3r; within
fifteen days at the latest).
Line 51] Munday expands the Fr. “à laquelle il portoit fort grand’ amytié” (I3r;
towards whom he bore a great friendship).
Line 55] Fr. “Melicie, vaillant neantmoins & adextre le possible” (I3r; Melicie,
valiant nevertheless and as dexterous as possible). Munday corrects the Fr.
version, which introduces the squire as “Melicie” but refers to him as
“Licelie” consistently thoughout the text.
Line 105] Munday omits the majority of the Fr. “Chapitres” XXVIII to XXX. The
prince, furious and offended by the Duke’s comments, gets out of the way in
order to calm down and refresh himself in a fountain, where his squire finds
two dead bodies. A passing knight (Durcande) recognizes the body to be his
brother Limedos, killed by a certain Durnelfe. Durnelfe, owing to his ugly
features, killed Limedos and ravished the lady hoping she would love him
eventually. Palladine and Durcande ambush Durnelfe; Palladine defeats him
and his four guards and Durcande marries the lady (Fr. “Or ... France”; I3v–
I6r).
Afterwards, Palladine visits the territories of Piccardy, where he spends
several days sightseeing until he encounters the shepherds mentioned in the
final paragraph of Chapter XXI. It is woth mentioning that Liboran the
shepherd makes his first appearence here in the French text, obtaining the
nickname of “le bien auisé” (the well-advised) and officially joining
Palladine’s party thanks to his good counsel, i.e. suggesting that the best
way to enter Brunlafurior and Frucidant’s castle is to disguise themselves as
Traductological notes
280
shepherds and take thirty of the shepherd’s lambs to enter the castle under
the false pretence of selling them (Fr. “monsieur ... iour”; K2r–K2v).
Munday postpones Liboran’s presentation until his next appearence in
Chapter XXV for no apparent reason.
Chapter XXII
Line 7] Fr. “quince iours” (K5r; fifteen days) omitted by Munday.
Line 16] which ... therby Added by Munday.
Line 23] to regard the sports Added by Munday, who also omits the Fr. “le prince
Cesarien auoit les deux iours precedans abatu bien trente Cheualiers à la
iouste, tant Angloys, Italliens, Espagnolz qu’autres estrangers (car les
François ne voulurent iouster contre celuy qui maintenoit la beauté de leur
princess)” (K5v; Prince Caesar had defeated thirty knights the previous two
days, English, Italians, Spaniards and other strangers (for the French did
not want to joust against he who defended the beauty of their princess)).
Line 25] Fr. “en champ d’azur” (K5v; on a field of azure) omitted by Munday.
Line 37] Munday omits the efforts of the Duke’s gentlemen, who try to encourage
him by saying that that kinds of combats are, like dice games, a matter of
chance (K6r; “les combatz sont comme la chance des dez”) and ask him
rhetorically who many times they have seen the brave and the bold
vanquished in close field by those thought to be pusillanimous and poor in
spirit (K6r; “Combien en auons nous veu qui estoient estimez les plus
Traductological notes
281
braues & vaillans auoir esté vaicuz en camp clos par ceuz que lon pensoit
pusillanimes & bas de cueur?”).
Line 43] Lady ... Giant Munday omits the explanation for the device and its implicit
sexual connotations; Fr. “vne Damoyselle en chemise, pour ce qu’autresfoys
il en auoit recoux vne d’entre les mains d’vne Geant qui l’auoit vne nuit
rauie dans son lit” (K6r; a lady in her undershirt, because he had rescued
one from the hands of a giant who had ravished her from her bed one
night).
Line 44] Fame ... feeld Munday changes the original colour of the field from vert
(i.e. heraldic green, being “sinople” the French term for that colour) to
silver, and omits Fame’s wings: Fr. “en son escu de Sinople, l’effigie de
Renommée auec ses aelles” (K6r; in his shield vert, the effigy of Fame with
her wings).
Line 77] one ... degrees Fr. “plus beau & de meilleure grace que vous” (L1r; more
handsome and graceful than you).
Line 110] teares ... face Added by Munday.
Line 111] Rosamonde ... courtesie Munday omits Palladine’s amorous impressions
and Rosamonde’s subsequent reaction of the Fr. “La beauté & bonne grace
de laquelle saisit Palladien si fort au cueur qu’il n’en pouuoit reposer
aucumenet, dont elle s’apperceut bien vne foys, quant la tenant par sa main
blanche, & parlant à elle, la voix luy trembloit & changeoit souuent de
couleur: toutesfoys (comme sage & modeste qu’elle estoit) n’en faisoit
aucun semblant ny mettoit son affection s’estant ia quasi du tout vouée au
Prince Cesarien” (L2r; the beauty and good grace of whom seized
Traductological notes
282
Palladine’s heart in such a way that he was not able to rest at all, which
she noticed one time he was holding her white hand, and talking to her, his
voice trembled and his colour often changed; however (her being wise and
modest) she did not pretend to notice nor show her affection, being almost
completely vowed to prince Caesar).
Line 106] Munday omits a passage of the French text which deals with Don Robert’s
realization that both Palladine and Caesar are in love with Rosamonde,
which vexes him and leads him to the decision of desisting and leaving the
court. (L2r; “il cognut ... laisser la court”).
Chapter XXIII
Line 7] certaine dayes Fr. “Palladien [...] garda seulement trois iours la chambre:
[...] mais dom Robert de Phrise [...] douze tous entieres ” (L2v; Palldine [...]
kept the chamber only three days [...] but Don Robert of Freeze [...] twelve
full days).
Line 12] thought ... perswaded The French text does not include any intention of
self-harm by Don Robert.
Line 32] Fr. “car vous deuez penser qu’Amour à les yeux bandez, & ne considere
iamais le mal ou deshonneur qui peut auenir, mais seulement le plaisir & la
delectation” (L3r; because you must think that is blindfold and does not
Traductological notes
283
regard future wrongs or dishonours, but only pleasure and delight) omitted
by Munday.
Line 34] Caesars ... chamber Poison is actually the means of vengeance considered
by Caesar, not Palladine, in the Fr. “Cesarien, qui estoit d’autre costé à
penser de sa vengeance, mais la plus belle & expediente qu’il le sembloit
estoit par poyson” (L3r; Caesar, who was for his part thinking of his
vengeance, but the most beautiful and expedient seemed to him to be by
poison).
Line 41] Fr. “& Liboran le bien auisé” (L3v; and Liboran the well advised) omitted
by Munday.
Line 45] Fr. “Landastanis se print bien fort a rire” (L3v; Landastines started laughing
loudly) omitted by Munday.
Line 58] her amiable lookes Added by Munday.
Chapter XXIV
Line 7] The next morning Munday reduces the Fr. “Le Soleil ayant ia descouuert
vne grande partie de la terre” (L4r; The Sun having already unveiled a great
part of the Earth).
Line 43] there ... fortune Added by Munday. Fr. “ce sera ’a vous a qui parler” (L4v;
you will be the one to talk to).
Line 55] Sir Knight Fr. “Dam Cheualier” (L5r; damnation, knight).
Traductological notes
284
Line 76] Fr. “Par dieu, dirent lors les autres Cheualiers qui s’estoyent preparez pour
combatre le Chiprien le cas aduenant qu’il vainquist Palladien, nous
n’aurons pas la peine de nous esprouuer contre le Cheualier, allons nous en
hardiment desarmer” (L5v; By God, said then the other knights, who where
ready to fight the Cypriot in case he vanquished Palladine, we will not have
the trouble of testing ourselves against the knight, let’s boldy unarm
ourselves) omitted by Munday.
Line 95] elsewhere Fr. “d’Andangletterre [sic] & Norgalles” (L5v; in England and
Norgalles).
Chapter XXV
Line 35] her Castell Fr. “sa maison” (M1r; her house). Munday omits the trivial
details of the attempted rape, related by the lady: Fr. “sur le chemin elle leur
raconta comme en allant voir vne sienne seur (acompagnée seulment d’vn
varlet à pied) le Cheualier mort l’auoit guetée dans ce boys ou il auoit
deliberé de la forcer & deshonorer” (M1r; on the way she recounted how,
when she was on her way to visit a sister of hers (accompanied only by a
footman) the dead knight had spied on her in the woods, where he had
decided to force and dishounour her).
Line 36] honourably welcommed Munday omits the details of the sumptuous
reception and the presence of the duchess. (Fr. “& la Duchesse ... le païs”;
M1r).
Traductological notes
285
Line 43] the Duke tooke ... thereof Munday omits most part of the conversation.
The duke knows that the geat majority of the Normans are willing to be his
subjects, and he is glad to receive them, but he wants to know Palladine’s
opinion on the matter before doing anything rush. Palladine advises in
favour of accepting, arguing that in case Manteleo takes possession of
Normandy, King Milanor would have a good neighbour on the opposite
coast. He also assures the duke that those who oppose the Milanese taking
over the Normans will eventually settle for their command once it is a sure
thing. (Fr. “le Duc raconta ... sera faict”; M1r–M1v).
Line 44] depart toward Aquilea The fact that Liboran the shepherd is dubbed a
knight is absent in the English text. Fr. “pour suyure son entreprise & queste
de la belle Aquilée, dont il faisoit porter le portraict ordinairement par
Liboran le bien auisé, lequel, ains que partir, il fit armer Cheualier par les
mains du Duc de Milan” (M1v; in order to follow the quest of the fair lady
from Aquilea [i.e. Nonparelia], whose portrait he usually commanded to be
carried by Liboran the well advised, whom he dubbed knight by the hands of
the duke of Milan before leaving).
Fr. “print le chemin de Gennes” (M2r; took the route to Genoa)
Line 57] at length Munday omits an awful storm which lasts for two days and leaves
the ships completly lost. (Fr. “vne tempeste ... l’autre delá”; M2v).
Line 60] Munday omits a lengthy account of the pilot’s dismay and Palladine’s
encouraging pep talk to the crew. The confrontation between the pirates and
the sailors has an underlying religious nature, as shown in Dormidon’s
speech; Fr. “voycy que Mahon nous enuoye pour pour nous recompenser de
Traductological notes
286
l’ennuy & trauail qu’il nous a fait endurer depues troys iours, donnons
dedans, ilz sont Chrestiens, par ainsi doublement noz ennemys” (M3r; this is
what Mahomet sends us to reward the worries and troubles which he made
us endure for three days, giving us here, they are Christians, twice our
enemies in a manner of speaking). The pilot yields, but Palladine rebukes
him, rallying; Fr. “aymez vous mieulx viure en seruitude perpetuell entre
ces meschans qui vous tiendront comme bestes brutes, que de mourir
honorablement en la loy & foy d’vn seul Dieu nostre createur [...] la crainté
de la mort vous fera elle auiourd’huy oublier vostre Dieu?” (M3r; would you
rather live in perpetual servitude among these villains who will restrain you
like beasts, than die honourably in the law and faith of a single God our
creator [...] the fear of death will make you forget your God today?).
Line 61] Palladine ... Pirates Added by Munday.
Line 83] Fr. “car ie suis de trop plus tenu à vous que de celà, ayant sauuvé la vie à
moy & aux miens” (M4r; for I am quite indebted to you now, having saved
my life and my the life of my people) omitted by Munday.
Chapter XXVI
Line 9] Fr. “qui leur sembloyent estre totalement embrasées & ia à demy ruynées du
feu” (M4v, which seemed to be completely surrounded and half destroyed
by the fire) omitted by Munday.
Line 38] Fr. “baissant la teste” (M4v–M5r; lowering his head) omitted by Munday.
Line 38] thrust ... him Added by Munday.
Traductological notes
287
Line 47] Fr. “l’vn il coupoit la queuë qui soudain se reioignoit au corps, à l’autre
abatoit la teste, qui estant separée du corps ne laissoit à se getter sur luy & le
mordre à oultrance” (M5r; one he cut the tail which suddenly rejoined its
body; another one he cut the head, which did not stop reaching for him to
bite him in excess, although it was separated from its body) omitted by
Munday.
Line 48] trusting ... strength Fr. “recommendant deuotement à celluy qui peult tout”
(M5r; devotedly commending himself to him who can do everything) omitted
by Munday.
Line 57] Munday expands the French poem, originally a quartet, with roughly the
same meaning:
Cheualier sans Repos, dont le destin à cure,
Ne t’arreste en ce lieu tant triste & ennyeux:
Mais poursuy ton dessein pou le plus de ton mieulx,
Car aultre que toy doit acheuer l’auenture. (M5r)
Line 77] Fr. “O’ seigneur Dieu” (M5v; Oh Lord God) omitted by Munday.
Line 78] whose ... Adamant Added by Munday.
Line 79] Fr. “& passant d’vne impetuosité à trauers la flamme rencontra vne fort
haulte muraille, contre laquelle il donna de la teste for rudement & lors
s’esuanouyt” (M5v; and going through the flames with impetuosity he ran
into a high wall, against which he hit his head very roughly and fainted)
omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
288
Line 84] Dalmatia Fr. “ou malgré eux leur conuint prendre port, dont le Cheualier
sans Repos ne fut mal content, car il auoit de long temps affection de voir
ceste contrée de laquelle il sçauoit parler la langue & Licelie aussi, mais non
pas Liboran qui fut cause qu’ilz partirent tost de ce lieu (craignans d’estre
cogneuz)” (M5v; despite the convenience of docking there, of which the
Knight without rest was not dissatisfied, since he had desired to see that
land for a long time, from where he could speak the language, and Lycelio
as well, but not so Liboran, who was the reason why they left that place so
soon (afraid of being recognized)) omitted by Munday. The omission is a
coherent decision on Munday’s part, taking into account that the same
characters will visit Aquilea later, regardless of the same problem.
Line 85] merily Added by Munday.
Chapter XXVII
Line 8] After ... Sea Added by Munday.
Line 11] yong Fr. “d’enuiron huit à neuf ans” (M6r; around eight or nine years old).
Line 12] readie to be deuoured Munday attenuates the Fr. “la petite fille (à qui il
auoit ia mangé l’vn des bras)” (M6r–M6v; the little girl (whom [the serpent]
had already eaten one of her arms).
Line 13] Munday summarizes more than two French folios (Fr. “Ayant ... ne playe”;
M6r–N1r) with the likely intention of avoiding repetition, due to their
similarity with the adventure of the lions’ cave of Chapter XI.
Traductological notes
289
Line 32] Bulgaria Fr. “dont ie suis” (N1v; from whence I am).
Line 71] two or three dayes Fr. “trois semaines” (N2v; three weeks).
Line 74] to the King of Panonia Fr. “au filz du Roy de Panonie” (N2v; to the son of
the King of Panonia).
Line 77] Fr. “que s’il estoit seigneur & seul dominateur de toute la terre, elle
aymeroit mieulx se donner la mort que de l’espouser” (N2v; that if he were
the lord and only ruler of the world, she would rather kill herself than marry
him) omitted by Munday.
Line 79] a husband so hard fauoured Fr. “i’ay autrefoys ouy dire que les mariages
ou les deux parties ne sont pas bien d’accord, ne se portent souuent gueres
bien” (N2v; I have heard in the past that the marriages in which the two
parties do not agree, they hardly get on very well) omitted by Munday.
Line 82] where ... costly delicates Added by Munday.
Line 93] Munday omits the lengthy explanations of the woman, who tells them that
several people she encountered on her way told her that a certain “knight
without rest” had arrived at the city sent by the great prophet Mahomet, in
order to help and succour those who had been wronged. (Fr. “Helàs seigneur
... tiennent”; N3r).
Line 99] by signes Added by Munday.
Line 101] to the Lady Munday omits the violent role of the lady in the fight. While
she is asking them to spare the last villain’s life, she recognizes him as the
man who had previously threatened to kill his husband and son. In a fit of
Traductological notes
290
rage, the lady draws a knife, stabs him several times on the throat and
punctures his eyes. (Fr. “disant à Liboran ... dist”; N4r).
Line 103] bound vp Fr. “apareillées par Licelie & vne bonne vieille iardiniere de leans
qui cognoissoit fort bien la vertu des herbes” (N4r; dressed by Lycelio and a
good old woman gardener from there, who knew very well the virtue of
herbs) omitted by Munday.
Line 104] to expresse ... thoughts Added by Munday.
Chapter XXVIII
Line 32] our ... ingratitude Added by Munday.
Line 45] Fr. “auec leur filz” (N5r; with their children) omitted by Munday.
Line 46] Fr. “à trauers des rochers & desertz tant pleins de grandz serpens & bestes
cruelles, qu’ilz furent par plusieursfoys en danger d’estre deuorez d’icelles,
mais leur grand cueur & prouësse les en garentit car ilz en mirent à mort
plus d’vn cent en deux iours” (N5v; through boulders and deserts full of
great serpents and cruel beasts, by whom they were in danger of being
eaten many times, but their great courage and prowess protected them as
they killed more than a hundred in two days) omitted by Munday.
Line 49] behold this wonder Munday omits a lengthy description of the golden
façade; the marbled walls; an infinity of waterbirds and fish; and crayfish
hiding in crevices full of germs, bones, and the heads of dead horses, where
they fed. (Fr. “le soleil ... nourrissoyent”; N5v).
Traductological notes
291
Line 83] Fr. “tellement que vous y eussiez veu par personnages quasi tout l’Alchoran”
(N6r; many characters you would have seen, almost the whole Quran)
omitted by Munday.
Line 95] Fr. “peintes toutes au nud” (N6r; all painted naked) omitted by Munday.
Line 98] Munday omits a visit to Orbiconte’s cabinet, where she shows them a
golden effigy of Muhammad, suspended between two magnets and
surrounded by twelve statues of virgins playing different instruments. The
knights, delighted, think to be in paradise. (Fr; “puis attendant ... paradis”;
N6v).
Line 101] Munday omits a lengthy list of trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, fruits, baby
birds, and wild beasts present in Orbiconte’s fountain gardens. (Fr; “Oultres
ces plantes ... desiroient fort”; N6v–O1r).
Line 107] in such sort ... determination Munday uses circumlocutions to attenuate
the Fr. “de ne refuser le Cheualier sans Repos de chose dont il les requist,
iusques à luy ottroyer la iouyssance de leurs corps, dont elles ne furent vn
seul brin marries, estans toutes trois en aage pour bien executer telle chose”
(O1v; not to refuse the Knight without rest anything he requested, to the
point of granting him the pleasure of their bodies, of which they were not
not a bit distressed, the three of them being old enough to perform such
thing properly).
Line 111] Fr. “en la chambre ou deuoit coucher le Cheualier sans Repos” (O1v; in the
room where the Knight without rest had to sleep) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
292
Chapter XXIX
Line 23] being ... thereof Fr. “poysant vn quintal pour le moins” (O3v; weighing at
least a quintal).
Line 27] Thus ... ieopardie Added by Munday.
Line 31] like Lyons Fr. “comme sangliers” (O5r; like wild boars).
Line 35] Munday omits the accidental death of Palladine’s horse: Palladine uses his
shield to deflect Muzimalde’s mace blow, which slips and hits the animal in
the neck, killing it. (Fr. “le Geant haussa ... maistre”; O4v).
Line 36] sending ... resembled Added by Munday.
Line 69] fifteene prisoners Fr. “dix ou douce prisonniers” (O6r; ten or twelve
prisoners).
Line 72] the good King Fr.“qu’il se leua du lit ou il gisoit malade d’vne fieüre tierce,
à telle heure que la fieüre le laissa & ne le reprint oncques puis” (O6v; that
he [the king] rose from the bed where he laid sick with a tertian fever, at
such hour that the fever left him and did not take him ever since) omitted by
Munday. Tertian fever is a type of intermittent fever typical of malaria. It
has a recurrency of 48-hour intervals with paroxysms.
rich chaine Fr. “vn chesne d’or pesant deux cens escus” (P1r; a golden
chain worth two hundred crowns). The écu was an old French silver coin,
with a varying value between 3 and 6 livres (which were eventually
substituted by the franc) from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century.
Traductological notes
293
Chapter XXX
Line 8] multitude ... on the way Fr. “plusieurs soldatz Aquileiens s’en retournans
en leurs maisons, les vns malades, autres naürez, à tous lesquelz les princes
firent distribuer bonne somme d’argent, & specialement à ceux qui estoient
mariez & auoient laissé leurs femmes & enfans pour venir au seruice du
Roy” (P1v; many Aquilean soldiers returning to their homes, some sick,
some other wounded, to whom the princes had a good sum of money
distributed, especially those who were married and had left their wives and
children in order to come and serve the king)ee omitted by Munday.
Line 12] as ... world Added by Munday.
Line 14] kissed his hand Fr. “comme estoit la coustume en signe d’obeïssance” (P2r;
such as was the custom as a sign of obedience) omitted by Munday.
Line 30] like ... virgins Fr. “comme vn gros flambeau entre petites chandelles” (P2r;
like a big torch among little candles).
Line 31] her courtesies ... comparison Added by Munday.
Line 36] Fr. “demoura si hors de soy que Licelie son Escuyer le deshabilla
entierement, & luy vestit d’autres acoustremens sans qu’il y pensast ny s’en
aperceust” (P2r; remained so out of himself that Lycelio his squire
undressed him completely and dressed him in a different outfit without him
noticing) omitted by Munday.
Prince Zorian Munday omits the Fr. “qui estoit le plus ieune” (P2r; who
was the youngest) with which it is implied that the youngest among the
noble party is positioned last in the hierarchy.
Traductological notes
294
Line 49] quoth he Fr. “d’vne voix tremblante & mal asseurée” (P2v; with a
trembling and insecure voice) omitted by Munday.
Line 64] the verie ... world Munday simplifies the Fr. “vn homme le plus laid, le
plus meschant & de la plus mauuaise grace du monde” (F2V; the ugliest,
meanest, and most ungraceful man in the world).
Line 80] from her inward soule Added by Munday.
Line 93] his ... no lesse Fr. “il a esté fort bien nourry & instruit” (P3r; he has been
well nourished and educated).
Line 106] Sulbern Fr. “surnommé le braue” (P3v; nicknamed “the brave”) omitted by
Munday.
For Sulbern ... mistresse. Munday performs here one of the most
noteworthy summaries of a battle, adapting a whole French chapter into two
English paragraphs. The most striking omissions are Sulbern’s accusations
of falseness, claiming that Palladine did not vanquish his cousin Muzimalde
thanks to his prowess, but due to sheer luck (Fr. “Ie suis ... langue”; P4r);
Palladine’s acceptance of Nonparelia’s golden chain as a favour (Fr. “Ce
pendant ... son col”; P4v); the giant’s boastfulness, assuring to his entourage
that he would either cut Palladine’s head and burnt in the middle of the field
or give it as a present to the king of Panonia (Fr. “Au contraire ...
entendrez”; P4v). Munday introduces the idea of Sulberne’s head as a
present to Nonparelia, whereas the French text explains how the king
commands to stick the head on a lance over the main gate of the pallace in
commemoration of the vanquishing knight.. (Fr.“Ce fait ... vaincueur”; P6r).
Traductological notes
295
Line 117] Now doth ... ensueth. Added by Munday.
Chapter XXXI
Line 12] her Ladyes Fr. “cinq ou six de ses Gentilz-hommes, & autant de
Dammoyselles” (P6v; five or six of her gentleman and just as many ladies).
Line 13] whom ... desires Added by Munday.
Line 31] heauens Fr. “tous les Dieux ensemble” (P6v; all the gods together). It is
worth noticing that Palladine is still hiding his true religion and origin.
Line 32] the rare ... glutted Munday introduces a variation of the Fr. “ceste diuine
beauté, vertu maintien & bonne grace qui est en vous, & dont le bruit court
ia par tout l’vnivers” (P6v; this divine beauty, virtue bearing, and good
grace that is in you, the rumour of which circulates all around the world
already).
Line 52] he lay ... traunce Fr. “& tourner la teste de costé & d’autre.” (Q1r; and
turn[ing] the head to one side and the other).
Line 55] as a secret ... speake Munday turns the oath into a reference to the plot,
thus diverging from the Fr. “ains sera autant tenu secret comme si l’auiez dit
à vn muet, à vn poisson ou vne pierre” (Q1r; so it kept secret as much as if
you had told it to a mute, a fish or a stone).
Line 77] precious Added by Munday.
Line 82] Fr. “& au Roy son Royaume” (Q1v; and the king his kingdom) omitted by
Munday.
Traductological notes
296
Line 86] then ... worlde Fr. “que si me faisiez present de tout l’Empire de Grece”
(Q1v; than if I was given the Empire of Greece).
Line 90] who ... kindenes Added by Munday.
Line 92] windows Munday introduces the windows instead of using the Fr. “vn coing
de la salle” (Q1v; a corner of the room), thus attenuating the feeling of
secrecy conveyed in the conversation between Orbiconte and Nonparelia.
Line 97] shaking ... tree Added by Munday.
Line 104] euery ... miserie Munday overstates the Fr. “[le mal] croisse tousiours de
heure à autre & de plus en plus” (Q1v; [the pain] always grows more and
more, from hour to hour).
Line 105] burdeneth ... cares Added by Munday.
Line 108] modestie Munday attenuates the Fr. “virginité” (Q2r; virginity).
Line 123] that euen ... therwith Added by Munday.
Line 138] earnestly ... her Nonparelia and Orbiconte talk the following morning
thanks to Munday’s techniques of abridgment. In the French text,
Nonparelia has to wait six more nights in this state of pensiveness until she
is able to finish her talk with her aunt (Fr. “& luy dura ... Repos”; Q2r–
Q2v).
Chapter XXXII
Line 33] braue minde Fr. “beauté” (Q3r; beauty).
Traductological notes
297
Fr. “que lon pourroit desirer en vn homme” (Q3r, that you could desire in a
man).
Line 48] eternall Added byMunday.
Line 55] Munday omits Orbiconte’s explanation to Nonparelia: she will sleep in the
room which is next to Palladine’s, so her niece will have it easier to meet
him, since her mother will allow her to sleep with Orbiconte. Orbiconte
advices her to be ready to receive him as a husband. The idea of losing her
virginity arouses Nonparelia (Fr. “Doncques ... femmes parfaites”; Q4v).
Line 68] Short tale to make Munday abbreviates the happenings of the day, indeed.
First, Palladine attends a series of unspecified ceremonies and sacrifices
with the king and the queen (Fr. “aller au ... dura”; Q4v); next, the usual
walking in the gardens, sumptuous lunch, courtly talks and dances (Fr. “puis
... derniers”; Q4v); finally, a series of games – ball games, many kinds of
jumping, running, stone-throwing, bar-thowing – all of which Palladine is
eventually acknowledged as the best (Fr. “pendant ... esbatz”; Q4v–Q4r).
Line 71] the arguments of loue With this expression, Munday summarizes two
French folios of romantic conversation and sexual intercouse between the
lovers, full of military metaphors (Fr. “amoureuse bataille ... les nuitz
atendant” ; Q4v–Q5r).
Line 72] Fraunce, England, and elsewhere. England added by Munday.
Traductological notes
298
Chapter XXXIII
Line 22] alight Fr. “& laisser paistre son cheual, qui estoit tant las & eslancé du
trauail qu’il auoit prins à trauers ces montaignes, qu’à peine ce pouuoit
soustenir” (Q5v; and let his horse graze, which was so weary and thin from
the effort made crossing the mountains, that it could barely hold itself)
omitted by Munday.
Line 23] rest himself vpon Fr. “la teste sur leurs valises (qui leur seruoient de
trauersin & cuyssinet)” (Q5v–Q6r; the head on their luggage (which served
them as bolster)) omitted by Munday.
Line 29] and ... danger This anticipation of the events is absent in the French text.
Line 52] Munday omits further dolorous complains of the dying knight, which are in
essence a duplication of his previous intervention. (Fr. “ie crains ... beaulté”;
Q6r–Q6v).
Line 91] that ... thoughts Fr. “qu’il ne luy plaisoit tant que mon maistre” (R1r; that
he did not please her as much as my master).
Line 92] mortall hatred Fr. “vne enuye & ialousie mortelle” (R1r; mortal envy and
jealousy).
Line 98] restored the wronged Lady Munday omits the full account of the French
text. The lady, a former servant of Minoretta, had beeen tormented and
kidnapped by a neighbour after her husband’s death. The knight is sent to
mediate with the gentleman, but the latter insults lady Minoretta, which
results in a fight between the knight and the gentleman and his servants. The
Traductological notes
299
gentleman and two of his servants are killed, and the knight returns to
Portugal sorely wounded. (Fr. “laquelle ... deuers la Princesse”; R1v).
Line 110] Godesse of my heart Munday amplifies the Fr. “ma seule Dame &
mistresse” (R1v; my only lady and mistress).
Line 111] naked as you see Fr. “quie n’auoit qu’vn petit bonnet simple sur la teste”
(R1v; who was only wearing a small simple hat on his head).
Line 116] there wanted... stirre Fr. “me menassans de me faire mourir cruellement si
ie bougeoys ou faisois semblant de le secourir, & n’y a point de doute qu’ilz
le eussent fait & bien à leur ayse: car i’estois tout nud comme vous me
voyez: encores a voulu la fortune que ie n’ay peu trouuer cy a lentour ny
chirurgien ny barbier pour venir visiter & bander ses playes” (R1v;
threatening to kill me cruelly if I moved or pretended to rescue him, and
there is no doubt they would have done it at their will, since I am unarmed
as you see. Furthermore, it has been fortune’s will that I haven’t been able
to find any surgeon or barber in the surroundings to come to check and
bandage his wounds). Barbers or barber-surgeons, apart from their primary
job, were also practitioners of surgery and dentistry from the Middle Ages
and well into the eighteenth century.
Line 128] lay downe and slept Fr. “sur leur manteaux apres du corps, de peur que
quelques bastes sauuages ne le vinssent deuorer” (R1v; over their coats
close to the corpse, fearing that the savage beasts might come and devour
him) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
300
Chapter XXXIV
Line 8] and not ... thoughtes Added by Munday.
Line 15] which ... deuotion Fr. “qui est beniste & sacrée” (R2r; which is blessed and
sacred).
Line 27] Munday omits the reference to an indetermined game of ball, which the king
was watching when Don Robert arrives (Fr. “Ce que fachant ... grand
court”; R2v).
Line 49] and a cold ... vaines Added by Munday.
Line 51] But she being recouered Fr. “la secoururent soudainement des remedes
ordinaires & accoustumez à teles foyblesses, à sçauoir de fort vinaigre &
eau fresche, dont on luy frota les temples & le creux des mains” (R3r; she is
suddenly recovered by the common remedies for such weaknesses, namely
strong vinegar and fresh water, with which she was rubbed on the temples
and the palm of her hands) omitted by Munday.
Line 60] I referre ... men Added by Munday.
Line 65] such ... triumph Munday provides a rhetoric rephrasing of the Fr. “mais la
fin malheurese d’iceux à tousiours monstré & mis en euidence leur
meschanceté & calumnie: & au contraire, le bon droict & innocence des
daussement accusez” (R3r; but their miserable end has always shown and
highlighted their ill-will and slander, and contrariwise, the good right and
innocence of the falsely accused).
Traductological notes
301
Line 76] desires ... circumstances Rhetorical rendition of the Fr. “veult entrer en vn
proces de preuue” (R3r; desires to start a trial of evidence).
Line 82] having ... varlet Fr.“t’ayant fait sentir ton tort” (R3v; having made you
regret your wrong).
Line 93] Princesse ... mones Munday omits Minoretta’s feelings of guilt for sending
Frionell to his death. (Fr. “mais ce ne ... chapitre precedant”; R3v).
Line 95] doubtfull Munday omits Don Robert’s difficulty to sleep due to his state of
uncertainty, not being sure whether he is confronting Frionell’s true
murderer or not. (Fr. “toutesfoys ... vaincu”; R4v).
On the morrow ... Freezeland This two paragraphs contain the summary
of the French “Chapitre LI.” on its whole, Munday’s usual way of dealing
with long combats. The most noteworthy omissions are Minoretta’s refusal
to give Galitreo a favour to wear during the combat; Galitreo’s offer to spare
Don Robert’s life if he surrenders; and Galistreo and Frionell’s embalmment
and repatriation to their respective countries (Fr. “Avssi tost que ... le
chemin de Phrise”; R4v–R5v).
Line 104] King of Nauarre Fr. “encor ieune & veuue” (R5v; still young and a
widower). omitted by Munday.
Line 111] he trauailed thoroug Scotland ... cost him his life Munday omits
Manteleo’s visit to Marcelina – which lasts two weeks –, their sexual
encounters, and Florea’s consequent dissatisfaction and envy. Further on,
Manteleo tries to travel to Aquilea, but a series of bad winds take him to
Scotland, where he finds Simprinell. Simprinell’s story is told by his squire
Traductological notes
302
while he is recovers from his wounds. (Fr. “Or pour ne laisser ... verrons cy
apres”; R6r–S1v).
Line 122] Now must I ... honorable calling The search for Don Rober together with
the ensuing combat are abidged by Munday. The circumstances of Robert
and Mantileo’s consanguinity is not revealed by the narrator in the French
version, but by the two kinghts’ squires, who recognize each other and beg
them to cease their quarrel. (Fr. “Des le poinct ... suyure ses auantures”;
S2r–S4r).
Line 123] very neere allyed ... mother Fr. “son cousin germain: car sa mere estoit
seur du duc Temorée de Milan” (S3r; his cousin, because his mother was
the duke Temoreo of Milan’s sister).
Line 129] they excused all that had passed Munday omits Manteleo’s optimistic
conclusion on the matter: Fr. “il n’y a remede, sont fortunes qui aduiennent
ordinairement à tous Cheualiers errans” (S3v; there is no remedy, these are
fortunes that usually happen to every errant knight).
Chapter XXXV
Line 3] the great Turke Fr. “le grand Seigneur” (S4r; the great lord).
Line 10] and that now ... a little Added by Munday.
Line 17] figure Orbiconte performs a spell while the lovers are spending the night
together. The necromancer, reading from one of her books, spreads ashes
where the moonbeams come into contact with the window, drawing several
Traductological notes
303
circles and magic characters with her finger while she chants strange words.
The moon turns black and blood-red afterwards (Fr. “ce que previt ...
sanguine”; S4r).
Line 22] hauing recouered her Fr. “le tira soudain de sa pochette vne petite boëtte
d’or pleine d’vne certaine pouldre musquée qu’elle luy mist au nez” (S5r;
she suddenly drew from her pouch a little golden box filled with a musky
powder that she put on her neck).
Line 46] I neuer fayled yee Fr. “estans sur ce propos, commença le temps à se
changer & a pleuuoir tellement, qu’eux & toutes les autres qui s’esbatoient
au iardin, furent contraintes de soy retirer à l’abry dans la grand salle, ou
elles commencerent à iouer à mile petitz ieux de costé & d’autre” (S5v; with
these speeches, the weather started to change, raining so much that they
and all the others which were having fun in the garden were forced to
shelter in the great room, where they started to play a thousand little games
all around) omitted by Munday.
Line 50] Ambassadours Fr. “en nombre de quinze ’a seize” (S5v; fifteen or sixteen
in number) omitted by Munday.
Line 83] Munday omits sexual encounter between Palladine and Nonparelia. (Fr.
“Ainsi ... accoustumée”; S6r).
Line 86] Many rich giftes Munday omits a passage in which the king offers
Palladine anything he would like to choose: anything within the king’s
power. This makes Palladine regret not having asked for Nonparelia’s hand
before the Tuskish ambassadores had arrived (Fr. “Vrayment dist le Roy ...
en prouerbe”; T1v).
Traductological notes
304
Line 87] other thinges ... trauaile The gifts are omitted by Munday. The
“usefullness” of the first present, a chain garnished with gemstones, is
questionable. The second present is a small velvet bag full of golden coins,
which Palladine turns down twice buy accepts it eventually in order to leave
on good terms with the king (Fr. “le fit aporter ... amytié”; T2r).
Line 90] and thus ... iourney Palladine does not leave immediately. He spends a last
night in bed with Nonparelia, which is once again omitted by Munday. (Fr.
“Lors ces deux amans ... reuoir”; T2v).
Chapter XXXVI
Line 62] after many aduentures ended Munday omits one of the darkest adventures
finished by the knights. After frustrating an attempted kidnap, the rescued
damsel tells the group the monstrous actions of the lord who had tried to
ravish her: for the previous three years he had abducted and raped at least
fifty girls. Afterwards, he would cut their tongues, boil their eyes or cut their
noses and send them back (Fr. “mais ilz n’y eurent picqué ... reprindent leur
chemin”; T5r; T5v).
Line 64] Munday omits most part of the Fr. “Chapitre LVII” (T4v–U1r), in which the
group encounter Manteleo and Landastines in the middle of a fight in a
castle. The quarrel is stopped by the beautiful young lord of the castle, of six
years of age. Once the knights calm down, the child’s mother confides her
secret to Palladine: the kid, Florian of Gaule, is King’s Milanor illegitimate
son, a fact that pleases Palladine enormously (Fr. ; U1r–U2v).
Traductological notes
305
Line 74] not being able ... vnbeleefe Added by Munday.
Line 75] Munday omits Liboran’s, Broantine’s and Lycelio’s brief retelling of
Palladine’s exploits, as well as Liboran’s humorous account of his
counterfeited dumbness and how Nonparelia’s damsels tried to woo him. On
hearing this, the king tells a cheeky story about a man who pretended to be
mute in order to gain access to a convent where his beloved was. Thinking
that, as a mute, he would never tell anybody, all the nuns sleep with him
eventually (Fr. “mais ce ne fut pas sans rire ... deuez vous faire”; U3v–U4r).
Line 78] christened Fr. “selon la coustume des Chrestiens, excepté qu’il ne fut
despouillé nud comme les petitz enfanz: mais seulement estant à genoux la
teste nuë & l’estomach vn peu descouuert” (U4v; according to the custom of
the Christians, except that he was not naked like the little children are, but
only on his knees, with the head bare, and his stomach slightly uncovered)
omitted by Munday.
Line 85] immediately ... vttermoste Added by Munday.
Line 103] Landastines ... Florea Fr. “se penserent qu’à la continuë ilz pourroient estre
descouuertes, ou bien qu’elles pourroient prendre tel goust à la noix que leur
ventre en enfleroit, & pource à fin de sauuer leur honneur, rescriuirent tous
deux à leurs peres” (U5r; thinking that in the long run they could be
discovered, or that they would enjoy so much during the night that their
wombs would swell, so in order to save their honour, both wrote back to
their parents) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
306
Chapter XXXVII
Line 8] Munday omits Nonparelia’s soliloquy on how miserable her life will be in
case the Turk gets hold of her. (Fr. “Helàs ... adulteres”; U5v)
Line 14] Mediterranean Sea Fr. “passans l’Isle du feu” (U6r; leaving behind the Isle
of Fire) omitted by Munday.
Line 15] in her hand Fr. “& vn petit flascon d’argent plein d’huylle” (U6r; and a
little silver vial filled with oil) omitted by Munday.
Line 18] Munday simplifies Orbiconte’s spells; Fr. “elle se print à regarder la Lune
en prononçant quelques motz qu’on ne pouuoit entendre en faisant gestes du
corps & des mains comme si elle l’eust menacée, puis s’estant tournée
deuers Orient & marmonnant tousiours ie ne sçay quoy entre ses dens getta
de l’huyle dans la mer, autant en fit deuers Occident, autant du costé du
Mydy & autant de la partie du Septentrion” (U6v; she started looking at the
moon, pronouncing some words we could not understand, making gestures
with her body and hands as if she had threatened her. Then, being turned
towards the East and always muttering I do not know what between her
teeth, she threw the oil into the sea, as she did towards the West, the South]
and the North).
Line 20] separated so farre asunder Fr. “plus de cinquante mille l’vn de l’autre”
(U6v; more than fifty miles the one from the another).
Line 61] of the King my brother Fr. “du Roy mon frere ny de ma seur” (X1v; of the
King my brother or my sister’s [i.e. her sister-in-law]) omitted by Munday.
Traductological notes
307
Line 70] three pirats Fr. “trois brigantins de Pyrates” (X2v; three pirate
brigantines).
Line 78] Ioyfull ... Broantine Fr. “pensans que ce fust le capitaine des Corsaires, se
ietterent toutes de genoux à ses piedz, luy crians mercy à iointes mains”
(X3v; [Nonparelia’s damosels] thinking that he was the captain of the
corsairs, kneeled down at his feet, crying for mercy with clasped hands).
Chapter XXXVIII
Line 17] the highest God Fr. “des dieux souuerains” (X4v; the sovereign gods)
omitted by Munday.
Line 31] bloodthirstie Added by Munday.
Line 60] good Father Munday favours this familiar form of address instead of the
protocolary Fr. “Sire” (X5r).
Line 67] sinister Added by Munday.
Line 93] whereby ... behauior Added by Munday.
Line 106] least ... ouertake me Fr. “car ie crains fort d’este enceinte” (X6r; for I am
very afraid of being pregnant).
Line 115] enstructed ... God Munday amplifies the Fr. “ie suis d’auis que nous la
facions baptiser & donner tousiours quelque instruction de nostre loy, à fin
que leur mariage en foit plus agreable à Dieu” (X6r; I recommend that we
have her baptized, and instruct her in our faith every day [until the
wedding] so that their marriage is more pleasant to God).
Traductological notes
308
Line 120] till ... Baptized Munday omits yet another sexual encounter -inside
Orbiconte’s bedchamber- between Palladine and Nonparelia, who had been
apart for six weeks. (Fr. “se retirerent ... encommencée”; X6v).
Chapter XXXIX
Line 6] Diuines Fr. “l’vn des rans docteurs & pus sçauans Theologiens
d’Anglaterre” (Y1r; one of the greatest doctors and most learned theologists
of England).
Line 17] as I thinke ... them Added by Munday. An appeareance of the Master of
the Bards and his performance of a “chanson” dealing with amorous
suffering is omitted. (Fr; “le maistre ... longuement”; X1v).
Line 28] Erinea, Duchesse of Rimandria Munday gives a proper name and slightly
modifies the place of origin and rank of the Fr. “Princesse de Riuandrie”
(Y2r).
Liboran In the French version Liboran is granted the title of Count of
Insufort without further ceremony or explanation; Fr. “Liboran comte
d’Insufort” (Y2r).
Chapter XL
Line 47] As ... Witchcraft Added by Munday.
Line 71] with an hundred ... Knights Fr. “vingtcinq pour chacune” (Y3v; twenty-
five for each one).
Traductological notes
309
Line 73] being ... courage Munday hides the true reason behind their hardiness in
combat. In the case of Landastines: national pride. In the case of Zorian, the
desire of obtaining praise abroad. (Fr. “deux choses ... estrangers”; Y4r).
Line 77] the sight ... from him Added by Munday.
Chapter XLI
Line 10] husband Fr. “amy & fiancé” (Y4v; lover and fiancé).
Line 19] with his heeles vpward Added by Munday.
Line 44] Gallant Added by Munday.
Line 61] being angrie Fr. “ambicieuz à la mode d’Italie” (Z1r; ambitious, in the
Italian manner).
Line 108] since your vnkind departure Fr. “huyt moys apres vostre partement” (Z2r;
eight months since your departure).
Line 110] is the onely ... hath Munday adds this pitiful explanation in the place of
Brisalda’s original proud assertion: that the girl represents all that is
laudable in her mother in gentlene and courtesy (Fr. “represente tut le
louable de sa mere en douceur & courtoysie”; Z2r).
Line 149] rare creature Added by Munday.
Line 150] where the King ... verie royally Munday introduces the figure of the King
of England, absent in the French passage, which focuses on Caesar and his
new royal status (i.e. his father has died); Fr. “pour ouyr les propos de ce
Traductological notes
310
premie prince Imperial, ià Roy des Romains” (Z2v; in order to listen to the
words of that imperial prince, already king of the Romans).
Chapter XLII
Line 49] King Fr. “Soudan” (Z3v; sultan).
Line 68] because ... common Added by Munday. The French text states precisely the
opposite: that the remaining matters dispatched that day were not that
important (Fr. “non the ... silence”; Z4r).
Line 84] Now ... freend Munday’s interpretation of the Fr. “ton mariage heureux
aporter à nous & aux nostres vne future paix & amytié de ceux qui
soulouent nous faire guerre, estans noz ennemis mortelz & coniures” (Z4r;
your happy marriage brings to us and ours a future peace and goodwill
from those who tend to make war on us, being our mortal and conspiring
enemies). The reference could perfectly be directed towards the English.
| List of emendations |
i About] Abous Chapter I, line 60
ii Greeke] greene; Fr. "lettres Ionicques” (A2r) Ch. I, line 61
iii brethren ] breethren Ch. II, line 12
iv insufficiencie.] ~, Ch. III, line 25
v seene.] ~, Ch. III, line 29
vi inconstancie. Brother] ~, brother Ch. III, line 32
vii againe.] ~, Ch. III, line 38
viii a little] alittle; all subsequent instances regularized Ch. V, line 153
ix forethinke] forethnke Ch.VI, line 80
x could not finish] could finish; Fr. “laquelle ilz ne peurent donner
fin” (B6r; which they could not finish). Both the comparison with
the French version and the outcome of the chapter show that the
original English could finish is faulty, due to Munday's inaccurate
translation or a composition oversight. Ch. VII, line 4
xi deuoire] denoire; Fr. "leur deuoir" (C2r) Ch. VIII, line 18
xii old] oid Ch. X, line 72
xiii detained] detaned Ch. XI, line 80
xiv Fame] fame; all subsequent relevant instances regularized Ch. XXII, line 70
Textual notes
312
xv Knight] knight; all subsequent relevant instances regularized Ch. XXVII, line 59
xvi them.] ~, Ch. XXXII, line 5
xvii Christian] Chrishian Ch. XXXII, line 18
xviii Carcanet] Carbanet Ch. XXXV, line 70
xix Manteleo] Mantelio Ch. XXXVI, line 6
xx loue. I] ~, ~ Ch. XXXVI, line 94
xxi Libyan] Labean Ch. XXXVII, line 22
xxii Princesses] Princes; Fr. "Princesses" (X5r) Ch. XXXVIII, line 70
xxiii riciprocall] rich procall; Cf. To the Gentlemen Readers, line 22 Ch. XLI, line 106
xxiv trickled] tricled Ch. XLII, line 78
xxv giftes,] ~. Ch. XLII, line 108