M 9lM
PR
1913.
A
A
0 0
0 :
3 i
4 i
5 i
6 j 8 ! 3 i
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2008 with funding from
Microsoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/clyomonclamydes100greg
PRINTED FOR THE MALONE SOCIETY BY
HORACE HART M.A. AT THE
OXFORD UNIVERSITY
PRESS
CLYOMON AND CLAMYDES
1599
THE MALONE SOCIETY
REPRINTS
'9'3
This reprint oiClyomon and Clamydes has been prepared under the direction of the General Editor.
fl... .913. W.W.Greg.
No entry referring to C/yomon and Clamydes has been found S" ^ 7 in the Stationers' Register, and the only early edition known i o / ^ is that from the press of Thomas Creede bearing the date 15-99. This is a quarto printed in roman type of a size approximating to modern pica (20 11. = 82 mm.). Of this a copy, wanting the leaf A i before the title-page and also slightly mutilated, is in the British Museum, while a perfect copy is in the possession of the Duke of Devonshire. The first of these has formed the basis of the present reprint, but the second has been consulted in all cases of doubt. No variants have been observed.
The title-page states that the play had been performed by the Queen's players. This company acted regularly at court down to I f9 1. After that it apparently fell into low water, for its only subsequent appearance there was on 6 January 15-94, and its performances in London seem to have been few. In the provinces Queen's men continue to be mentioned till ido2, but it is doubtful whether the same company is intended, for this left London in the spring of if 94, and there is some reason to suppose that it did not outlive the year. Whether it was the original owner of the play there is no means of telling.
Dyce included Clyomon and Clamydes in his edition of the works of George Peele, with the remark : *• On the title-page of a copy of this play, a MS. note in a very old hand attributes it to Peele ; and, I have no doubt, rightly.' This copy does not appear to be now known. BuUen, on the other hand, though reprinting the play along with Peek's, doubted his authorship, and critical opinion has certainly upheld this view. More than one writer has indeed attempted to vindicate Peele's right, but no attempt has ever been made to show that the arguments advanced in support of this ascription would not equally prove Peele's authorship of Common Conditions^ a very
■ 14^'
similar piece which was entered in the Stationers' Register on 27 July 1^76 (Arber's Transcript, ii. 301), and may be some years older. Those who deny Peek's authorship have suggested the names of Robert Wilson, Richard Bower, and Thomas Preston as possible claimants, but without advancing any convincing grounds for their conjectures. All that can here be said is that Clyomon and Clamydes is very likely by the same hand as, and almost certainly contemporary with. Common Conditions^ to which it is, if anything, probably anterior. This would place its composition at least ten years earlier than the printing of the Arraignment ofParis^ Peek's earliest play. That these rambling romances retained some popularity seems to be proved by the burlesque of them of Peek's Old Wives Tale.
VI
List of Doubtful Readings, &c.
N.B. — The following is primarily a list of those passages in which the reading of the original is open to question. It also includes a number of readings which are evident typographical blunders of the original, or might appear to be such, this being necessary as a defence of the accuracy of the reprint. It makes, however, no pretence of supplying a complete list of errors and corruptions, still less of offering any criticism or emen- dation, while, on the other hand, the inclusion of a reading does not necessarily imply that it is incorrect.
The original appears to have been printed with tolerable accuracy as far as mere composition is concerned. There are, however, a considerable number of more or less deep-seated corruptions in the text for which reference should be made to Bullen's edition. Towards the end of the play there is a tendency to place colons in place of periods at the end of speeches, an irregularity which has not been noticed in this list.
|
i^i Kight, |
1398 holyday] /)<7m^/^ holy day |
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1^^ Clya. |
1452 Chat] probably error for |
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2ZO ^ng |
Co. That |
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349 bfore, |
1524 a loue |
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3(5»4 Mars I] possibly Mars\ |
1 5- 30 as fheepe |
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3^T flie |
a ftray |
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43<^ Adiu |
1 5-31 c.w. hA |
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5:00 C/^w/.JC/^zwzyin original: error |
15^4 that] possibly chat |
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for Clyo. It is Clyomon |
not |
1^08 griefly |
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Clamydes who leaves |
the |
1793 Gtace |
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stage. |
1823 haue |
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5^1^ fifteeene |
1 841 knowne. |
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5'i3 there |
1 87 1 faithfull] /w^/'^/;/ faithfull |
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5:27 and |
1872 Nerones |
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y^-i tobring |
1934 ay, |
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5-47 Ex'tt^ possibly Exit : |
1942 Kiag. |
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624 Exeunt. |
2018 formy 2019 whaa |
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6^0 Julianas |
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'J 11 Shiftmai. |
2023 Clamy. |
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725- Clyomomon, |
2051 fifte] the r dropped out and the |
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804 fmall |
y of you gradually shifted to |
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1052 obfolue, |
the left |
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109^ deate, |
10^6 cowarly |
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1 187 Adue,] possibly A due, |
2159 he'is |
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1248 came |
21^2 Nerones. |
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13 1 3 be |
2170 craue. |
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1374 aflaile. |
2182] not indented |
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1377 receiue, |
iio6 ioyfull] possibly ioy full |
Vll
List of Characters
in order of appearance.
Clamydes, son to the King of Sua via.
Juliana, daughter to the King of Denmark.
Clyomon, son to the King of Den- mark.
Subtle Shift, the Vice.
The King of Suavia.
two Lords attendant.
Alexander the Great.
a Lord attendant.
Bryan Sans Foy.
a Boatswain,
Neronis, daughter to the King of the Strange Marshes.
two Lords attendant.
a Knight, released by Clamydes.
Thrasellus, King of Norway.
two Lords attendant.
Rumor.
Corin, a shepherd.
Providence.
The Widow of the King of the
Strange Marshes. Mustantius, brother to the King
of the Strange Marshes, a Page.
The King of Denmark. The Queen of Denmark. a Lord attendant. Knowledge.
A herald and a third lord attendant on the King of Suavia, soldiers of Alexander, two servants of Bryan Sans Foy, two ladies attendant on Neronis, two more knights released by Clamydes, a second lord attendant on the King of Denmark, Corin's dog.
Maine, Librarian to the
Thanks are due to Mr. J. P Duke of Devonshire, for kindly supplying minute infor- mation as to the readings of the copy of the play preserved at Chatsworth.
vm
/•<«■'■
r, m^
\'-'
die two valiant Knights y
Syr Qyomon Knighrof tKe Golden • ' SheeW , foiim ta the King of
i* -
A X RECTO (B. M.)
THE HISTORIE OF
Sir Clyomoxn Knight oFthe
golden Sheeld^fon to the Ki ng ofperimark ■
' Jnu ClamydQS the white I\iu^ht J fonnc to
the K^ng o/^Swauia.
Enter CUmydss^
CL^iwy. Astothe wcaiic wadring vviolus,whom waltring waucs enuir^, No «T| eatcf ioy of ioycs may bcthcn when from out the Ocean They may behold Hie Altitude ofBillovvcs to abate, For to obfcrue the Longitude of Seas informer rate. And hauing tlien the laCi'Mde of Sca-roomc foi to paiTcj Their ioy is greater through the gricfe.theu erft beforcit was. So likewife I C/.?W7^<?/,P» ince oiSwAHid Noble fo)'le. Bringing my Baike to Benmarke h^-rcto bide theKutcr broylc? And beating bloci'cs of Ai!lowcshi2,h,whi!e raging ftormes did lali/ My griefes was gre.tter then might bc,but tempcfts oucrpart, Such gentle caimes enfued liath, as nukes my ioy es more Through terjor of the former fearc,thcn erft it was before. So that 1 fit in faretie,as .Sea-man vnder fiirowde^. When he perceiu^s the flormes be paft , through vanquifliing of Clowdcs. For why ,r he d jubtful I care that drau f me off,ui daunger to prcua^lc, Is dafhf through bcainglcHer braine,and keeping vnder (aile : So fhatl hauc through twuelJ loni^,at laft polfeflfhe place Whereas my liarkc in harbour faf j,doth plcjfures 2;rcat embrace : And hath fudi liccn.'e limitcd,as heart can fecmc to askei Tpgo and come^of cuflorae b ee,or anv other (askc.
A 3 RECTO (B. M.)
THE
HISTORIE OF
the two valiant Knights,
Syr Clyomon Knight of the Golden
Sheeld, fonne to the King of
Denmarke
And Clamydes the white Knight, fonne to the King of Suauia.
As it hath bene fundry times Acted by her Maiefties Players.
LONDON
Printed by Thomas Creede. 15-99.
The Prologue.
A^ lately lifting vp the leaues of worthy writers workes, Wherein the Noble acts and deeds of many hidden lurks^ Our Author he hath found the Glajfe of glory pining bright^ JV herein their Hues are to be feene^ which honour did delight. To be a Lanthorne vnto thofe which dayly do de/ire, Apollos Garland by defert^ in time for to afpire, Wherein thefroward chances qft^ of Fortune you Jhall fee. Wherein the c he are full countenance, of good fucce/fes bee : Wherein true Louers findeth ioy, with hugie heapes of care. Wherein as well as famous facts, ignomius placed are : Wherein the iuji reward of both, is manrfejlly Jhowne, That vertuefrom the roote of vice, might openly be knowne. And doubting nought right Courteous all, in your accujiomed woont And gentle eares, our Author he, is prejl to bide the brunt Of bablers tongues, to whom he thinks, asfrujirate all his toile. As peereles tajie to filthy Swine, which in the mire doth moile. Well, what he hath done for your delight, he gaue not me in charge. The Actors come, who jh all expreffe the fame to you at large.
THE HISTORIE OF
Sir Cly omon Knight of the
golden Sheeld, fon to the King of Denmark :
u^nd Clamydes the white Knight^ Jonne to
the Kijig of Swauia.
Enter Clamydes.
Sc. i
CLamy. As to the wearie wadring wights, whom waltring waues enuiro, No greater ioy of ioyes may be, then when from out the Ocean They may behold the Altitude of Billowes to abate. For to obferue the Longitude of Seas in former rate. And hauing then the latitude of Sea-roome for to palTe, Their ioy is greater through the griefe, then erfl before it was. So like wife I Clamydes., Prince oi Swauia Noble foyle, Bringing my Barke to Denmarke here, to bide the bitter broyle : And beating blowes of Billowes high, while raging ftormes did lafl, lo
My griefes was greater then might be, but tempelts ouerpaft. Such gentle calmes enfued hath, as makes my ioyes more Through terror of the former feare, then erlt it was before. So that I fit in fafetie, as Sea-man vnder fhrowdes.
When he perceiues the ftormes be paft, through vanquifhing of Clowdes. For why, the doubtfull care that draue me off, in daunger to preuaile, Is daflit through bearing leffer braine, and keeping vnder faile : So that I haue through trauell long, at laft pofleft the place Whereas my Barke in harbour fafe, doth pleafures great embrace : And hath fuch licenfe limited, as heart can feeme to aske, zo
To go and come, of cuftome free, or any other taske.
A 3 I
The Hi St 07' ie of Clyomo7i I meane by Juliana flie, that blaze of bewties breeding, And for her noble gifts of grace, all other dames exceeding: Shee hath from bondage fet me free, and freed, yet flill bound To her, aboue all other Dames that Hues vpon the ground : For had not fhe bene mercifiill, my fhip had rufht on Rocks, And fo decayed amids the llormes, through force of clubbifli knocks: But when fhe faw the daunger ^reat, where fubiect I did fland, In bringing of my filly Barke, full fraught from out my land. She like a meeke and modeft Dame, what Ihould I elfe fay more ? 30
Did me permit with full confent, to land vpon her fhore : Vpon true promife that I would, here faithfull Hill remaine. And that performe which fhe had vowed, for thofe that fhould obtaine Her princely perfon to poffelTe, which thing to know I flay, And then aduenturoufly for her, to paflfe vpon my way. Loe where fhe comes, ah peereles Dame, my luliana deare. Enter luliana voith a white Sheeld.
luliana. My Clamyc^es, of troth Sir Prince, to make you flay thus here, I profer too much iniurie, thats doubtleffe on my part,
But let it no occafion giue, to breede within your hart 40
Miflrufl that I fhould forge or faine, with you my Loue in ought.
Clamy. No Lady, touching you, in me doth lodge no fuch a thought, But thankes for your great curtefie that would fo friendly heere In mids of miferie receiue, a forraine ftraunger meere : But Lady fay, what is your will, that it I may perfland ?
lulia. Sir Prince, vpon a vow, who fpowfeth me, mufl needfly take in hand The flying Serpent for to fley, which in the Forrefl is. That of flrange maruels beareth name, which Serpent doth not mis By dayly vfe from euery coafl, that is adyacent there.
To fetch a Virgin maide or wife, or elfe fome Lady faire, yo
To feed his hungrie panch withall, if cafe he can them take. His nature loe it onely is, of women fpoyle to make : Which thing no doubt, did daunt me much, and made me vow indeed. Who fhould efpoufe me for his wife, fhould bring to me his head : Whereto my father willingly, did giue his like confent, Lo Sir ClamydeSy now you know what is my whole intent : And if you will as I haue faid, for me this trauell take. That I am yours, with heart and mind, your full account do make.
Clamy. Ah
Knight of the golde7i Sheeld,
Cla. Ah Lady, if cafe thefe trauels fhould furmount, the trauels whereby Vnto the worthies of the world, fuch noble brute and fame, (came 60
Yea though the dangers fhould furpafle flout Hercules his toyle, Who fearing nought the dogged feend, fterne Serhams did foyle. Take here my hand, if life and limbe the lining Gods do lend. To purchafe thee, the deareft drop of bloud my heart fhall fpend. And therefore Lady lincke with me, thy loyall heart for aye, For I am thine til fates vntwine of vital life the flay : Protefling here if Gods affifl, the Serpent for to kil.
Tuli. Then flialt thou of all women win, the heart and great good wil, And me poflefle for fpowfed wife, who in election am
To haue the Crowne o^ Denmarke here, as heire vnto the fame. 70
For why, no children hath my fire befides mee, but one other. And he indeed is heire before, for that he is my brother. And Clyomon fo hight his name, but where he doth remaine, Vnto my Parents is vnknowne, for once he did obtaine Their good wills for to go abroad, a while to fpend his dales, In purchafing through actiue deeds, both honour, laud and praife, Whereby he might deferue to haue the order of a Knight, But this omitting vnto thee, Clamydes here I plight My faith and troth, if what is faid by me thou dofl performe.
Clamy. If not, be fure O Lady with my life, I neiier will returne. 80
lull. Then as thou feemefl in thine attire, a Virgins Knight to be. Take thou this Sheeld likewife of white, and beare thy name by me. The white Knight of the Siluer Sheeld, to eleuate thy praife.
Clamy. O Lady as your pleafure is, I fhall at all aflayes Endeuour my good will to win, if Mars do fend me might. Such honour as your grace with ioy, fhall welcome home your Knight.
lull. Then farewell my deare Clamydes., the gods direct thy way, And graunt that with the Serpents head, behold thy face I may.
Exit.
Clamy. You fhall not need to doubt thereof, O faithfiill Dame fo true, 90 And humbly killing here thy hand, I bid thy Grace adue. Ah happie time and blisfull day, wherein by fate I find Such friendly fauours as is foode, to feede both heart and mind : To Suauia foile I fwiftly will prepare my foot-lleps right.
There
The Hijiorie of Clyomon^ There of my father to receiue the order of a Knight : And afterwards addrelTe my felfe m hope of honours Crowne, Both Tyger fell and Moniter fierce, by dint for to driue downe. The flying Serpent foone Ihall feele, how boldly I dare vaunt me. And if that Hydras head fhe had, yet dread fliould neuer daunt me. If murdering Mtnataure^ a man might count this ougly beaft, loo
Yet for to win a Lady fiich, I do account it leall Of trauels toyle to take in hand, and therefore farewell care, For hope of honour fends me forth, monglt warlike wights to fhare.
Exit. Enter Sir Clyomon Knight of the golden Sheeld^ fonne to the King of Sc. a Denmarke, with fubtill Shift the f^ice, booted. Clyo. Come on good fellow follow me, that I may vnderftand Of whence thou art, thus trauelling here in a forraine land: Come why doll thou not leaue loytering there, and follow after me ?
Shift. Ah I am in ant fhall pleafe you. no
Clyo. In, why where art thou in ?
Shift. Faith in a dirtie Ditch with a woman, fb beraide, as it's pittie to fee. Clyo. Wei, I fee thou art a merrie copanion, I fhall like better of thy cSpany: But I pray thee come away.
Shift. If I get out one of my legs as fafl as I may Ha lo, A my buttocke, the very foundation thereof doth breake, Ha lo, once againe, I am as faft, as though I had frozen here a weeke. Here let him flip vnto the Stage backwards., as though he had puld his leg out of the mire., one boote off., and rife vp to
run in againe. 120
Clyo. Why how now, whither runfl thou, art thou foolifh in thy mind ? Shi. But to fetch one of my legs ant fhall pleafe, that I haue left in the mire behind.
Clyo. One of thy legs, why looke man, both thy legs thou hafl, It is but one of thy bootes thou haft lofl, thy labour thou doeft waft.
Shift. But one of my bootes, lefu, I had fuch a wrench with the fall, That I affure, I did thinke one of my legs had gone withall.
Clyo. Well let that paffe, and tell me what thou art, and what is thy name ? And from whence thou cam'ft, and whither thy iourney thou doeft frame. That I haue met thee by the way, thus trauelling in this fort? ijo
Shift. What
Knight of the golden Sheeld,
Shift. What you haue requefted, ant (hall pleafe, I am able to report. What I am by my nature each wight fhall perceiue That frequenteth my company, by the learning I haue. I am the Ibnne of j^ppollo, and from his high feate I came. But whither I go, it skils not, for knowledge is my name : And who fo hath knowledge, what needs he to care Which way the wind blowe, his way to prepare.
Cly. And art thou knowledge, of troth I am glad that I haue met with thee.
Shrft. I am knowledge, and haue as good skill in a woman as any man whatfoeuer he bee. 140
For this I am certaine of, let me but lie with her all night. And He tell you in the morning, whither fhe is maide, wife, or fpright : And as for other matters, fpeaking of languilhes, or any other thing, I am able to ferue ant fhall pleafe, ant were great Alexander the King.
Clyo. Of troth, then for thy excellencie, I will thee gladly entertaine. If in cafe that with me thou wilt promife to remaine.
Shift. Nay ant fhall pleafe ye, I am like to a woman, fay nay and take it. When a gentleman profers entertainment, I were a fbole to forfake it.
Clyo. Well knowledge, then fith thou art content my feruant to bee. And endued with noble qualities, thy perlbnage I fee, ijo
Thou hauing perfect knowledge, how thy felfe to behaue : I will fend thee of mine arrant, but hafte thither I craue : For here I will flay thy comming againe.
Shift. Declare your pleafure fir, and whither I fhall go, and then the cafe is plaine.
Clyo. Nay of no great importance, but being here in Suauia And neare vnto the Court, I would haue thee to take thy way Thither with all fpeede, becaufe I would heare If any fhewes or triumphs be towards, elfe would I not come there. For onely vpon feates of armes, is all my delight. 160
Shift. If I had knowne fo much before, ferue that ferue will, I would haue feru'd no martiall Knight. Well fir, to accomplifli your will, to the court I will hy. And what newes is there ftirring, bring word by and by.
Exit.
Clyo. Do fo good knowledge, and here in place thy comming I will ftay:
B For
The Hijlorie of Clyomon For nothing doth deb'ght me more, then to heare of martiall play, Can foode vnto the hiingrie corps, be caufe of greater ioy, Then for the haughtie heart to heare, which doth it felfe imploy, Through martiall excercifes much to winne the brute of Fame, 170
Where mates do meete which therevnto their fancies feemes to frame : Can muficke more the penfiue heart or daunted mind delight. Can comfort more the carefiiU corps and ouer palled fpright, Reioyce, then found of Trumpet doth each warlike wight allure, And Drum and Fyfe vnto the fight doth noble hearts procure. To fee in funder fliiuered, the Lance that leades the way, And worthy knights vnbeauered, in field amidlt the fray. To heare the ratling Cannons roare, and Hylts on Helmets ring. To fee the fouldiers fwarme on heapes, where valiant hearts doth bring The cowardly crew into the cafe of careflill Captiues band, ^^°
Where auncients braue difplayed be, and wonne by force of hand. What wight would not as well delight as this to heare and fee. Betake himfelfe in like affaires a fellow mate to bee. With Clyomon^ to Demnarke King the onely fonne and heire Who of the Golden Sheeld as now, the knightly name doth beare In euery land fince that I foyld the worthy Knight of Fame, Sir Samuel before the King, and Prince of martiall game. Alexander cald the Great, which when he did behold, He gaue to me in recompence, this Shield of glittering Gold : Requefting for to know my name, the which ihall not be Ihowen 190
To any Kight, vnlefle by force he make it to be knowen. For fo I vowed to Denmarke King, my fathers grace when I Firfl got his leaue, that I abroad my force and Itrength might try. And fo I haue my felfe behau'd, in Citie, Towne and field. That neuer yet did fall reproach, to the Knight of the Golden Shield. Enter Subtill Shift, running.
Shift. Gods ames, where are you, where are you ? and you bee a man come away.
Clya. Why what is the matter knowledge ? to tell thy arrand flay.
Shift. Stay, what talke you of ftaying, why then all the fight will be pafl, 200 Clamides the Kings fonne fhall be dubd Knight in all hafl.
Clyo. Ah knowledge, then come indeed, and good paflime thou fhalt fee. For I will take the honour from him, that dubbed I may bee. Vpon
Knight of the golden Sheeld. Vpon a couragious flomacke, come let vs hafte thither.
Exit.
Shift. Leade you the way and ile follow, weele be both made knights to- Ah lirrah, is my mailler fb luflie, or dares he be fo bold ? (gither,
It is no maruell then, if he beare a Sheeld of Gold.
But by your patience if he continue in this bufinelle, farewell mailler than. For I promife you, I entend not very long to be his man : no
Although vnder the tytle of knowledge my name I do faine, Suhtill Shift I am called, that is mofl plaine. And as it is my name, fo it is my nature alfo, To play the fhifting knaue wherefoeuer I go.
Well, after him I will, but foft now, if my maifler chance to be loll And any man examine me, in telling his name I am as wife as a poll. What a villaine was I, that ere he went, could not aske it ? Well, its no great matter, I am but halfe bound, I may ferue whom I will yet.
Exit. Enter the Ring o/"Suauia, with the Herauld before him : Sc. in
Clamydes, three Lords.
King. Come Chmides thou our fonne, thy Fathers talke attend, zzi
Since thou art prefl thy youthfull dayes in prowefle for to Ipend : And doefl of vs the order aske, of knighthood for to haue, We know thy deeds deferues the fame, and that which thou doeft craue Thou (halt poflefle: but firfl my fonne, know thou thy fathers charge. And what to knighthood doth belong, thine honour to enlarge : Vnto what end a knight is made, that likewife thou maifte know, And beare the fame in mind alfo, that honour thine may flow Amongll the worthies of the world, to thy immortall fame : 230
Know thou therefore Clamydes deare, to haue a knightly name Is firffc aboue all other things his God for to adore. In truth according to the lawes prefcribde to him before. Secondly, that he be true vnto his Lord and king. Thirdly, that he keepe his faith and troth in euery thing. And then before all other things that elfe we can commend, That he be alwaies ready prefl, his countrey to defend : The Widow poore, and fatherlelTe, or Innocent bearing blame. To fee their caufe redreffed right, a faithfiill knight mufl frame :
B 2 In
The Historie of Clyoinon In tnith he alwaies muft be tried, this is the totall charge, 240
That will receiue a knightly name, his honour to enlarge.
Chi. O Father, this your gracious counfell giuen, to me your onely fonne, Shall not be in obliuion call, till vitall race be runne: What way dooth winne Dame Honours Crowne, thofe pathes my fleppes
(hall trace. And thofe that to reproach doth leade, which feeketh to deface True Honour in her Regall feate, I Ihall detefl for aye, And be as vtter enemie, to them both night and day : By flying force of flickring fame, your grace ihall vnderftand Of my behauiour noble fyre, in euery forraine land. lyo
And if you heare by true report, I venture in the Barge Of wilflilnefle contrary this, your graces noble charge: Let ignomie to my reproach, in fteed of Lady fame, Sound through the earth and Azure Skies, the ftrained blaft of fhame: Whereby within Obliuions Tombe, my deeds Ihall be detained. Where otherwife of memorie, the mind I might haue gained: So that the den of darkfomeneffe, fhall euer be my chell. Where worthy deeds prefers each wight, with honour to be bleft.
King. Well Clamydes then kneele downe, according as is right, That here thou mayffc receiue of me, the order of a Knight. x6o
Here let him kneele downe., Clyomon with fuhtill Shift watching in place., and as the King doth go about to lay the Mace of his head, let Clyomon take the blowe., and fo pajfe away prefently.
Shift. Now prepare your felfe, or ile be either a Knight or a knaue. Clyo. Content thy felfe knowledge, for ile quickly him deceiue. King. The Noble orders of a Knight, Clamydes vnto thee We giue through due defert, wherefore fee that thou bee, Both Valiant, Wife, and Hardie.
Shift. Away now quickly, leaft we be take tardie.
Exeunt. ^70 King. Ah flout attempt of Barron bold, that hath from this my fonne, The Knight-hood tane, my Lords purfue, ere far he can be runne. Putfue him, and bring in Shift.
Ah
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Ah Clamydes "how art thou bereft of honour here ? Was like prefumption euer feene, that one a llraunger meere. Should come in prefence of a Prince, and tempt as he hath done. To take the Knight-hood thus away, from him who is his fonne ?
Clamy. Ah father, how am I perplext, till I reuenged be, Vpon the wretch which here hath tane, the honour thus from me ? Was euer any one deceiu'd of Knight-hood fo before ? i8o
King. Well Clamydes^ my Lords returne, flay till we do know more. Enter Shift brought in by the two Lords, who purfued Clyomon.
I. I^rd. O King the knight is fled and gone, purfute preuaileth nought, But here his flaue we taken haue, to tell why this he wrought.
King. Ah cruell grudge that greeues my ghoft, fhall he efcape me fb } Shall he with honour from my fonne, without diflurbance go ? Ah Catiffe thou, declare his name, and why he ventred here : Or death fhall be thy guerdon fure, by all the Gods I fweare.
Shift. Ah ant fhall pleafe you, I know neither him, his country nor name. 290
2,. La. What, what fir, are not you his feruant ? will you denie the fame ?
King. Nay then you are a dillembhng knaue, I know very well.
Shift. Ant fhall pleafe your Grace, euen the very troth I fhall tell, I Ihould haue bene his feruant when we met togither. Which was not full three houres before we came hither.
King. Well what is his name, and of what countrey declare?
Shift. That cannot I tell ant fhall pleafe you, you neuer faw feruant in fiich care : To know his Maiflers name, neither in Towne nor Field, And what he was he would tell, but the Knight of the Golden Sheeld. 300
King. Well Clamides marke my charge, what I to thee fhall fay. Prepare thy felfe for to purfue that Traytor on his way : Which hath thine honour reft from thee, and either by force of hand Or loue, his name and natiue foyle, fee that thou vnderfland. That I may know for what intent, he bare this grudge to thee, Elfe fee thou neuer doeffc returne againe to vifit mee : For this imports him for to be, of valiant heart and mind : And therefore do purfue thy foe, vntill thou doefl him find.
B I To
The Histoj^ie of Clyo^non To know his name and what he is, or as I faid before, Do neiier view thy father I, in prefence any more. 3'°
Clamy. Well father, lith it is your charge, and precept giuen to mee, And more for mine owne honours fake, I franckly do agree To vndertake the enterprife, his name to vnderlland. Or neuer elfe to fhew my face againe in Swauia land. Wherefore I humbly do defire, the order to receiue, Of Knighthood, which my fole defire hath euer bene to haue : It is the name and meane, whereby true honour is atchiued : Let me not then O father deare, thereof be now depriued. Sith that mine honour cowardly was flolne by Caititfe he. And not by dinted dallards deed, O father lolfc by me. 320
King. Well Clarnides^ then kneele downe, here in our Nobles fight, We giue to thee that art our fonne, the order of a Knight : But as thou wilt our fauour winne, accomplifh my defire.
Clamy. Elfe neuer to your royall Court, O father ile retire.
King. Well, then adue Clamides deare, the Gods thine ayder be : But come my Lords, to haue his hire, that Caitiffe bring with me.
Shift. Alas ant fhall pleafe you, I am knowledge, and no euill did pretend, Set me at libertie, it was the knight that did offend.
Cla. O father, fith that he is knowledge, I befeech your grace fet him free. For in thefe affaires, he fhall waite and tend on mee : 33°
If he will protefl, to be true to me euer.
Shift. Ah Noble Clamydes., heeres my hand, ile deceiue you neuer.
Clamy. Wei then father, I befeech your Grace grant that I may haue him.
King. Well Clamy des., I am content, fith thou my fonne doeft craue him. Receiue him therefore at my hands. My Lords come lets depart.
All. We ready are to waite on you O King, with willing hart.
Exeunt.
Clamy. Well knowledge, do prepare thy felfe, for here I do protefl. My Others precepts to fulfill, no day nor night to reft
From toylfome trauell, till I haue reuengd my caufe aright, 34°
On him who of the golden Sheeld, now beareth name of knight; Who of mine honour hath me robd, in fuch a cowardly fort, As for to be of noble heart, it doth him not import. But knowledge, to me thy feruice ftill thou mufl with loyall hart profelle.
Shift. Vfe
Knight of the golden Sheeld.
Shift. Vfe me that all other villains may take enfample by me, if I digrefle.
Clamy. Well then come follow fpeedily, that him purfue we may. {Exit.
Shift. Keepe you before ant fhall pleafe you, for I mind not to Ilay. Ah firrah Shift., thou wail driuen to thy fhifts now indeed, I dreamd bfore, that vntowardly I fhould fpeed :
And yet it is better lucke then I looked to haue : 3 5°
But as the prouerbe faith, good fortune euer hapneth to the veryeft knaue : And yet I could not efcape with my maifter, do what I can. Well by this bargaine he hath loll his new Seruing-man : But \^ Clamydes ouertake him now, what buffets will there be, Vnleffe it be foure miles off the fray, there will be no Handing for me. Well after him I will, but howfoeuer my mailter fpeed. To ihift for my felfe I am fully decreed. {Exit.
Enter King Alexander the Great., as valiantly fet forth as may be., Sc. iv
and as many fouldiers as can.
Alex. After many inuincible victories, and conquefbs great atchiued, 360 I Alexander with found of Fame, in fafetie am arriued Vpon my borders long willied for, of Macedonia foile. And all the world fubiect haue, through force of warlike toile, O Mars I lawd thy facred name, and for this fafe returne. To Pallas Temple will I wend, and facrifices burne To thee, Belhna and the reft, that warlike wights do guide, Who for King Alexander did, fuch good fucceffe prouide. Who bowes not now vnto my becke, my force who doth not feare ? Who doth not of my conquefls great, throughout the world heare ? What King as to his foueraigne Lord, doth now not bow his knee ? 370
What Prince doth raigne vpon the earth, which yeelds not vnto mee Due homage for his Regall Mace ? What countrey is at libertie ? What Dukedome, Hand, or Prouince elfe, to me now are not tributarie ? What Fort of Force, or Caflle flrong, haue I not battered downe ? What Prince is he, that now by me, his Princely feate and Crowne Doth not acknowledge for to hold, not one the world throughout. But of King Alexanders power they all do fland in doubt ? They feare as Fowles that houering flie, from out the Fawcons way. As Lambe the Lyon, fo my power, the ftowtefl do obey. In field who hath not felt my force, where battering blowes abound } 38°
King
The Hijlorie of Clyo7non King or Keyfar, who hath not fixt his knees to me on ground. And yet Alexander^ what art thou ? thou art a mortall wight. For all that euer thou haft got or wonne by force in fight.
I. Lfi. Acknowledging thy Itate 6 King, to be as thou haft faid. The Gods no doubt as they haue bene, will be thy (heeld and aid In all attempts thou takit in hand, if cafe no glorie vaine Thou feekelt, but acknowledging thy victories and gaine. Through the prouidence of facred Gods to happen vnto thee. For vaine is truft, that in himfelfe, man doth repofe we fee : And therefore lealt thefe victories which thou 6 King halt got, 390
Should blind thine eyes with arrogancie, thy noble fame to blot. Let that victorious Prince his words, o'i Macedon thy fire. To acknowledge Itill thy Itate O King, thy noble heart infpire. Who after all his victories, triumphantly obtained, Leaft that the great felicitie of that which fhe had gained, Should caufe him to forget himfelfe, a child he did prouide. Which came vnto his chamber doore, and euery morning cryde Philips thou art a mortall man, this practife of thy fire, Amidlt all thefe thy victories, thy feruant doth defire,
0 Alexander that thou wilt, them print within thy mind, 400 And then no doubt as father did, thou folace fweete fhall find.
Alex. My Lords, your counfell doubtlefle I elteeme, and with great thanks againe,
1 do requite your courtefie, reiecting this is plaine. All vaine glory from my heart : and fince the Gods diuine. To vs aboue all others Kings, this fortune doeth afiigne. To haue in our fubiection the world for molt part. We will at this one houre returne, with feruent zeale of hart. In Pallas Temple to the gods, fuch facrifices make.
Of thankfiilnefle for our fuccelTe, as they in part fhall take 410
The fame, a gratulation, fufficient from vs fent : Come therefore let vs homewards march, to accomplifh our intent.
Omnes. We readie are moft famous King, to follow thee with victorie. Alex. Then found your Drums and Trumpets both, that we may march triumphantly.
Exeunt.
Entei
Kiiight of the golden Sheeld,
Knter Sir Clyomon, Knight of G. S. &. v
Clyo. Now Clyomon a knight thou art, though fbme perhaps may fay, Thou cowardly camfl to Clamydes^ and ftole his right away : No, no, it was no cowardly part, to come in prefence of a king, 4*0
And in the face of all his Court, to do fo worthy a thing. Amidft the mates that martiall be, and Iterne knights of his hall, To take the knighthood from their Prince, euen mauger of them all. It giues a guerdon of goodwill, to make my glory glance, When warlike wights fhall heare thereof, my fame they will aduance : And where I was pretended late, to Denmarke king my fire, His royall grace to fee, homeward to retire. Now is my purpofe altered by brute of late report. And where fame refteth to be had, thither Clyomon will relbrt : For as I vnderfland by fame, that worthy Prince of might, 43*
The conqueror of conquerors, who Alexander hight. Returning is to Macedon^ from many a bloudie broyle, And there to keepe his royall Court, now after wearie toyle. Which makes the mind oi Clyomon^ with ioyes to be clad. For there I know of martiall mates, is company to be had. Adiu therefore, both Denmarke king and Suauia Prince befide, To Alexanders Court I will, the Gods my iourney guide. Enter Clamydes and Shift.
Clamy. Come knowledge here he is, nay flay thou cowardly knight. That like a daflard camfl, to fleale away my right. 440
Clyo. What, what, you raile fir princkocks Prince, me coward for to call.
Shift. Ant fhall pleafe you he is a coward, he would haue hyrde me, Amidfl your fathers hall. To haue done it for him, being himfelfe in fuch flay That fcarcely he durfl, before your prefence appeare.
Clyo. Why how now knowledge, what forfake thy maifler fo foone }
Shift. Nay maifler was, but not maifler is, with you I haue done.
Clamy. Well for what intent camfl thou, my honour to fleale away ?
Clyo. That I tooke ought from thee, I vtterly denay.
Clamy. Didfl not thou take the honour, which my father to me gaue? 4J0
Clyo. Of that thou hadfl not, I could thee not depraue.
Clamy. Didll not thou take away my knighthood from me ?
Clyo. No, for I had it before it was giuen vnto thee :
G And
The Hijlorie of Clyomon And hauing it before thee, what Argument canft thou make, That euer from thee the fime I did take ?
Shift. Thats true, he receiu'd the blow before at you it came, And therefore he tooke it not from you, becaufe you had not the fame.
Clamy. Well, what hight thy name, let me that vnderftand. And wherefore thou trauailedffc here in my fathers land So boldly to attempt in his Court fuch a thing ? 4^0
Clyo. The bolder the attempt is, more fame it doth bring : But what my name is defireit thou to know ?
Shift. Nay he hath llolen flieepe I thinke, for he is afhamd his name for to fhow.
Clamy. What thy name is, I would gladly perftand :
Clyo. Nay that {hall neuer none know, vnlefle by force of hand He vanquifli me in fight, fuch a vow haue I made, And therefore to combat with me, thy felfe do perfwade, If thou wilt know my name.
Clamy. Well, I accord to the fame. 470
Shift. Nay then God be with you, if you be at that poynt I am gone. If you be of the fighters difpofition, ile leaue you alone.
Clamy. Why ftay knowledge, althogh I fight, thou (halt not be molelled.
Shift. Ant Ihall pleafe you, this feare hath made me beray my felfe, with a Proynftone that was not digefted,
Clyo. Well Clamy des ftay thy felfe, and marke my fayings here : And do not thinke I fpeake this fame, for that thy force I feare. But that more honour may redound, vnto the victors part, Wilt thou here giue thy hand to me, withouten fraud of hart Vpon the faith which to a knight doth rightly appertaine, 480
And by the loyaltie of a knight, ile fweare to thee againe. For to obferue my promife iuft, which is if thou agree. The fifteenth day next following, to meete Sir Prince with mee. Before King Alexanders grace, in Macedonia fbyle. Who all the world fubiect hath, through force of warlike toyle : For hee is chiefe of chiualrie, and king of Martiall mates. And to his royall Court thou knoweft, repaire all eflates. Giue me thy hand vpon thy faith, of promife not to feile, And here is mine to thee againe, if Fortunes froward gaile,
Refift
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Refift me not, the day forefpoke to meete fir Prince with thee, 490
Before that king to try our Itrengths, fay if thou doefl agree, For tryple honour will it be, to hira that gets the victorie. Before (o worthy a Prince as hee, and Nobles all fo publikely. Where otherwife if in this place we fhould attempt the fame. Of the honour that were got thereby, but fmall would be the fame.
Clamy. Well Sir knight, here is my hand, ile meete in place forefpoke.
Clyo. And by the loyaltie of a knight, ile not my words reuoke.
Clamy. Till then adieu, ile keepe my day.
Exit.
Clamy. And I, if fates do not gainfay. 500
Shift. What is he gone, and did take no leaue of me ? lefu fo vnmannerly a Gentleman did any man fee, But now my Lord which way will you trauell declare ?
Clamy. Sith I haue fifteene dayes refpit my felfe to prepare, My Ladies charge for to fulfill, behold I do entend.
Shift. Your Lady ant fhall pleafe you, why who is your Lady, may a man be fo bold as aske and not offend ?
Clamy. Tuliana daughter to the King of Denmarke loe is fhe, Whofe knight I am, and from her hands this fhield was giuen to me. In figne and token of good will, whofe noble grace to gaine, jio
I haue protefled in her caufe for to omit no paine Nor trauaile, till I haue fubdued the flying Serpents force. Which in the Forrefl of Maruels is, who taketh no remorfe Of womenkind, but doth deuoure all fuch as are a flray. So that no one dares go abroad, nor wander forth the way. And fith I haue yet fifteeene dayes, my felfe for to prepare, To meete the Knight of the Golden Shield, my heart is voyd of care. I will vnto the Forreft wend, fith it is in my way, And for my TuUanas fake, that cruell Serpent flay.
Shift. What are you a mad man, will you wilfully be flaine ? yzo
If you go into that Forrefl, you will neuer come out againe.
Clamy. Why fo knowledge, dolt thou thinke the Serpent I feare ?
Shift. No, but do you not know o^ Bryan fancefoy, the chapion dwels there
Clamy. A cowardly knight knowledge is he, and dares fight with no man.
C 2 Shift. Ah
The Historie of Clyomon
Shift. Ah a noble match, couple him and me togither than : Yea, but although he dares not fight, and Enchanter he is, And whofbeuer comes in that Forreft, to enchant he doth not mis.
Clamj/. Tufli, tufh, I feare him not knowledge, and therefore come away.
Exit, no
Shift. Well feeing you are fo wilfuU, go you before ile not ftay. Ah firrah, now I know all my maiflers mind, the which I did not before, He aduentureth for a Lady, well I fay no more : But to efoape the enchantments o? Bryan Sancefoy., Thats Bryan without faith, I haue deuifde a noble toy : For he and I am both of one confanguinitie.
The veryell cowardly villaine that euer was borne, thats of a certaintie, Ile fight with no man, no more will Bryan, thats plaine : But by his enchantments, he putteth many to great paine. And in a Forrefl of flrange maruels doth he keepe, 540
Altogither by enchantments tobring men a fleepe. Till he haue wrought his will of them, to Bryan flraight will I, And of my maillers comming to the Forreft informe him priuily, So fhall I win his fauour, and fubtill Shift in the end. Thou (halt efcape his enchantment, for he will be thy frend : Well vnknowne to my maifter, for mine owne fafegard this will I do, And now like a fubtill Ihifting knaue, after him ile go. Exit.
Enter Bryan fance foy. Sc vi
Bry. 0^ Brian fance foi who hath not heard } not for his valiant acts, But well I know throughout the world, doth ring his cowardly facts. yjo
What tho I pray, all are not borne to be God Mars his men, To toy with daintie dames in courts, fhould be no copefmates then. If all were giuen to chiualrie, then Venus might go weepe, For any Court m Venerie, that fhe were like to keepe. But fhall I frame then mine excufe, by feruing Venus fhe. When I am knowne throughout the world, faint hearted for to be.'' No, no, alas, it will not ferue, for many a knight in loue, Moll valiant hearts no doubt they haue, and km'ghtly proweffe proue, To get their Ladies loyall hearts, but I in Venus yoke.
Am forfl for want of valiancie, my freedome to prouoke : j^o
Bearing the name and port of knight, enchantments for to vfe,
Wherewith
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Wherewith full many a worthy wight, moffc cowardly I abufe : As witnefleth the number now, which in my Caflle lye, Who if they were at libertie, in armes I durft not try. The feebleifc there though he vnarmd, {o is my courage danted. When as I fee the glittering armes, whereby each Knight is vanted. But how I vanquifh thefe fame Knights, is wonderfull to fee, And Knights that ventured for her loue, whom I do loue they bee. Thats luliana, daughter to the King of Denmarks grace,
Whofe beautie is the caufe that I do haunt or keepe this place. 570
For that no wight may her poflefle, vnlefle by vow decreed, He bring and do prelent to her the flying Serpents head. Which many hath attempt to do, but none yet could him flay, Ne afterward hence backe againe, for me could palTe away : For that through my inchantments lo, which heere this forrell keepe, So foone as I did looke on them, they llraight were in a fleepe. Then prefently I them vnarmd, and to my Caftle brought. And there in prilbn they do lye, not knowing what was wrought. Lo thus I range the woods to fee who doth the Serpent flay, That by inchantment I may take the head from him away : ySo
And it prefent vnto the Dame, as though I were her Knight, Well heere comes one, ile flirowd my felfe, for lure I will not fight.
Enter Subtill Shift. {fance foy ?
Shift. Gogs bloud where might I meete with that cowardly knaue Bryan I could tell him flich a tale now as would make his hart leape for ioy. Well yonder I haue efpied one, whatfoeuer he be.
Bryan. Nay gogs bloud ile be gone, he fliall not fight with me, But by inchantment ile be euen with him by and by.
Shift. A ant fhall pleafe you, ile fight with no man, neuer come {o nye.
Bryan. Why what art thou declare? whither dooft thou run? (the fun. 590
Shift. Euen the cowardlyelt villaine ant fliall pleafe you that lines vnder
Bryan. What of my fraternitie, doeft thou not know Bryan fance Joy ?
Shift. What mailter Bryan, lefu how my hart doth leape for ioy That I haue met with you, who euer had better lucke ?
Bryan. But touch me not.
Shift. Wherefore?
Bryan. A left you inchant me into the likenefle of a bucke.
C I Shift. Tufli
The Hijlorie of Clyomon
Shift. Tudi, tufli, I warrant thee, but what art thou declare ?
Bryan. Knowledge and it (hall pleafe you, who hither doth repaire To tell you good newes. 600
Shift. Good newes ? what are they knowledge exprefle ?
Bryan. A Knight hath flaine the flying Serpent.
Shift. Tuih it is not fb.
Bryan. It is moft true that I do confefle.
Shift. Ah what hight his name Knowledge ? let me that vnderftand. Clamydes the White Knight, Ibnne to the King o? Swauia land, Who for luliana., daughter to the King oi Denmark s grace. Did take the attempt in hand, now you know the whole cafe.
Bryan. Ah happy newes of gladfbmnefle vnto my danted mind, Now for to winne my Ladyes loue, good fortune is affignd : ^10
For though (he be Clamydes., right wonne worthely indeed. Yet will I fure poflefle that Dame, by giuing of the head. But Knowledge where about declare, doeth that Clamydes reft ?
Shift. Euen hard by in the Forrell heere where he flew the beafl: I left him, and to feeke you did hye : But let vs go flirder into the woods, you fliall meete him by and by.
Bryan. Well Knowledge for thy paines take this as fome reward, And if thou wilt abide with me, be lure ile thee regard Aboue all others of my men, befides ile giue to thee A thing, that from inchantments aye, preferued flialt thou be. 6io
Shift. Then here is my hand, ile be your foruant euer :
Bryan. And feeing thou art a coward as well as I, ile forfake thee neuer. But come let vs go Clamydes to meete.
Exeunt.
Shift. Keepe on your way and ile follow, I trufl if he meete him, heele take him to his feete. Gogs bloud was euer feene fuch a iolt-headed villaine as he. To be fo afraid of fiich a faint-hart knaue as I am to fee ? Of the fraternitie quoth you ? birlady its a notable brood : Well Shift thefe chinks doeth thy hart fome good : ^30
And ile clofe with Bryan till I haue gotten the thing That he hath promifed me, and then ile be with him to bring. Well, fuch fliifting knaues as I am, the ambodexter mufl play,
And
Knight of the golden Sheeld, And for commoditie feme euery man, whatfoeuer the world fay. Well after Bryan I will, and clofe with him awhile, But as well as Clamydes, in the end ile him begile.
Enter Clamydes, with the head vpon his fword. Sc. vii
Clamy. Ah happy day my deadly foe fubmitted hath to death, Lo heere the hand, lo heere the fword that ftopt the vitall breath : Lo heere the head that ihall poflefle my Julianas deare, ^40
The Knight of the golden Sheeld his force, what neede I now to feare: Since I by force fubdued haue this Serpent fierce of might, Who vanquilht hath as I haue heard, hill many a worthie Knight. Which for to winne my Ladyes loue, their liues haue venterd heere, Befides that cowardly Bryan which the faithleffe (hield doth beare : A number keepes as I haue heard, as captiues in his hold, Whome he hath by inchantment got, and not through courage bold. Shall fuch defamed daltards, dard by Knights, thus beare their name } Shall fuch as are without all faith, Hue to impaire our fame } Shall valiant harts by cowardly charme, be kept in captiues thrall ? ^50
Shall Knights liue fubiect to a wretch which hath no hart at all .? Nay firfl Clamydes claime to thee fell Atrapos his ftroke, Ere thou doelt fee fuch worthy Knights to beare the heauie yoke. Of cowardly Bryan without faith, his charmes let daunt not thee. And for his force thou needll not feare, the Gods thy fhield will be. Well, to meete the Knight of the golden Shield, yet ten daies fpace I haue. And to fet free thefe worthy Knights, but reft a while I craue. Heere in this place neere to this tort, for that I weary am With trauell, fince from killing of the Serpent late I came : Heere let him Lo heere a while I mind to reit, and Bryan then fubdue, fit downe and 66q
And then to Alexanders court, to keepe my promife true. reft himfelfe.
Enter Bryan fance foy, and Shift.
Bryan. Come Knowledge, for here he lyes layd weary on the ground :
Shift. Nay, ile not come in his fight, if you would giue me a thoufand For he is the terribleft Knight of any you haue heard fpoke, (pound.
Heele beate a hundreth fuch as you and I am downe at one ftroke.
Bryan. Tufh, feare thou naught at all, I haue charmed him, and he is faft Lying neere vnto the Caftle here which I do keepe. (afleepe,
And ten dayes in this fleepe I haue charm'd him to remaine.
Before
The Hijtorie of Clyomon Before nature fliall ouercome it, that he might wake againe, ^70
In the meane feafbn, lo behold the Serpents head ile take away, His Ihield and his apparell, this done, then will I conuay His body into prifbn, with other his companions to lye, Whofe Itrengths, ah knowledge, I durfl: neuer attempt to try.
Shift. Ah handle him Ibftly, or elfe you wil caule him to awake :
Bryan. Tufh, tufh, not if all the noyfe in the world I were able to make. Till ten dayes be expired, the charme will not leaue him. And then I am fure he will maruell who did thus deceiue him : So now he is flripped, Itay thou here for a feaibn,
And ile go fetch two of my feruants to cary him into prifbn. 6%o
Exit.
Shift. Well do fb maifler Bryan., and for your comming ile ftay, Gogs bloud what a villaine am I my maifter to betray. Nay fure ile awake him if it be pollible ere they carry him to iayle: Maifler, what maifler, awake man, what mailler, ah it will not preuaile. Am not I worthie to be hangd, was euer feene fuch a deceitfiill knaue "^ What villany was in me, when vnto Bryan vnderllanding I gaue Of my maiflers being in this fbrrefl, but much I mufe indeed What he meanes to do with my maiflers apparell, his Ihield and the head .-' Well, feeing it is through my villany, my mailler is at this drift, 6<)o
Yet when he is in prifbn. Shift fhall not be voide of a fhift To get him away, but if it euer come to his eare That I was the occafion of it, heele hang me thats cleare. Well heere comes Bryan., ile cloke with him if I may, To haue the keeping of my maifler in prifbn night and day. Entei Bryan fance fby, two feruants.
Bryan. Come firs take vp this body, and cary it into the appointed place. And there let it lye, for as yet he fhall fleepe ten dayes fpace.
Shift. How fay you maifleri5*r^^», fhalllof him haue the gard.?
Bryan. By my troth policie, thy good will to reward 700
In hope of thy iufl feruice, content I agree Cary him out.
For to refigne the keeping of this fame Knight vnto thee. But giue me thy hand that thou wilt deceiue me neuer :
Shift. Heres my hand, charme, inchant, make a fpider catcher of me, if I be falfe to you euer.
Bryan. Well
Knighi of the golden She eld, Bryan, Well then come follow after me, and the gard of him thou flialt haue.
Exit. Shift. A thoufand thanks I glue you, this is all the promotion I craue : Ah {irrah, little knowes Bryan., that Clamydes my mail ter is, 710
But to fet him free from prilbn I entend not to mis : Yet ftill in my mind, I can do no other but mufe, What practife with my maiflers apparell and (hell he will vfe : Well, feeing I haue played the craftie knaue with the one, ile play it with
the other : Subtill Shijt for aduantage, will deceiue his owne brother.
Exit. Here let thetn make a myfe as though they were Marriners. Sc via
And after Clyomon Knight of G . S.
come in with one. 710
Clyo. Ah let me to Ihore firs, in what countrey fo euer we bee. Shiftmai. Well hayle out the Cockboate, feeing fb ficke we do him fee, Strike fayle, caft Ankers, till we haue rigd our Ship againe, For neuer were we in fuch flormes before, thats plaine. Enter Clyomomon, Boate fwaine. Clyo. Ah Boatefwaine, gramercies for thy fetting me to Ihore. Boatfwaine. Truly Gentleman we were neuer in the like tempefts before. Clyo. What countrey is this wherein now we be ? Boatef. Sure the Ile of Itrange Marfhes, as our maifler told to me. Clyo. How far is it from Macedonia., canit thou declare .-^ 7jo
Boatef. More then twentie dayes fayhng, and if the weather were faire. Clyo. Ah cruell hap of Fortunes fpite, which figned this luck to me : What Pallace Boatefwaine is this fame, canlt thou declare, we fee ?
Boatef. There King Patranius keepes his Court, fo farre as I do gefle, And by this traine of Ladyes heere, I fure can iudge no lefl'e.
Exit. Clyo. Well Boatefwaine, theres for thy paines, and here vpon the fhore lie lie to reft my wearie bones, of thee I craue no more.
Enter Ncronis daughter to Patranius, King of the ft range Marpes,
two Lords., two Ladies. 740
Neronis. My Lords, come will it pleale you walk abroad to take the plea- fant ayre ? D According
The Historic of Clyomo7t According to our wonted vfe, in fields both frefli and faire, My Ladies here I know right well, will not gainlay the fame.
1. Lorc^. Nor we fure for to pleafLire you, Neronis noble Dame.
Nero. Yes yes, men they loue intreatie much, before they will be wonne.
2. Lo. No Princes that hath womens natures beene, iince firft the world
begun ne.
Nero. So you fay.
I. Lo. We boldly may, 75°
Vnder correction of your grace.
Nero. Well, will it pleafe you forth to trace. That when we haue of fragrant fields, the dulcet fiimes obtained. We may vnto the Sea lide go, whereas is to be gained. More llraunger fights among Neptunes waues, in feeing Ships to faile, Which palTe here by my fathers fliore, with merrie wellerne gaile.
I. Lo. We fliall your highnefle leade the way to fields erit fpoke before.
Nero. Do io., and as we do returne weele come hard by the fhore.
Rxeunt.,
Clyo. What greater griefe can grow to gripe, the heart of greeued wight, i6o Then thus to fee fell Fortune fhe, to hold his ftate in fpight. Ah cruell chance, ah luckleile lot, to me poo re wretch allign'd. Was euer {^^nt fuch contraries, by fraudulent Goddefle blind. To any one faue onely I, imparted for to be, To animate the mind of any man, did euer Fortune flie Showe fbrth her felfe fb cruell bent, as thus to keepe me backe. From pointed place by weather driuen, my Ibrrowes more to facke. Ah fatall hap, herein alas, what fiirder fhall I lay ? Since I am forced for to breake, mine oath and pointed day. Before King Alexanders grace, Clamydes will be there: 770
And I through Fortunes cruell fpight, opprefl with ficknefle here : For now within two dayes it is that we fhould meete togither. Woe worth the wind and raging flormes, alas that brought me hither. Now will Clamides me accufe, a faithlefle knight to be. And eke report, that cowardlinefle did dant the heart of me. The worthy praife that I haue wonne, through fame fhall be defaced, The name of the Knight of the Golden Sheeld, alas fhall be defaced : Before that noble Prince of might, whereas Clamydes he
Will
Knight of the golden Sheeld. Will fhowe himfelfe in Combat wife, for to exclaime on me, For breaking of my poynted day, and Clyomon to thy greefe, 780
Now art thou in a countrey ftrange, cleane voyd of all releefe: Oppreft with ficknefTe through the rage of ftormie blafls and cold. Ah death come with thy direfull Mace, for longer to vnfold My forrowes here it booteth not yet Clyomon do flay. The Ladies loe, comes towards thee, that walkt the other way.
Enter Neronis, two Lards, two Ladies. Nero. Come faire dames, fith that we haue in fragrant fields obtained, Of dulcet flowers the pleafant fmell, and that thefe knights difdained Not to beare vs company, our walke more large to make.
Here by the fea of furging wanes, our home returne weele make. 790
My Lords therefore do keepe your way.
1. Lo. As it pleafe your grace, we fliall obey.
But behold Madame, what wofull wight, here in our way before, As feemeth very ficke to me, doth lie vpon the fhore.
Nero. My Lords, lets know the caufe of greefe, whereof he is opprefled : That if he be a knight, it may by fome meanes be redreffed. Faire fir well met, why lie you here? what is your caufe of griefe?
Clyo. O Lady, ficknelfe by the Sea, hath me opprefb in briefe.
Nero. Of truth my Lords, his countenance bewrayes him for to bee. In health, of valiant heart and mind, and eke of hye degree. 800
2, Ljo. It doth no leffe then fo import, O Princes as you fay.
Nero. Of whence are you ? or whats your name } you wander forth' this way.
Clyo. Of fmall valure O Lady faire, alas my name it is. And for not telling of the fame, hath brought me vnto this.
Nero. Why, for what caufe fir Knight, fhuld you not expreffe your name }
Clyo. Becaufe O Lady I haue vowed, contrary to the fame. But where I trauell Lady faire, in Citie, Towne or field, I am called, and do beare by name, the knight of the Golden Shield.
Ne. Are you that knight of the Golde flieeld, of whom fuch fame doth go.'' 810
Clyo. I am that felfefame knight faire dame, as here my Sheeld doth fho.
Nero. Ah worthy then of helpe indeed, my Lords affift I pray. And to my lodging in the court, fee that you him conuey,
D 2 For
The mjlorie of Clyomon
F"or certainly within my minde, his Hate is much deplored, But do difpaire in nought fir knight, for you fliall be rellored, If Phificke may your greefe redrelle, for I Neroms loe. Daughter to Patranius king, for that which fame doth fhoe, Vpon your acts, will be your friend, as after you fhall proue.
I. Lo. In doing fo you fhall haue need of mightie loue aboue.
C/jo. O Princes, if I euer be to health reftord againe, 8zo
Your faithfull feruant day and night, I vow here to remaine,
Nero. Well my Lords, come after me, do bring him I require :
Amho. We lliall O Princes willingly accomplifh your defire.
Exeunt. Enter Bryan fance foy, hauing Clamydes his apparell on his Sheeld, Sc ix
and the Serpents head.
Bry. Ah firrah, now is the ten dayes full expired, wherein Clamfdesh^, Shall wake out of his charmed fleepe, as fhortly you fhall fee: But here I haue what I defired, his Sheeld, his coat and head, To Denmarke will I ftraight prepare, and there prefent with fpeed, 830
The fame to Julianas grace, as in Clamydes name, Whereby I am allur'd, I fhall enioy that noble Dame. For why Clamydes he is fafe, for euer being free, And vnto knowledge is he left, here garded for to bee : But no man knowes of my pretence, ne whither I am gone, For fecretly from Caftle I, haue flolne this night alone In this order as you fee, in the attire of a noble knight. But yet poore Bryan., Hill thy heart holds courage in delpight. Well, yet the old prouerbe to difproue, I purpofe to begin.
Which alwayes fayth, that cowardly hearts, faire Ladies neuer win. 840
Shall I not luliana win, and who hath a cowardlyer hart. Yet for to brag and boalt it out, ile will none take my part. For I can looke both grim and fierce, as though I were of might, And yet three Frogs out of a bufh, my heart did fb affright, That I fell dead almoft therewith, well, cowardly as I am. Farewell Forrefl, for now I will in knight Clamydes name, To Denmarke to prefent this head, to luliana bright. Who fhall a cowardly daflard wed, in fteed of a worthy knight.
Exit. Enter
Knight of the golden Sheeld,
Enter Shift with fword and target. Sc x
Shift. Be your leaue I came vp fb early this morning that I cannot fee my way, Sjz
I am fiire its fcarce yet in the breake of the day. But you mule I am lure wherefore thefe weapons I bring, Well, liilen vnto my tale, and you fhall know euery thing. Becaufe I played the fhifting knaue, to faue my felfe from harme. And by my procurement, my maifter was brought in this charme. The ten dayes are exfpir'd, and this morning he fhall awake, And now like a craftie knaue, to the prilbn my way will I take, "With thefe fame weapons, as though I would fight to fet him free, B6o
Which will giue occafion that he fhall miflruffc, there was no deceit in mee. And hauing the charge of him, here vnder Bryan fance Joy., He open the prifbn doores, and make as though I did imploy To do it by force, through good will, and onely for his fake, Then fhall Clamydes being at liberty, the weapons of me take, And fet vpon Bryan and all his men, now that they are a fleepe. And fo be reuenged, for that he did him keepe By charme in this order, fo fhall they both deceiued be. And yet vpon neither part miftruffc towards me.
Well, neere to the prifon ile draw, to fee if he be awake, 870
Harke, harke, this fame is he, that his lamentation doth make.
Clamydes Ah fatall hap, where am I wretch, in what diflrefled cace, in prifon. Bereft of Tyw., head and fheeld, not knowing in what place My body is, ah heauenly gods, was ere fiich ftrangenes feene ? What do I dreame } or am I ftill within the forrelfc greene } Dreame ? no, no, alas I dreame not I, my fenfes all do faile. The ftrangenes of this cruell hap, doth make my hart to quaile. Clamydes ah by fortune fhe, what froward luck and fate Molt cruelly atligned is, vnto thy noble ftate.
Where fhould I be, or in what place hath defleny aflignd 880
My fely corps for want of foode and comfort to be pind. Ah farewell hope of purchafing my lady, fince is lolt. The Serpents head whereby I fhould pofleffe that iewell moft. Ah farewell hope of honour eke, now (hall I breake my day Before king Alexanders grace, whereon my faith doth Itay.
D 3 And
The Hijlorie of Ciyomo7t And fliall I be found a fiiithlefle Knight, fye on fc41 fortune fhe, Which hath her wheele of froward chance, thus whirled back on me. Ah farewell King of Swauia land, ah farewell Denmarke dame. Farewell thou Knight of the golden Sheeld, to thee (hall reft all fame. To me this direfiiU delleny, to thee I know renowne, 890
To me the blaft of ignomy, to thee dame honours crowne. Ah hatefull hap, what lliall I fay, I fee the gods hath figned Through cruelty my careflill corps, in prifon to be pined. And nought alas amates me fo, but that I know not where I am, Nor how into this doleflill place my wofull body came.
Shift. Alas good Clamydes^ in what an admiration is he, Not knowing in what place his body fhould be.
Clatny. Who nameth poore Clamydes there ? reply to him againe,
Shift. Ant fhall pleafe you I am your feruant Knowledge, which in a thoufand woes for you remaine. 9°°
Clamy. Ah Knowledge where am I declare and be briefe.
Shift. Where are you ? faith euen in the Callle of that falfe theefe Bryan fancefoy., againft whome to fight and fet you free, Looke out at the windowe, behold I haue brought tooles with mee.
Clamy. Ah Knowledge, then cowardly that caitife did me charme.
Shift. Yea, or elfe he could neuer haue done you any harme. But be of good cheere, for fuch a fhift I haue made. That the keyes of the prifon I haue got, your lelfe perfwade : Wherewith this morning I am come to fet you free,
And as they lye in their beds, you may murder Bryan and his men, and fet 910 all other at libertie.
Clamy. Ah Knowledge, this hath me bound to be thy friend for euer :
Shift. A true feruant you may fee will deceiue his maifter neuer. So the doores are open, now come and follow after me. Knter out.
Clamy. Ah heauens, in what cafe my felfe do I fee : But fpeake Knowledge, canft thou tell how long haue I bene heere ?
Shift. Thefe ten dayes full, and fleeping ftill, this fentence is moft cleere.
Clamy. Alas, then this fame is the day the which appointed was By the Knight of the golden Sheeld to me, that combat ours fhould paffe Before king Alexanders grace, and there I know he is, 9*°
Ah cruell Fortune why fhouldft thou thus wrefl my chance amis:
Knowing
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Knowing I do but honour feeke, and thou doeft me defame. In that contrary mine exfpect, thou all things feekes to frame. The faith and loyaltie of a knight thou caufell me to breake. Ah hatefull dame, why (hoaldft thou thus thy fury on me wreake. Now will king Alexander iudge the thing in me to bee, The which fince firfb I amies could beare, no wight did euer fee. But knowledge giue from thee to me, thofe weapons that I may Vpon that Bryan be reueng'd, which cowardly did betray
Me of my things, and heere from thrall all other knights fet free, 93°
"Whome he by charme did bring in bale, as erll he did by mee. Come, into his lodging will I go, and challenge him and his. Exit.
Shift. Do fo, and to follow I will not mis. Ah firra, here was a fliift according to my nature and condition. And a thoufand (hifts more I haue, to put my felfe out of fufpition. But it doth me good to thinke how that cowardly knaue Bryan fame foy Shall be taken in the fnare, my hart doth euen leape for ioy. Harke, harke, my maifler is amongfl them, but let him fhift as he can. For not to deale with a dog, he (hall haue help of his man. Kxeunt.
Enter after a little fight within., Clamydes three Knights. 940
Clamy. Come, come fir Knights, for fb vnfortunate was neuer none as I, That I fliould ioy that is my ioy, the heauens themfelues deny. That cowardly wretch that kept you here, and did me fb deceiue, Is fled away and hath the Sheeld, the which my Lady gaue To me in token of her loue, the Serpents head like cafe. For which this mine aduenture was, to winne her noble grace.
I Knight. And fiu'e that fame th'occafion was, why we aduentred hether.
Clamy. Well, fith I haue you deliuered, when as you pleafe together Each one into his natiue fbile his iourney do prepare.
For though that I haue broke my day as erf I I did declare, 95°
Through this molt cowardly catifes charmes, in meeting of the Knight, Which of the golden Sheeld beares name, to know elfe what he hight : I will to Alexanders court, and if that thence he be. Yet will I feeke to finde him out, leaft he impute to me Some caufe of cowardlinelle to be, and therefore fir Knights depart, As to my felfe I wilh to you with feruent zealc of hart: Yet if that any one of you do meete this Knight by way
What
The Hijlorie of Clyomon What was the caufe of this my let, let him perftand I pray.
Omnes. We (hall not mifle 6 noble Knight, to accomplifli this your will.
Exeunt. 960 C/amf. Well then adue fir Knights each one, the gods protect you Hill. What knowledge ho, where art thou man ? come forth that hence we may. S/jJff vDithin. Where am I ? faith breaking open of chelts here within,
for ile haue the fpoile of all away. CJamy. Tufli, tuQi, I pray thee come that hence we may, no riches thou
flialt lacke. Shift with a hag as I come now with as much money as I am able to carry it were full of gold of my backe.
on his backe. A there was neuer poore afle fo loden, but how now,
that cowardly Bryan haue you flaine ? 97©
And your Sheeld, the Serpents head, and coate, haue you againe ?
Clamy. Ah no knowledge, the knights that here were captiues kept, they are by me at libertie. But that falfe Bryan this fame night, is fled away for certaintie. And hath all things he tooke from me, conuayed where none doth know. Shift. O the bones of me, how will you then do for the Serpents head to
Juliana to fliow ? Clamy. I haue no other hope alas, but onely that her grace Will credit giue vnto my words, when as I fhew my cace How they were loll, but firft ere I vnto that dame returne, 980
Ile feeke the knight of the golden Sheeld, whereas he doth foiourne, To accomplifh what my father wild, and therefore come away. Exit.
Shift. Well, keepe on before, for I mind not to flay. A firra, the craftier knaue, the better lucke, thats plaine, I haue fuch a deale of fubf lance here, where Bryans men are flaine. That it pafTeth. O that I had while for to flay, I could lode a hundreth carts full of kitchingfluffe away. Well, its not befl to tary too long behinde, lefl my maifler ouer-go, And then fbme knaue knowing of my money, a peece of cofbnage fho. 9^9
Exit. Enter Neronis. ^'^' *'
Neronis. How can that tree but withered be That wanteth fap to moifl the roote ?
How
Knight of the golden Sheeld, How can that Vine but wafte and pine, Whofe plants are troden vnder foote? How can that fpray but fbone decay, That is with wild weeds ouergrowne ? How can that wight in ought delight Which fhowes, and hath no good will (howne ?
Or elfe how can that heart alafle, looo
But die by whom each ioy doth palTe ?
Neronis, ah I am the Tree, which wanteth fap to moyfl the roote. Neronis^ ah I am the vine, whofe Plants are troden vnder foote. I am the fpray which doth decay, and is with wild weeds ouergrowne, I am the wight without delight, which (hows, and hath no good wil fhowne. Mine is the heart by whom alas, each pleafant ioy doth pafle. Mine is the heart which vades away, as doth the flower or grade. In wanting fap to moyft the roote, is ioyes that made me glad. And plants being troden vnder foote, is pleafures that was had. I am the fpray which doth decay, whom cares haue ouergrowne, loio
But flay Neronis^ thou faift thou fhoweffc, and hath no good will fhowne : Why fo I do, how can I tell, Neronis force no crueltie Thou feefl thy knight endued is, with all good gifts of courtefie: And doth Newnis loue indeed, to whom loue doth fhe yeeld, Euen to that noble brute of fame, the knight of the golden Sheeld. Ah wofull Dame, thou knoweft not thou, of what degree he is, Of noble bloud his gefters fhowe, I am affured of this. Why belike he is fbme runnagate that will not fhow his name. Ah why fhould I this allegate, he is of noble fame.
Why dofl thou not exprelfe thy loue, to him Neronis then ? 1020
Becaufe fhamefaflnelle and womanhood, bids vs not feeke to men. Ah careflill Dame loe thus I fland, as twere one in a trance. And lacketh boldnefle for to fpeake, which fhould my words aduance. The knight of the Golden Sheeld it is, to whom a thrall I am. Whom I to health rellored haue, fince that to court he cam. And now he is preit to paffe againe, vpon his wearie way, Vnto the Court o^i Alexander^ yet hath he broke his day. As he to me the whole expreft, ah fight that doth me greeue, Loe where he comes to paile away, of me to take his leaue.
E Enter
The Historie of Clyomoft
Enter Clyomon. 1030
Clyo. Who hath more caufe to praife the Gods, then I whofe flate de- plored? Through phificke and Neronis helpe, to health am now reflored : Whofe feruent thrall I am become, yet vrgent caufes dooth Conftraine me for to keepe it clofe, and not to put in proofe What I might do to winne her loue, as firlt my oath and vow, In keeping of my name vnknowne, which fhe will not allow. If I fhould leeme to breake my minde, being a Princes borne, To yeeld her loue to one vnknowne, I know fheele thinke it fcorne : Befides here longer in this Court, alas I may not flay, 1040
Although that with Clamydes he, I haue not kept my day : Leafb this he fliould fuppofe in me, for cowardlinelle of hart, To feeke him out elfewhere, I will from out this Land depart. Yet though vnto Neronis llie, I may not fhew my mind, A faithflill heart when I am gone, with her I leaue behind, Whofe bountioufnelle I here haue felt, but fince I may not flay, I will to take my leaue of her, before I pafle away. Loe where fhe walkes, O Princefle well met, why are you here fo fad ?
Ne. Good caufe I haue, fince pleafures pafle, the which fhuld make me glad.
Clyo. What you fhould meane, O Princefle deare, hereby I do not know. 10 jo
Nero. Then liflen to my talke a while, Sir Knight and I will fhow. If cafe you will reaunfwere me, my queflion to obfolue. The which propound within my mind, doth oftentimes reuolue.
Clyo. I will O Princes anfwere you as aptly as I may.
Nero. Well then Sir Knight, apply your eares, and liflen what I fay : A fhip that flormes had toffed long, amidll the mounting wanes, Where harbour none was to be had, fell Fortune fb depraues : Through ill fucceffe that fliip of hope, that Ancors hold doth faile. Yet at the lafl fhees driuen to land, with broken Mafl and faile : And through the force of furious wind, and Billowes bounfing blowes, \o6o She is a fimple fhipwracke made, in euery point God knowes. Now this fame fhip by chance being found, the finders take fuch paine. That fit to faile vpon the Seas, they rig her vp againe. And where fhe was through florms fore fhakt, they make her whole & foud Now anfwere me directly here, vpon this my propound.
If
Knight of the golden Sheeld, If this fame fhip thus rent and torne, being brought in former rate, Should not fupply the finders true to profit his eflate In what Ihe might.
Clyo. Herein a right, I will O PrincelTe as I may, directly anfwere you. 1070
This fhip thus found, I put the cale it hath an owner now, Which owner (hall fufEciently content the finders charge : And haue againe to ferue his vfe, his (hip, his boate or barge. The fhip then cannot ferue the turne of finders, this is plaine, If cafe the owner do content, or pay him for his paine : But otherwife if none lay claime, nor feeme that fhip to flay. Then is it requifit it fhould, the finders paines repay : For fuch endeuour as it is to ferue for his behoofe.
Nero. What owner truly that it hath, I haue no certaine proofe.
Clyo. Then can I not define thereof, but thus I wifh it were, 1080
That you would me accept to be, that fhip O Lady faire : And you the finder, then it fhould be needlefle for to mooue. If I the fhip, of dutie ought to ferue at your behooue.
Nero. Thou art the fhip O worthy Knight, fo fhiuered found by mee.
Clyo. And owner haue I none deare dame, I yeeld me whole to thee: For as this fhip I muft confeffe, that was a fhipwrack made. Thou haft reftored me vnto health, whom ficknefle caufd to vade, For which I yeeld O Princefle deare, at pleafure thine to be, If your grace, O noble Dame, will fo accept of me.
Nero. If cafe I will, what haue you fhowne ? 1090
Clyo. Becaufe I am to you vnknowne.
Nero. Your fame importeth what you be.
Clyo. You may your pleafure fay of me.
Nero. What I haue faid due proofe do fhowe.
Clyo. Well Lady deate, to thee I owe More feruice then of dutie I am able to profefle. For that thou didft preferue my life amidft my deepe diftrefle : But at this time I may not ftay, O Lady here with thee. Thou knoweft the caufe, but this I vow within three fcore dayes to bee. If deftinie reftraine me not, at Court with thee againe, uoo
Protefting whileft that life doth laft, thine faithfull to remaine.
E 2 Nero. And
The Hijlorie of Clyomon
Nero. And is there then no remedie, but needs you will depart ?
Clyo. No PrincelTe for a certaintie, but here I leaue my hart, In gage with thee till my returne, which as I faid (hall be :
Nero. Well, fith no perfwafion may preuaile, this lewell take of me, And keepe it alwayes for my fake.
Clyo. Of it a deare account ile make, yet let vs part deare Dame with ioy. And to do the fame I will my felfe imploy.
Nero. Well now adieu till thy returne, the Gods thy iourney guide. Exit.
Clyo. And happily in abfence mine, for thee deare Dame prouide; mo
Ah Clyomon let dolours die, driue daunts from out thy mind. Since in the fight of Fortune now, fuch fauour thou doft find, As for to haue the loue of her whom thou didft fooner iudge. Would haue denied thy loyaltie, and gainft thy good will grudge, But that I may here keepe my day, you facred Gods prouide, Moft happie fate vnto my Hate, and thus my iourney guide : The which I tempt to take in hand Chmydes for to meete : That the whole caufe of my firll let, to him I may repeate. So fhall I feeme for to excufe my felfe in way of right, 1119
And not be counted of my foe, a falfe periured Knight. Exit.
Enter Thrafellus King o/" Norway, two Lords. Sc. xU
Thra. Where deepe defire hath taken roote, my Lords alas you fee, How that perfwafion booteth not, if contrarie it be Vnto the firfk expected hope, where fencie hath take place. And vaine it is for to withdraw, by counfell in that cafe : The mind who with affection is, to one onely thing affected. The which may not till dint of death, from them be fiire reiected ; You know my Lords through fame, what force of loue hath taken place. Within my breafl as touching now Neronis noble grace,
Daughter to Patranius King, who doth the Scepter fway : 1 130
And in the Ile of Marfhes eke, beare rule now at this day. Through loue of daughter his, my forrowes daily grow. And daily dolours do me daunt for that alas I fliow Such Friendfhip w^hereas feuour none, is to be found againe : And yet from out my carefull mind, nought may her loue reftraine. I fent to craue her of the king, he anfwered me with nay : But fhall I not prouide by force to fetch her thence away }
Yes
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Yes, yes, my Lords, and therefore let your aydes be prefl with mine. For I will fure Neronis haue, or elfe my dayes ile pine.
For King Patmnius and his power, I hold of fmall account, 1140
To winne his daughter to my fpoufe, amids his men ile mount.
1 Lord. Molt worthy Prince, this rafli attempt, I hold not for the befl. For fure Patranius power is great, and not to be liippreft.
For why, the ile enuirond is, with fea on euery fide.
And landing place lo is there none, whereas you may haue tide
To fet your men from fhip to fhore, but by one onely way.
And in that place a garifon great, he keepeth at this day.
So that if you fhould bring your power, your trauell were m vaine,
That is not certainly the way, Neronis for to gaine.
But this your grace may do indeed, and fo I count it belt, njo
To be in all points with a Ship, moft like a Merchant preft:
And faile with fuch as you thinke befl, all drefl in Merchants guife.
And for to get her to your Ship, fome fecret meane deuife.
By fhewing of flrange Merchandies, or other fuch like thing,
Lo this is befl aduife I can, Thrajfellus Lord and King.
2 Lord. And certainly as you haue fayd, my Lord it is the way. Wherefore 6 King, do profecute the lame without delay.
Thrafell. Of truth my Lords this your aduife doth for our purpofe frame. Come therefore let vs hence depart, to put in vre the fame With prefent fpeed, for Merchant- wife my felfe will thither laile; ii5o
I L/ird. This is the way if any be, of purpofe to preuaile.
Exeunt. Enter Clyomon with a Knight., fignifying one of thofe that Sc. xlU
Clamydes had deliuered. Clyomon. Sir Knight, of truth this fortune was mofl luckely aflignd. That we fhould meete in trauell thus, for thereby to my mind You haue a caflle of comfort brought, in that you haue me told, Clamydes our appointed day, no more then I did hold.
Knight. No certis fir he kept not day, the caufe I haue exprelTed, Through that inchanter Bryans charmes, he came full fore dillreHed: 1170
Yet fortune fauored fb his flate, that through his help all wee Which captiues were through cowardly craft, from bondage were fet free : And at our parting willed vs, if any with you met,
E 5 We
The Hijlorie of Clyomon We ftiould informe you with the truth what was his onely let.
Clyomon. Well, know you where he abideth now, fir Knight I craue of curtefie ?
Knight. No queftionlelle I know not I, to fay it of a certaintie.
Clyomon. Well then adue fir Knight with thanks, I let you on your way :
Knight. Vnto the gods I you commit, nought elfe I haue to fay. Exit.
Clyomon. A firra, now the hugie heapes of cares that lodged in my mind 1180 Is skaled from their ncitling place, and pleafures paflage find. For that as well as Clyomon., Clainydes broke his day, Vpon which newes my palTage now in feeking him ile flay : And to Newnis back againe, my ioyfull iourney make, Leaft that fhe fliould in abfence mine, fome caufe of forrow take. And now all dumps of deadly dole, that danted knightly breft, Adue, fince falue of folace fweete, hath forrowes all fuppreffc.
For that CUfnydes cannot brag, nor me accufe in ought, ^1
Vnto the gods of deftenies, that thus our fates hath brought ■{
In equall ballance to be waved, due praifes (hall I fend, 1190
That thus to way each caufe aright, their eyes to earth did bend. Well, to keepe my day with Lady now, I mind not to be flack, Wherefore vnto Patranius court, ile drefle my iourney back. But flay, me thinks I Rumor heare throughout this land to ring, I will attend his talke, to know what tidings he doth bring.
Enter Rumor running. Ye fowling Clowdes giue Rumor roome, both ayre and earth below. By fea and land, that euery eare may vnderfland and know. What wofull hap is chaunced now within the ile of late.
Which of flrange Marfhes beareth name, vnto the noblefl flate. 1100
Neronis daughter to the King, by the King of Norway he, Within a fhip of Marchandife, conuayed away is fhe. The King with forow for her fake, hath to death refignd. And hauing left his Queene with child, to guide the realme behind. Mujiantius brother to the King, from her the Crowne would take, But till fhe be deliuered, the Lords did order make. That they before King Alexander., thither comming fhould appeale, And he by whom they hold the Crowne, therein fhould rightly deale For either part, lo this to tell, I Rmnor haue in charge,
And
Knight of the golden Sheeld, And through all lands I do pretend, to publifli it at large. Exit, nio
Clyomon. Ah wofull Rumor raunging thus, what tidings do I heare, Hath that falfe King of Norway ftolne my loue and Lady deare ? Ah hart, ah hand, ah head and mind, and euery fence befide, To ferue your maifters turne in need, do euery one prouide. For till that I reuenged be vpon that wretched king. And haue againe my Lady deare, and her from Norway bring, I vow this body takes no reft, ah fortune fickle dame. That canft make glad and fo foone fad, a Knight of worthie fame. But what fhould I delay the time, now that my deare is gone ? Auaileth ought to eafe my griefe, to make this penfiue mone ? izao
No, no, wherefore come courage to my hart, and happie hands prepare, For of that wretched King I will wreake all my forow and care. And mauger all the might he may, be able for to make. By force of armes my lady I, from him and his will take. Exit.
Enter Clamydes and Shift, with his bag of money Jiill. Sc. xh
Clamy. Come knowledge, thou art much to blame, thus for to lode thy felf To make thee on thy way difeafed, with carying of that pelfe. But now take courage vnto thee, for to that ile I will. Which of ftrange Marfhes called is, for fame declareth ftill The Knight of the golden Sheeld is there, and in the court abideth, 1130
Thither will I him to meete, whatfoeuer me betideth : And know his name, as thou canlt tell my father charged me, Or elfe no more his princely court nor perfon for to fee. Come therefore, that vnto that ile we may our iourney take, And afterwards hauing met with him, our viage for to make To Denmarke to my Lady there, to ftiew her all my cace. And then to Swauia if her I haue, vnto my fathers grace.
Shift. Nay but ant ftiall pleafe you, are you fure the Knight of the golden Sheeld in the ile of ftrange Marfties is ?
Clamy. I was informed credibly, I warrant thee we Ihall not mis. 1240
Exit.
Shift. Then keepe on your way, ile follow as faft as I can. Faith he euen meanes to make a martris of poore Shift his man. And I am fo tied to this bag of gold I got at Bryan jancefoyes^ That I tell you where this is, there all my ioy is ;
But
The Hijlorie of Clyo?no7i But I am fo weary, fometimes with ryding, fometimes with running, And other times going a foote :
That when I came to my lodging at night, to bring me a woman it is no And fuch care I take for this pelFe, leafl I fhould it lofe, (boote.
That where I come, that it is gold, for my life I dare not difclofe. ujo
Well after my maiiter I mult, heeres nothing Itil but running and ryding : But ile giue him the flip fure, if I once come where I may haue quiet biding.
Exit. Enter Neronis in the Forreft., in mans apparelL sc. xv
Ne. As Hare the Hound, as Lambe the Wolfe, as foule the Fawcons dint. So do I flie from tyrant he, whofe heart more hard then flint Hath fackt on me fiich hugie heapes of feaceles forrowes here, That fure it is intollerable, the torments that I beare : JVeronis, ah who knoweth thee, a Princes to be borne.
Since fatall Gods fo frowardly, thy fortune doth adorne: 1260
JVervnis, ah who knoweth her, in pain Rill Pages fhow ? But no good Lady wil me blame, which of my cafe doth know : But rather when they heare the truth, wherefore I am difguifed, Thaile fay it is an honeft Ihift, the which I haue deuifed : Since I haue giuen my faith and troth to fuch a brute of fame. As is the knight of the Golden Shield, and tyrants feekes to frame Their engins to detract our vowes, as the king of Norway hath, Who of all Princes lining now, I finde deuoyd of faith: For like a wolfe in lambes skin clad, he commeth with his aide, All Marchant like to fathers Court, and ginneth to perfwade 1170
That he had precious iewels bought, which in his fhip did lye. Whereof he wild me take my choyce, if cafe I would them buy: Then I miftrufting no deceit, with handmaids one or two With this deceitfull Marchant then vnto the fhip did go. No fooner were we vnder hatch, but vp they hoylt their faile, And hauing then to ferue their turne, a mery Wefterne gaile : We were lafht out from the hauen, lo a dofen leagues and more. When ftill I thought the Barke had bene, at anker by the Ihore : But being brought by Norway here, not long in Court I was. But that to get from thence away, I brought this feate to pafle: 1280
For making femblance vnto him as though I did him loue, He gaue me libertie, or ought that feni'd for my behoue: And
Knight of the golden Sheeld, And hailing libertie, I wrought by fuch a fecret flight, That in this tyre like to a page, I fcapt away by night. But ah I feare that by purfute, he wil me ouertake, Well here entreth one, to whom fome fute for feruice I wil make. Enter Corin a Shepheard.
Cor. Gos bones turne in that flieep there and you be good fellowes, lefu how cham beraide, Chauea cur here, an a were my vellow, cha mufl him confwade, (chil, 1290
And yet an cha fhould kifle, looke you of the arfe, cha muft run my felfe, an An cha fliould entreat him with my cap in my hand ha wad ftand flil. But tis a world to zee what mery Hues we fliepheards lead, Why where Gentlemen and we get once a thorne bufli ouer our head, We may fleep with our vaces againft the zone, an were hogs Bath our felues, flretch out our legs ant were a cennell of dogs: And then at night when maides come to milkin, the games begin, (win. But I may zay to you my nabor. Hogs maid had a clap, wel let the laugh that Chaue but one daughter, but chould not vor vorty pence fhe were zo fped, Cha may zay to you, flie lookes euery night to go to bed: 1300
But tis no matter, the whores be fo whiskilh when thare vnder a bulh. That thare neuer fatisfied, til their bellies be flufh. (lambe :
Well cha muft abroad about my flocks, leaft the fengeance wolues catch a Vor by my curfen zoule, thale fteale an cha ftand by, there not a verd of the
Ne. Wel to fcape the purfute of the king, of this fame fliepheard (dam. Sufpition wholly to auoyd, for feruice ile enquire : (here,
Wel met good father, for your vfe, a leruant do you lacke ?
Cor. What you wil not flout an old man you courtnold lacke ?
Nero. No truly father I flout you not, what I aske I would haue.
Co. Gos bones they leeft, ferue a fliepheard an be zo braue } 1310
You courtnoll crackropes, wod be hangd, you do nothing now and then But come vp and downe the country, thus to flout poore men. Go too goodman boy, chaue no zeruis vor no zuch flouting lacks as you be
Nero. Father I thinke as I fpeake, vpon my faith and troth beleeue me I wil willingly ferue you, if in cafe you wil take me.
Cor. Doelt not mocke ?
Nero. No truly father.
Cor. Then come with me, by gos bones chil neuer vorfake thee.
F Whow
The Historic of Clyomon Whow bones of my zoule, thowilt be y brauefl fhepherds boy in our town, Thous go to church in this coate, beuore Madge a fonday in her gray gown. 1310 Good lord how our church-wardens wil looke vpo thee, bones of god zeefl. There will be more looking at thee, then our fir lohn the parifh preeft. Why euery body wil aske whofe boy thart, an cha ca tel the this by the way. Thou flialt haue al the vareft wenches of our town in the veelds vor to play. Theres nabour Nychols daughter, a iolly fmug whore with vat cheekes, And nabour Hodges maide, meddle not with her, Ihe hath eaten fet leekes. But theres Frumptons wench in the freefe fcake, it will do thee good to fee What canuofing is at the milking time, betweene her and mee. And thofe wenches will loue thee bonnomablely in euery place. But do not vail in with them in any kind of cace. 1330
New. Tufli, you fhall not neede to feare me, I can be mery with meafure as well as they :
Coryn. Wei then come follow after me, and home chil leade thee the way.
Nero. Alas poore fimple Shepheard, by this Princes may fee. That like man, hke talke, in euery degree. Exeunt.
Enter Thrafellus King of Norway.^ and two Lords. ^c. x^l
Thraf. My Lords purfue her fpeedely, Ihe cannot far be gone, And lo himfelfe to feeke her out, your King he will be one. Ah fraudulent dame, how hath fhe glozd, from me to get away ? With fugred words how hath fhe fed, my fenfes night and day .? 1340
ProfelTing loue with outward fhowes, and inwardly her hart To practife fuch a deepe deceit, whereby fhe might depart From out my court fo fodainly, when I did wholy iudge She loued me mofl entirely, and not againfl me grudge. She made fuch fignes by outward fhowes, I blame not wit and policie. But here I may exclaime and fay, fye, fye, on womens fubtiltie. Well well my Lords, no time delay, purfue her with all fpeed. And I this forefl will feeke out my felfe, as is decreed. With aide of fuch as are behind, and will come vnto mee :
Ambo. We fhal not flake what here in charge to vs is giue by thee. Exeunt. 1350
Thraf. Ah fubtill Neronis, how hafl thou me vexed } Through thy crafty dealings how am I perplexed ? Did euer any winne a dame, and lofe her in fuch fort ? The maladies are maruellous, the which I do fupport
Through
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Through her deceit, but forth I will my company to meete. If euer (he be caught againe, I will her fo intreate, That others all fhall warning take, by fuch a fubtill dame. How that a Prince for to delude, (uch ingins they do frame. Enter Clyomon Knight of the golden Sheeld.
Clfo. Nay Tray tour ftay, and take with thee that mortall blow or flroke 13^0 The which fhall caufe thy wretched corps this life for to reuoke. It ioyeth me at the hart that I haue met thee in this place.
Thraf. What varlet dareft thou be fo bold, with words in fuch a cace. For to vpbraide thy Lord and King ? what art thou foone declare ?
Clfo. My Lord and King, I thee defie, and in defpite I dare Thee for to fay thou art no Prince, for thou a Tray tour art, And what reward is due therefore, to thee I fhall impart.
Thraf. Thou braggeft all too boldly Hill, what hight thy name exprefle ?
Clyo. What hight my name thou fhalt not know, ne will I it confeffe : But for that thou my Lady ftolefl from fathers court away, , 1370
He fure reuenge that trayterous fact vpon thy flefli this day. Since I haue met fo luckely with thee here all alone, Although as I do vnderftand, from thee fhe now is gone. Yet therefore do defend thy felfe, for here I thee aflaile,
Thraf. Alas poore boy, thinkelt thou againll me to preuaile ? Here let them fight, the King fall downe dead.
Thraf. Ah heauens, Thrafellus he is flaine, ye Gods his ghoft receiue,
Clyo. Now haft thou iuftice for thy fact, as thy defert doeth craue : ut anB alas poore Clyomon., though thou thy foe haft flaine. Such greeuous wounds thou halt receiu'd, as doth increafe thy paine. 1380
Vnles I haue fome fpeedy help, my life muft needly waft. And then as well as tray tour falfe, my corps of death (hall taft. Ah my Neronis where art thou ? ah where art thou become ? For thy fweete fake thy Knight fhall here receiue his vitall doome. Lo here all gorde in bloud thy faithfiill Knight doth lye, For thee, ah faithfiill dame, thy Knight for lack of help fhall dye. For thee, ah here thy Clyomon.^ his mortall ftroke hath tane, For thee, ah thefe fame hands of his, the Norway King hath flaine. Ah bleeding wounds from longer talke my foltring tong doth ftay, And if I haue not Ipecdy help, my life doth waft away. ^19^
F 2 Enter
The Historic of Clyojnoit Enter father Coryn the Shepheard^ and his dog. (flocke :
Coryn. A plage on thee for a cur, A ha, driuen me fheepe aboue from the A theefe, art not afham'd? ile beate thee like a flocke: And cha beene azeeking here, aboue voure miles and more : But chill tell you what, chaue the brauelt lad of lack the courtnoll, that euer
was zeene beuore. A, the whorcop is plagely well lou'd in our towne, (gowne,
An you had zeene go to Church beuore Madge my wife in her holyday You would haue bleft your zelues t'aue feene it, flie wet euen cheke by ioule With our head controms wife, brother to my nabour Nfcholl, 1400
You know ha dwels by maifter luftice, ouer the water on the other fide
of the hill, Cham zure you know it, betweene my nabour Fikhers varme houfe, and
the wind-mill. But an you did zee how lone lenkin, and Gilian Giffrey loues my boy lacke, Why it is maruelation to fee, lone did fb baft Gillians backe. That by Gos bones I laught till cha be pifl my zelfe, when cha zaw it, All the maides in towne vails out for my boy, but and the yongmen know it Thale be zo ielifom ouer them, that cham in doubt
Ich fhall not keepe lack my boy till feuen yeares go about. 1410
Well, cham nere the neere vor my fhepe, chaue fought it this voure mile, But chill home, and fend lack foorth to zeeke it another while. But bones of God man ftay, lelii whather wilt .? wha what meanfl lye heere .-^
Clyomon. Ah good father help me.
Coryn. Nay who there, by your leaue, chill not come neere. What another ? bones of me, he is either kild or dead } Nay varewell vorty pence, yeare a knaue, gos death a doth bleede.
Clyomon. I bleede indeede father, fo grieuous my wounds bee. That if I haue not fpeedie help, long life is not in mee.
Coryn. Why what art thou ? or how chanfl thou camfl in this cace } 141°
Clyomon. Ah father, that dead corps which thou feefl there in place. He was a Knight, and mine enemy, whome here I haue flaine, And I a Gentleman, whom he hath wounded with maruellous paine. Now thou knowefl the truth, good father fhew fbme curtefie To flop my bleeding wounds, that I may finde fbme remedie. My life to preferue, if poflible I may :
Coryn.
Knight of the golden Sheeld,
Coryn. Well heare you gentleman, chould haue you know this by the way, Cham but vather Coryn the fheepheard, cham no furringer I, But chill do what cha can vor you, cha were loth to fee you die. Loe how zay you by this, haue cha done you any eafe ? 1430
Cl_yo. Father thy wilhngnefle of a certaintie, doth me much pleafe: But good father lend me thy helping hand once againe, To burie this fame Knight whom here I haue flaine, Although he was to me a moft deadly enemie, Yet to leaue his body vnburied, were great crueltie.
Coryn. Bones of God man, our Prieft dwells too farre away.
Clyo. Well, then for want of a Prieft, the Priefts part I will play : Therefore father, helpe me to lay his body aright : For I will beftow a herfe of him, becaufe he was a Knight: If thou wilt go to a Cottage hereby, and fetch fiich things as I lacke. 1440
Coryn. That chill Gentleman, and by and by returne backe.
Exit.
Clyo. But Clyomon pluck vp thy heart, with courage once againe. And I will fet ouer his dead Coarfe in figne of victorie, My Golden Sheeld and Sword, but with the poynt hanging downe, As one conquered and loft his renowne. Writing likewife thereupon, that all paflengers may fee, That the falfe King of Norway., here lieth flaine by me. Enter Coryn voith a Hearfe.
Co. Lo Gentleman, cha brought zuch things, as are requifit for the zame: 1450
Clyo. Then good father helpe me, the Hearfe for to frame. Chat chall Gentleman, in the beft order that cha may : O that our Parifh Preelt were here, that you might heare him fay, Vor by gos bones, an there be any noyfe in the Church, in the midft of his
prayers heele fweare. A he loues hunting a life, would to God you were acquainted with him a
while. And as vor a woman, well chill zay nothing, but cha knowe whom hee did beguile.
Clyo. Well father Coryn let that pafle, wee haue nothing to do withall, H^o And now that this is done, come reward thy paine I fhall. There is part of a recompence, thy good will to requite.
F I Coryn. By
The Hijlorie of Clyomon
Coryn. By my troth cha thank you, cham bound to pray vor you day and And now chil eug home, & fend lack my boy this fheep to feek out : (night.
Clyo. Tell me father ere thou goeft, didifc thou not fee a Lady wandring
(here about ?
Cor. A Lady, no good vaith gentleman, cha zaw none cha tel you plane :
Clyo. Wei then farewell father, gramercies for thy paine. Ah Nervnis where thou art, or where thou doefl abide,
Thy Clyomon to feeke thee out, (hall rell no time nor tide: 1470
Thy foe here lieth flaine on ground, and lining is thy frend, Whofe trauel til he fee thy face, (hall neuer haue an end. My Enfigne here I leaue behind, thefe verfes writ (hall yeeld A true report of tray tor flaine, by the knight of the golden fheeld. And as vnknowne to any wight, to trauell I betake, Vntil I may her find, whofe fight my hart may ioyfiill make. Exit.
Enter Shift very hraue. *• ^"
Shift. lefu what a gazing do you make at me, to fee me in a gowne ? Do you not know after trauell, men being in Court or in Towne, And fpecially fuch as is of any reputation, they mufl vfe this guife, 1480
Which fignifieth a foole to be fage, graue, and of counfell wife. But where are we think e you now, that Shift is fb braue ? Not nmning to feeke the knight of the golden fheeld, an other office I haue : For comming here to the court, of flrange Marfhes fo named, Where King Alexander m his owne perfon hes, that Prince mightily famed Betweene Mustantius brother to the late king deceafed And the Queene, through King Alexander.^ a ftrife was appeafed : But how or which way I thinke you do not know. Well then giue eare to my tale, and the truth I wil fhow :
The old King being dead, through forrow for Neronis., 149°
Whom we do heare, Louer to the Knight of the Golden Sheeld is. The Queene being with child, the fcepter asked to fway, But Mujiantius the Kings brother, he did it denay. Whereof great contention grew, amongft the Nobles on either fide, But being by them agreed the iudgement to abide Of King Alexander the great, who then was comming hither, At his arriuall to the Court, they all were cald togither. The matter being heard, this fentence was giuen.
That
Knight of the golden Sheeld. That either partie fhould haue a Champion to combat them betweene : That which Champion were ouercome, the other ihould fway, ijoo
And to be foughten after that time, the fixteene day. Now my maifter Clamydes comming hither, for Mujiantius wil he bee, But vpon the Queenes fide, to venter none can we fee : And yet (he maketh proclamation through euery land : To giue great gifts to any that will take the combat in hand. Well within ten dales is the time, and king Alexander hee Staieth till the day appointed, the triall to fee : And if none came at the day for the Queene to fight. Then without trauel to my maifter, Mujlantius hath his right. But to fee all things in a readines, againft thappointed day : 15 lo
Like a fhifting knaue for aduantage, to Court lie take my way.
Exit.
Enter Neronis like a Sheepheards hoy. sc. x-vUi
Nero. The painfull pathes, the wearie wayes, the trauels and ill fare, That fimple feete, to Princes feeme, in practife verie rare. As I poore Dame, whofe penfiue heart, no pleafure can delight, Since that my ftate fo cruelly, fell Fortune holds in fpight. Ah poore Neronis in thy hand, is this a feemely fhowe. Who fhouldft in Court thy Lute fupplie, where pleafures erft did flowe ? Is this an inftrument for thee to guide a fheepheards flocke ? ly zo
That art a Princes by thy birth, and borne of noble ftocke. May mind from mourning more refi*aine, to thinke on former ftate ? May heart from fighing eke abftaine, to fee this fimple rate.** May eyes from downe diftilling teares, when thus a loue I am, Refiftance make, but muft they not, through ceafelefle fbrrowes frame A Riuer of bedewed drops, for to diitill my face ? Ah heauens when you are reuengd inough, then looke vpon my cace : For till I heare fome newes alas vpon my louing Knight, I dare not leaue this loathfbme life, for feare of greater fpight : And now as did my maifter will, as fheepe that is a ftray lyjo
I muft go feeke her out againe, by wild and wearie way.
hA
The Hijlorie of Clyomon Ah woflill figlit, what is alas, with thefe mine eyes beheld, That to my louing Knight belongd, I view the Golden Sheeld : Ah heauens, this Herfe doth fignifie my Knight is llaine, Ah death no longer do delay, but rid the lines of twaine: Heart, hand, and euerie fence prepare, vnto the Hearfe draw nie : And thereupon fubmit your felues, difdaine not for to die With him that was your miftrefle ioy, her hfe and death like cafe, And well I know in feeking me, he did his end embrace. That cruell wretch that Norway King, this curfed deed hath dunne, i J40
But now to cut that lingring threed, that Lachis long hath fpunne, The fword of this my louing knight, behold I here do take, Of this my woflill corps alas, a finall end to make: Yet ere I ftrike that deadly flroke that fhall my hfe depraue, Ye mufes ayd me to the Gods, for mercie firft to craue.
Sing heere. Well now you heauens receiue my ghofl, my corps I leaue behind, To be inclofd with his in earth, by thofe that fhall it find. Defcend Prouidence.
Proui. Stay, flay thy flroke, thou wofull Dame, what wilt thou thus dif- ifJo " paire ? Behold to let this wilfiill fact, I Prouidence prepaire To thee, from feate of mightie loue, looke hereupon againe, Reade, that if cafe thou canfl it reade, and fee if he be flaine Whom thou doefl loue.
Nero. Ah heauens aboue. All laud and praife and honour due, to you I here do render, That would vouchfafe your handmaid here, in woflill flate to tender : But by thefe fame Verfes do I find, my faithRill knight doth Hue, Whofe hand vnto my deadly foe, the mortall flroke did giue: 15^0
Whofe curled carkafte loe it is, which here on ground doth lie. Ah honour due for this I yeeld, to mightie loue on hie.
Proui. Well, let defparation die in thee, I may not here remaine, But be affured, that thou fhalt ere long thy knight attaine.
y^fcend.
Nero. And for their prouidence diuine, the Gods aboue ile praile, And (hew their works fo wonderfiill, vnto their laud alwaies.
Well
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Well, fich that the gods by prouidence hath figned vnto mee Such comfort fweete in my diftrefle, my Knight againe to {ee. Farewell all feeding Shepherds flocks, vnfeemly for my ftate, 15:70
To feeke my loue I will (et forth, in hope of friendly fate. But firit to Shepherds houfe I will, my pages tyre to take. And afterwards depart from thence, my iourney for to make. Exit.
Enter Sir Clyomon. Sc. xlx
Clyo. Long haue I fought but all in vaine, for neither far nor neare Of my Neronis wofill dame, by no meanes can I heare. Did euer fortune violate two louers in fuch fort ? The griefes ah are intollerable, the which I do fupport For want of her, but hope fbmewhat reuiues my penfiue hart. And doth to me fome fbdaine caufe of comfort now impart 1580
Through newes I heare, as I abroad in weary trauell went, How that the Queene her mother hath her proclamations fent Through euery land, to get a Knight to combat on her fide, Againfl Mustantius, Duke and Lord, to haue a matter tride : And now the day is very nigh, as I do vnderiland. In hope to meete my Lady there I will into that land : And for her mother vndertake the combat for to trye. Yea though the other Hector were, I would him not denye What foeuer he be, but ere I go, a golden Sheeld ile haue.
Although vnknowne, I will come in, as doth my Knighthood craue: 1590
But couered will I keepe my Sheeld, becaufe ile not be knowne, If cafe my Lady be in place, till I haue prowelle fhowne. Well, to haue my Sheeld in readinelle, I will no time delay. And then to combat for the Queene, I flraight will take my way.
Exit. Enter Neronis like the Page. Sc. xx
Nero. Ah weary paces that I walke, with Iteps vnfbeddy ftill, Of all the gripes of griflie griefes, Neronis hath her fill. And yet amids thefe miferies, which were my firft mifhaps, By brute I heare fuch newes alas, as more and more inwraps 1600
My wretched corps with thoufand woes, more then I may fupport, So that I am to be compard vnto the fcaled fort. Which doth fo long as men and might, and fuflenance preuaile,
G Giue
The Hijlorie of Clyomon Giue to the enemies repuKe, that commeth to ailaile: But when afliftance gins to faile, and itrength of foes increale, They forced are through battering blowes, the fame for to releafe. So likewife I fo long as hope, my comfort did remaine. The griefly greefes that mc adaild, I did repulfe againe : But now that hope begins to faile, and greeres anew do rife, I muft of force yeeld vp the Forte, I can no way deuife j5,o"
To keepe the fame, the Forte I meane, it is the wearie corfe, Which forrowes daily do aflaile, and fiege without remorfe : And now to make my griefes the more, report alas hath told, How that my fathers aged bones, is flirined vp in mold. Since Norway king did me betray, and that my mother fhee, Through Duke Muftantius^ vncle mine, in great diftrefle to bee : For fwaying of the Septer there, what fliould I herein fay ? Now that I cannot find my knight, I would at combat day Be gladly there, if cafe I could with fome good maifter meete, That as his Page in thefe affaires, would feeme me to intreate : 1520
And in good time, here commeth one, he feemes a knight to be, He profer feruice, if in cafe, he will accept of me.
Enter Clyomon with his Sheeld couered^Jirangely difguifed.
Clyo. "Well, now as one vnknowne, I will go combat for the Queene: Who can bewray me, fince my Sheeld is not for to be feene ? But ftay, who do I here efpie ? of truth a proper Boy, If cafe he do a maifter lacke, he fhall fuflaine no noy : For why in thefe affaires, he may fland me in palling fleed.
Nero. Well, I fee to pafTe vpon my way, this Gentlemans decreed. To him I will fubmit my felfe, in femice for to be, 1^30
If cafe he can his fancie frame, to like ix^ well on me. Well met fir knight vpon your way.
Clj/o. My Boy gramercies, but to me fay, Into what countrey is thy iourney dight ?
JVero. Towards the flrange Marfhe, of truth Sir Knight.
Clyo. And thither am I going, high loue be my guide.
JSlero. Would Gods I were worthy to be your Page by your fide.
Clfo. My Page my boy, why what is thy name ? that let me heare.
Nero. Sir Knight, by name I am called Cur Daceer.
Clio. Cur
Knight of the golden Sheeld,
Clyo. Cur "Daceer, what heart of Steele, now certis my boy : 1^40
I am a Gentleman, and do entertaine thee with ioy : And to the flrange Marfhes am I going, the Queene to defend. Come therefore, for without more faying, with me thou flialt wend.
Exit.
Nero. As diligent to do my dutie as any in this land : Ah Fortune, how fauourablie my friend doth fhe Hand : For thus no man knowing mine eflate nor degree, May I pafle fafely, a Page as you fee.
Exit. Enter Bryan fance foy voith the Head. Sc. xxi
Bry. Euen as the Owle that hides her head, in hollow tree till night, And dares not while lir Phoebus Ihines, attempt abroad in flight: 16^1
So likewiie I as Buzzard bold, while chearefull day is feene. Am forfl with Owle to hide my felfe, amongft the luie greene : And dares not with the feelie Snaile, from cabbin ihow my head, Till F'esper I behold aloft, in skies begin to fpread : And then as Owle that flies abroad when other fowles do reft, I creepe out of my drowfie denne, when flimmous hath fuppreft The head of euerie vaHant heart, loe thus I fhrowd the day, And trauell as the Owle by night vpon my wifhed way : \66o
The which hath made more tedious my iourney, by halfe part. But blame not Bryan., blame alas, his cowardly catiffes hart : Which dares not fhowe it felfe by day, for feare of worthy wights, For none can trauell openly, to efcape the venturous Knights, Vnlefle he haue a noble mind, and eke a valiant hart. The which I will not brag vpon, I afliire you for my part: For if the courage were in me, the which in other is, I doubtles had inioyed the wight whom I do loue ere this. Well, I haue not long to trauell now, to Denmarke I draw nie. Bearing knight Clamydes name, yet Bryan fance foy am I. \6-jo
But though I do vfurpe his name, his meeld or enfigne here. Yet can I not vliirpe his heart, ftill Bryans heart I beare : Well, I force not that, he is fafe inough, and Bryan as I am, I will vnto the Court, whereas I fhall enioy that dame.
Exit. G 2, Enter
The Hijlorie of Cly 0771071
Enter Shift like a fViffer. Sc.
Shift. Rowme there for a reckning, fee I befeech you if thalc ftand out of lefii, lefli, why do you not know that this is the day (the way.
That the combat mult pafle for Mujiantius and the Queene ? But to fight vpon her fide as yet no Champion is {eene. 1680
And Duke Mujiantius he fmiles in his lleeue, becaufe he doth fee That neither for louc nor rewards, any one her Champion will be. Ant were not but that my maiiler the other Champion is. To fight for the Queene my felfe, I fiirely would not mis. Alas good Lady, flie and her child is like to lofe all the land, Becauie none will come in, in her defence for to ftand. For where (he was in election, if any Champion had come To rule till fhe was deliuered, and haue the Princes roome : Now fhall Duke Mujiantius be fiire the Scepter to fway.
If that none do come in to fight in her caufe this day. ,(^ao
And King Alexander all this while hath he flayed the triall to fee. Well here they come, roome there for the King, heres fuch thrufting of women as it grieueth mee.
Enter King Alexander, the Queene., Mujiantius., two Lords., and Clamydes like a Champion.
Mujian. O Alexander lo behold, before thy royall grace My Champion here at pointed day I do prefent in place.
Alexand. Well fir Duke in your defence is he content to be ?
Clamy. Yea worthy Prince, not fearing who incounter fhall with me : Although he were with Hercules of equall power and might, 1700
Yet in the caufe of this fame Duke, I challenge him the fight.
Alexa. I like your courage well fir Knight : what fhal we call your name ?
Clamy. Clamydes., fonne to the Swauian King, O Prince fo hight the fame.
Alexa. Now certainely I am right glad Clamydes for to fee, Such valiant courage to remaine within the mind of thee. Well Lady, according to the order tane herein, what do you fay, Haue you your Champion in like cafe, now ready at the day ?
Queene. No fure 6 King no Champion I, haue for to ayde my caufe, Vnleffe twill pleafo your noble grace on further day to paufe. For I haue fent throughout this He, and euery forraine land, 17 10
But none as yet hath proffered, to take the fame in hand.
Alex. No,
Knight of the golden Sheeicl,
Alex. No, I am more fbrie certainly, your chance to fee fb ill, But day deferred cannot be, vnlefle Muftantius will, For that his Champion readie here, in place he doth prefent, And who fo milled at this day, fhould loofe by full confent Of either part, the tytle right, and fway of regall Mace, To this was your conlentment giuen, as well as his in place. And therefore without his aflent, we cannot referre the day ?
Shift. Ant fhall pleafe your grace, herein trie Muftantius what he will fay.
Alex. How fay you Muftantius., are you content the day to deferre ? i7io
Muftan. Your Grace will not will me I trufl, for then from law you erre : And hauing not her Champion here, according to decree. There refteth nought for her to loofe, the Crowne belongs to mee.
Shift. Nay ant fhall pleafe your grace, rather then (he fhall it lofe, I my felfe will be her Champion for halfe a doozen blowes.
Muftan. Wilt thou ? then by fiill congo to the Challenger there Itands.
Shift. Nay fbft, of fufferance commeth eafe, though I cannot rule my tongue, ile rule my hands.
Muftan. Well noble Alexander., fith that fhe wants her Champion as
you fee, 1730
By greementof your royall grace, the Crowne belongs to mee.
Alex. Nay Muftantius., fhe fhall haue law, wherefore to found begin, To fee if that in three houres fpace no Champion will come in.
Sound here once. Of truth Madam I forie am, none will thy caufe maintaine. Well, according to the law of Armes, yet Trumpet found againe.
Sound fee ond time. What, and is there none will take in hand, to Combat for the Queene }
Shift. Faith I thinke it mufl be I mufl do the deed, for none yet is feene.
Queene. O King let pittie pleade for me, here in your gracious fight, 1740 And for fb flender caufe as this depriue me not of right : Confider once I had to fpowfe a Prince of worthy fame. Though now bHnd Fortune fpurne at me, her fpight I needs mufl blame. And though I am bereft O King, both of my child and mate. Your Grace fome greement may procure, confider of my ftate, And fiiffer not a Widow Queene with wrong opprefled fo, But pitie the young Infants cafe, wherewith O King I go :
G \ And
The mjlorie of Clyomo7t And though I fuffer wrong, let that find fauonr in your fight.
King. Why Lady I refpect you both, and fiire would if I might Entreate Mujiantius thereunto, fi^me fiich good order fi-ame, 175-0
Your llrife fliould ceafe, and yet each one well pleafed with the fame.
Queetie. I know your grace may him perfwade, as reafon wils no lelle.
King. Well Sir Mustantius., then your mind to me in breefe exprefle, Will you vnto fiach order fi;and here Hmited by me. Without deferring longer time, fay on if you agree '^.
JHuJlan. In hope your grace my fl;ate will way, I giue my glad confent.
King. And for to end all difcord fay, Madame, are you content }
Queene. Yea noble King.
King. Well then before my nobles all, giue eare vnto the King, For fwaying of the fword and Mace all difcord to beate downe, 17^0
The child when it is borne, we elect to weare the Crowne. And till that time Mujiantius, you of lands and lining heere, Like equall part in euerie point, with this the Queene fhall Ihare : But to the child when it is borne, if Gods grant it to liue. The kingdome whole in euery part, as tytle we do giue. But yet Mustantius, we will yeeld this recompence to you, You fhall receiue fiue thoufand Crownes for yearely penfion due, To maintaine your eftate, while you here liue and do remaine. And after let the whole belong vnto the Crowne againe. Now fay your minds if you agree .? 1770
Page. I would the like choife were put to me.
jMust. I for my part O Noble King therewith am well content : Well better halfe then nought at all, I likewife giue confent. Enter Clyomon, as to Combat.
Clyo. Renowned King and moft of fame, before thy royall grace. The Queene to aid, I do prefent my perfon here in place.
Muftan, You come too late in faith Sir knight, the houre and time is pall.
Clyo. Your houre I am not to refpect, I entered with the blall.
C/amy. What Princox is it you, are come to combat for the Queene "^ Good Fortune now, I hope ere long your courage fhall be feene. 1780
CIj/o. And fure I count my hap as good, to meete with you Sir knight. Come according to your promife made, prepare your felfe to fight.
Clamy. I
Knight of the golden Sheeld,
Chmy. I knew you well inough fir, although your fheeld were hid from mee.
C/^CL Now you (hall feele me as well as know me, if hand and hart agree.
King. Stay, flay Sir knights, I charge you not in combat to proceed, For why the quarell ended is, and the parties are agreed : And therefore we difcharge you both, the combat to refraine :
Fage. The heauens therefore O noble King, thy happie fheeld remaine.
Clamy. O King although we be difchargd for this contention now, 1790
Betwixt vs twaine there refteth yet a combat made by vow : Which fhould be fought before your Grace : and fince we here be met. To iudge twixt vs for victorie, let me your Gtace entreat.
King. For what occafion is your flrifes fir knights, firfl let me know ?
Clamid. The trueth thereof renowned king thy feruant he fhall fhow : What time 0 king, as I (hould take of Suauia king my fier, The noble orders of a Knight, which long I did defier : This knight a ftraunger comes to court, and at that prefent day. In cowardly wife he comes by Health, and takes from me away The honour that I fhould haue had, for which my father he, 1800
Did of his bleffing giue in charge, O noble king to me. That I fliould know his name, that thus bereaued me of my right The which he will not fliew, vnles he be fubdued in fight : Whereto we either plighted faith, that I fhould know his name. If that before thy Grace O King, my force in fight could frame. To vanquifh him, now hauing met thus happily togither. Though they are greed, our combat refl, decreed ere we came hither. Are you that knight that did flibdue Sir Samuel in field. For which you had in recompence of vs, that Golden Sheeld ?
Cl/o. I am that knight renowned Prince, whofe name is yet vnknowne, 18 10 And fince I foyld Sir Samuel., fome prowefle I haue fhowne.
Queen. Then as I geffe, you are that Knight by that fame fheeld you bear Which fometime was reflored to health within our Pallace here ? By Neronis our daughter fhe betrayed by Norway king.
Clfo. I am that knight indeed O Queene, whom fhe to health did bring. Whofe feruant euer I am bound wherefbeuer that fhe be, Whofe enemie O Queene is flaine purfuing her, by me.
Queene. Know
The Hijiof^ie of C/yomon Queetie. Know you not where fhe abides, Sir knight to vs declare? Clyo. No certis would to Gods I did, (he fhould not liue in care,
But efcaped from the Norway king, I am affiir'd (he is. 1820
Oueene. Well her abfence was her fathers death, which turnd to bale my
(blis. Clyo. And till I find her out againe, my toile no end fhall haue Queene. Alas he is nigh inough to her, fmall toile the fpace doth craue. King. Well Sir knights, fince that you haue declar'd before me here.
The caufe of this the grudge which you to each other beare:
I wifh you both a while to pawfe, and to my words attend,
If Realbn reft with you, be fiire Knights, this quarell I will end.
Without the fheading any bloud betwixt you here in fight:
Clamydes., wey you are nobly borne, and will you then fir Knight, 1830
Go hazard life fb defperately ? I charge you both refraine,
Since for fo fmal a caufe, the ftrife doth grow betwixt you twaine :
And let him know your name fir knight, and fo your malice end :
Clyo. I haue vowed to the contrary, which vowe I muft defend, (knowne: King. Well though fo it be that you haue vowed, your name fhall not be
Yet not detracting this your vow, your countrey may be fhowne,
And of what ftocke by birth you bee: Shift. Bur Lady he is dafhed now I fee. Clyo. Indeed this hath aftond me much, I cannot but confefle,
My country and my birth, my ftate, which plainly wil exprefle 1840
My name, for that vnto them all my ftate is not knowne,
King. Sir knight, of our demand from you againe, what anfwere fhall be Clyo. O? Denmarke noble Prince I am, and fbn vnto the king: (Ihowne.'' King. Why then fir Cliomon hight your name, as rare report doth ring .'' Clyo. It doth indeed fb hight my name, O Prince of high renowne,
I am the Prince oi Denmarkes fbnne, and heire vnto the Crowne.
Clamy. And are you fon to Denmarke king ? then do imbrace your frend.
Within whofe heart here towards you, all malice makes an end :
Who with your filter linked is, in loue with loyall hart:
Clyo. And for her fake, and for thine owne, like friendfhip I impart. i8jo
King. Well fir knights, fince friendfhip refts, where rancor did remaine,
And that you are fuch friends become, I certaine am right faine.
In hope you wil continue ftil, you fhall to Court repaire.
And remaine if that you pleafe awhile, to reft you there Till
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Till time you haue decreed which way your iourney you will frame :
Both. We yeeld you thanks, befeeching loue flill to augment your fame.
Exeunt.
Chmydes. Well, come my Clyomon let vs paffe, and as we iourne by way, My molt misfortunes vnto thee I wholly will bewray What hapned in my lafl affaires, and for thy lifters lake. i8<?o
Clyomon. Well then Coeur d'acer come and waite, your iourney you fhall And feeing thou art prepared, and hall all things in readineffe, (take,
Hall thee before to Denmarke with Ipeedinefle, And tell the King and the Queene that Clyomon their fonne In health and happie Hate to their court doth returne. But in no wife to luliana fay any thing of mee,
Curdafer. I will not Ihew one word amille contrary your decree.
Clamydes. Well then my Clyomon^ to take our leaue to court let vs repare :
Clyomon. As your friend and companyon Clamydes euery where. Exit.
Neronis. Oh heauens ! is this my louing knight whom I haue ferud fo log ? 1870 Now haue I tride his faithfull hart, oh lb my ioyes doth throng, To thinke how fortune fauoreth me, Nerones now be glad. And praile the gods, thy iourney now, llich good fuccefle hath had To Denmarke will I hall with ioy my mellage to declare. And tell the King how that his fonne doth homeward now repaire. And more to make my ioyes abound, fortune could neuer frame A finer meane to ferue my turne, then this, for by the fame I may vnto the Queene declare my ftate in lecret wile, As by the way I will recount how bell I can deuife.
Now pack Nerones like a page, hall hence left thou be Ipide, ^880
And tell thy maillers mellage there, the gods my iourney guide. Exit.
Enter King of Denmarke^ the Queene^ luliana, two Lords. Sc. xxhi
King. Come Lady Queene, and daughter eke, my luliana deare. We mule that of your Knight as yet no newes againe you heare, Which did aduenture for your loue the Serpent to fubdue.
lulia. O father, the fending of that worthy knight my woful hart doth rue, For that alas the flirious force of his outragious might, As I haue heard fubdued hath full many a worthy knight. And this kit night O fither pall, my mind was troubled fore, Me thought in dreame I faw a Knight not knowne to me before, 1890
H Which
The Historie of Clyomon Which did prefeiit to me the head of that fame monfter flaine, But my CliVnydes IHll in voyce me thought I heard complaine, As one bereft of all his ioy, now what this dreame doth lignifie. My fimple skill will not fiiffice the truth thereof to fpecifie. But fore I feare to contraries, the exfpect thereof will hap, Which will in huge calamities my wofuU corps bewrap: For fending of fb worthy a Prince, as was Cla^nydes he, To fup his dire deftruction there, for wretched loue of me.
Queene. Tufli daughter thefe but fancies be, which run within your mind :
King. Let them for to fupprefle your ioyes, no place of harbour find. 1900
JLorti. O Princes let no dollors dant, behold your Knight in place:
lulia. Ah happie fight, do I behold my knight Clamydes face ? Rnter Bryan Sance foy with the head on his f word.
Bryan. Wei, I haue at lall through trauell long, atchiued my iourneys end, Though Bryan., yet Clamydes name, I floutly mult defend. Ah happie fight, the King and Queene with daughter in like cafe I do behold, to them I will prefent my felfe in place : The mightie Gods renowmed King, thy princely flate maintaine:
King. Sir Clamydes., mofl welcome fure you are to court againe.
Bryan. O Princes lo my promile here performed thou maifl fee, 19^°
The Serpents head by me fubdude I do prefent to thee. Before thy fathers royall grace :
lulia. My Clamydes do embrace. Thy luliana., whofe hart thou haft till vitall race be runne : Sith for her fake fb venturoufly this deed by thee was done. Ah welcome home my faithfiiU Knight :
Bryan. Gramerces noble Lady bright.
King. Well luliana in our court your louer caufe to ftay. For all our Nobles we will fend, againfl your nuptiall day. Go cary him to take his reft: 1910
lulian. I fliall obey your graces heft. Come my Clamydes go with me, in court your reft to take :
Bryan. I thanke you Lady, now I fee accompt of me you make.
Kxeunt.
King. Well my Queene, fith daughter ours hath chofen fuch a make, The terrour of whofe valiant hart may caufe our foes to quake.
Come
Knight of the golden Sheeld, Come let vs prefently depart, and as we did decree. For all our nobles will we fend, their nuptialls for to fee.
Queene. As pleafeth thee, thy Lady Queene O king is well agreed.
Lo. May it pleafe your graces to areft, for loe with pofting fpeed 1930
A meflenger doth enter place :
King. Then will we ftay to know the cafe. Enter Neronis.
Nerv. The mightie powers renowned Prince preferue your flate for ay.
King. Meflenger thou art welcome, what hail thou to fay ?
New. Sir Cljomon your noble fbnne, knight of the golden Sheeld, "Who for his valiant victories in Towne and eke in field Is famed through the world, to your court doth now returne. And hath fent me before to Court, your grace for to enforme.
King. Ah meflenger declare, is this of truth the which that thou haft told ? 1940
Nero. It is moft true O Noble king, you may thereof be bold.
Kiag. Ah ioy of ioyes furpaiTing all, what ioy is this to me.'^ My Clyomon in Court to haue, the nuptiall for to fee, O? Juliana fifter his, oh fo I ioy in mind.
Queene. My boy where is thy maifter fpeake, what is he far behind? Declare with fpeed, for thefe my eyes do long his face to view :
Nero. Oh Queene this day he will be here, tis truth I tell to you. But noble Queene let pardon here my bold attempt excufe. And for to heare a fimple boy in fecret not refiife. Who hath ftrange tidings from your fonne to tell vnto your grace. Mxit. 1950
Lord. Behold my Lord where as I geffe, fome ftrangers enter place :
King. I hope my Clyomon be not far. Oh ioy, I fee his face.
Clyo. Come Knowledge, come forward, why art thou alwaies flacke? Get you to Court, brufh vp our apparell, vntrufle your packe: Go foeke out my Page, bid him come to me with all fpeed you can :
Shift. Go feek out, fetch, bring here, gogs ounds, what am I, a dog or a man ? I were better be a hangman, and liue fb like a drudge : Since your new man came to you, I muft packe, I muft trudge.
Clyo. How f tands thou knaue ? why gets thou not away ?
Shift. Now, now fir, you are fo haltie now, I know not what to fay. 19(^0
Clyo. O noble Prince, the Gods aboue preferue thy royall grace :
King. How ioy full is my heart deare fonne, to view againe thy face ?
H 2 Clyo. And
The Historle of Clyomon Clyomon. And I as ioyfiill in the view of parents happie plight,
Whome facred gods long time maintaine in honor day and night.
But this my friend O father deere, euen as my felfe intreate.
Whole noblenes when time (hall feme to you he fhall repeate.
King. If cafe my fonne he be thy friend, with hart I thee imbrace: Clyomon. With loyall hart in humble wife, I thanke your noble grace. King. My Cl/o?non declare my fbnne in thine aduentures late,
What hath bin wrought by fortune moft to aduance thy noble ftate ? 1970
Clyomon. O father, the greatefl ioy of all the ioyes which was to one affignd
Since firfl I left your noble court by cruell fortune blind,
Is now bereft from me away, through her accurfed fate,
So that I rather finde fhe doth enuy my noble flate.
Then feeke for to aduance the fame, fb that I boldly may
Exprefle ihe neuer gaue fb much, but more fhe tooke away.
And that which I haue lofl by her, and her accurfed ire,
From trauell will I neuer ceafe, vntill I may afpire
Vnto the view thereof oh King, wherein is all my ioy.
King. Why how hath fortune wrought to thee this care and great anoy ? 1980 Clyomon. O father vnto me the heauenly powers aflignd a noble dame,
With whome to liue in happy life, my hart did wholie frame.
But not long did that glafing ftarre, giue light vnto mine eyes,
But this fell fortune gins to frowne, which euery ftate defpife.
And takes away through cancred hate that happy light from me.
In which I fixed had my hope, a blefled flate to fee :
And daughter to the King flie was, which of ftrange Marfhes hight.
Bearing brute each where, to be dame Bewties darling bright :
Right heire vnto dame Vertues grace, dame Natures patterne true.
Dame Prudence fcholler for her wit, dame yenus for her hue. 1990
'Diana for her daintie life, Sufanna being fad.
Sage Saha for her fbbernefle, mild Marpha being glad.
And if I fhould reentre make, amongft the Mufes nine,
My Lady lackt no kind of art, which man may well define
Amongfl thofe daintie dames to be, then let all iudge that heare,
If that my caufe it be not iuft, for which this penfiue cheare
Fell fortune forceth me to make.
King. Yet Clyomon good counfell take.
Let
Kiiight of the goldeii Sheeici, Let not the lofle of the Lady thine fo pinch thy hart with griefe, That nothing may vnto thy mind giue comfort or reliefe : ^^^^
"What man there Ladies are enow, although that ihe be gone, Then leaue to waile the want of her, ceafe off to make this mone.
Clyo. No father, neuer feeme for to perfwade, for as is faid before, "What trauell I haue had for her, it fhall be tryple more, Vntill I meete with her againe.
Clamy. Well Clyomon^ a while refraine. And let me here my woes recount before your fathers grace, But let me craue, your lifter may be fent for into place. O King vouchfafe I may demaund a fimple bound.
Although a ftraunger, yet I hope luch fauour may be found, ^^^
The thing is this, that you will lend for luliana hither. Your daughter faire, that we may talke a word or twaine togither.
King. For what, let me know fir knight, do you her fight defire ?
Clyo. The caufe pretends no harme my Liege, why he doth this require.
Ki. My Lord go bid our daughter come and fpeake with me fi;raight way.
Lo. I fliall my Liege in euerie point, your mind herein obey. Exit.
Clyo. Oh father this is Clamydes, and Ibnne to Swauia King. Who formy fifter ventured life, the ierpents head to bring : "With whom I met in trauell mine, but more whad did befall, To worke his woe when as fhe comes, your grace fhall know it all. aoio
King. My fbnne you are deceiued much, I you alfure in this, The perfon whom you tearme him for, in court alreadie is.
Clamy. No father I am not deceiued, this is Clamydes fure.
King. Well my fbnne do ceafe a while fiich talke to put in vre: For loe thy filler entereth place, which foone the doubt (hall end.
Clamy. Then for to fhew my name to her, I fiirely do pretend. My luliana noble Dame, Clamydes do embrace. Who many a bitter brunt hath bode, fince that he faw thy fece.
Enter luliana. Auant difiembling wretch, what credit canft thou yeeld } lo^o
Wher's the ferpents head thou brought, where is my gh'ttering Sheeld.'' Tufh, tufh fir knight, you counterfet, you would Clamjdes be. But want of thefe bewraies you quite, and fhewes you are not he.
Cla?ny. O Princes do not me difdaine, I certaine am your knight :
H I Itilia. What
'"I
The mjlorie of Clyo77ton
lulia. What art thou franticke foolidi man ? auaunt from out my fight. If thou art he, then fliew my fheeld, and bring the Serpents head :
Clamy. O PrincelTe heare me fhew my cafe, by Fortune fell decreed. I am your Knight, and when I had fubdued the monfter fell, Through wearie fight and trauell great as Knowledge here can tell : I laid me downe to reft a fpace within the Forrefb, where ^040 ^
One Bryan than Same Joy hight, who with cowardly vfage there, By chaunting charme, brought me a fleepe, then did he take from me The Serpents head, my coate and flieeld, the which you gaue to me : And left me in his prifon loe, flill fleeping as I was. Loe Lady thus I loft thofe things the which to me you gaue, But certainly I am your Knight, and he who did depraue The flying Serpent of his life according as you willed. That who fb wonne your loue by him, the fame fhould be fulfilled.
luU. Alas poore knight, how fimplie haue you framed this excufe ? The name of fuch a noble knight to vflirpe and eke abufe. lojo
Clyo. No fifle you are deceiued, this is Clamy des fure :
lulia. No brother, then you are deceiued, fuch tales to put in vre : For my Clamydes is in Court, who did prefent to me. In white attire the Serpents head and Sheeld, as yet to fee.
Clamy. That fliall I quickly vnderfland, O king permit I may Haue conference a while with him, whom as your grace doth lay, Prefents Clamy des.^ for to be before your royall grace :
luli. Behold no whit agafl to fhew himfelfe, where he doth enter place.
Cla. Ah tray tor, art thou he that doth my name and fbate abufe ?
lull. Sir knight you are too bold in prefence here, fuch talke againfl him zo^o for to vfe.
Bry. Wherefore doeft thou vpbraid me thus, thou varlet do declare ?
Clio. No varlet he, to call him fb, fir knight you are too blame:
Clamy. Wouldfl thou perftand for what intent liich talk I here do frame ? Becaufe I know thou doeft vfurpe my ftate and noble name.
Bry. Who art thou, or whats thy name '^. reanfwere quickly make :
Clamy. I am Clamydes, whofe name to beare, thou here doeft vndertake.
Bry. Art thou Clamydes} vaunt thou falfe vfurper of my ftate, Auoyd this place, or death fhall be thy moft accuried fate.
How
Knight of the goldeii Sheeld. How dareft thou enterprife to take my name thus vnto thee ? zo7o
Clamy. Nay rather, how dareit thou attempt to vfurpe the name of me?
lulia. You lie Sir Knight, he doth not fo, gainft him you haue it done.
Clyo. Sifter you are deceiued, my frind here is Clamydes Prince, the King di. Suauias fonne.
lulia. Nay Brother, neither you nor he can me deceiue herein.
Clamy. O King bowe downe thy princely eares, and liilen what I fay. To proue my felfe the wight I am before your royall grace, And to difproue this faithleflfe Knight which here I find in place, For to vfurpe my name fo much, the combat will I trie : For before I will mine honour loofe, I rather chufe to die. ,080
A7. I like well your determined mind, but how fay you fir knight .-'
Bryan. Nay by his ounds ile gage my gowne he dares not fight : By gogs bloud I fhall be flaine now, if the Combat I denie, And not for the eares of my head with him I dare trie.
King. Sir knight why do you not reanfwere make in triall of your name ?
Bry. I will O King, if cafe he dare in combat trie the fame.
King. Well then go to prepare your felues, each one his weapons take :
lulia. Good father let it not be fb, reftraine them for my fake. I may not here behold my Knight in daunger for to be.
With fuch a one who doth vfurpe his name to purchafe me : 2090
I fpeake not this for that I feare his force or flrength in fight. But that I will not haue him deale with fuch a defperate wight.
King. Nay fure, there is no better way then that which is decreed, And therefore for to end their flrife the combat fhall proceed : Sir knights prepare your felues, the truth thereof to trie.
Clamy. I readie am, no cowarly heart fhall caufe me to denie.
Bry. Nay ile neuer fland the triall of it, my heart to fight doth faint : Therefore ile take me to my legs, feeing my honour I mull attaint.
King. Why whither runs Clamydes} Sir knight feeme to flay him :
Clyo. Nay it is Clamydes O King that doth fray him. 2 too
Clamy. Nay come fir come, for the combat we will trie :
Bry. Ah no my heart is done, to be Clamydes I denie.
King. Why how now Clamydes^ how chance you do the combat here thus fhunne?
Bry. Oh King grant pardon vnto me, the thing I haue begunne I mult denie, for I am not Clamides, this is plaine :
Though
The IIiJlo7'ie of Clyomo7i
Though greatly to my ihame, I miifl my words reuoke againe : I am no other then the knight, whome they Sance Foy call. This is Chvnydes^ the feare of whom, my danted mind doth pall.
Julian . Is this CJiunydes? ah worthy Knight, then do forgiue thy deere, ziio- And welcome eke ten thoufand times vnto thy Lady heere.
Clamy. Ah my Juliana bright, whats paft I do forgiue. For well I fee thou conltant art, and whillt that I do liue, For this, my firmed faith in thee for euer ile repofe.
Julian. O father now I do deny that wretch, and do amongfl my foes Recount him for this treafon wrought.
King. Well Knowledge, take him vnto thee, and for the fmall regard The which he had to valiant Knights, this fhalbe his reward, Sith he by charmes, his crueltie in cowardly manner wrought. On Knights, who as Clamydes did, the crowne of honour fought, iiao
And trayteroufly did them betray, in prifbn for to keepe. The fruits of fuch like crueltie, himfelfe by vs fhall reape: By due defert therefore I charge to prifon him conuay, There for to lye perpetually vnto his dying day.
Bryan. Oh King be merciflill, and fhew fome fauour in this cafe:
King. Nay, ncuer thinke that at my hands thou fhalt finde any grace. Clamydes., ah mofl welcome thou, our daughter to enioy, The heauens be praifd that this hath wrought, to foile all future noy.
Clamydes. I thanke your Grace, that you thus fb well efleeme of me.
Rnter Knowledge. What is all things finilhed, and euery man eafed? 1130 Is the pageant packed vp, and all parties pleafed ? Hath each Lord his Lady, and each Lady her loue ?
Clyomon. Why Knowledge., what meanit thou thofe motions to moue?
Knowledge. You were beft flay a while, and then you fhall know, For the Queene her felfe comes, the motion to fhow. You fent me if you remember, to feeke out your page, But I cannot find him, I went whifling & calling through the court in fiich At the lafl very fcacely in at a chamber I did pry, (a rage :
Where the Queene with other Ladyes very bufy I did fpy : Decking vp a ffcrange Lady very gallant and gay, 1140
To bring her here in prefence, as in court I heard fay.
Clyomon. A flrange Lady Knowledge, of whence is fhe canfl thou tell me.''
Knowledge. Not I ant fhall pleafe you, but anon you fhall fee.
For
Knight of the golden Sheeld, For lo where the Lady with your mother doth come :
Clyomon. Then ftraightway my duty to her grace fhalbe done. The mighty Gods preferue your ftate, O Queene, and mother deare, Hoping your bleffing I haue had, though abfent many a yeare. (gl^»
Enter Queene. My Clyomon., thy fight my fon doth make thy aged mother Whofe abfence long and many a yeare, hath made thy penfiue parents fad. And more to let thee know my fonne, that I do loue and tender thee, 2150
I haue here for thy welcome home, a prefent which ile giue to thee. This Lady though ihe be vnknowne, refufe her not, for fure her flate Deferues a Princes fonne to wed, and therefore take her for thy mate.
Clyomon. O noble Queene and mother deere, I thanke you for your great But I am otherwife beftowd, and fiire I muft my oath fulfill. (good will,
And fb I mind if gods to fore on fiach decree I meaneto paufe. For fure I mult of force deny, my noble father knowes the caufe. (went.
King. Indeed my Queene this much he told, he lou'd a Lady fince he Who hath his hart and euer fhall, and none but her to loue he 'is bent.
Clyomon. So did I fay, and fo I wil, no beawties blaze, no gliftering wight, a 160 Can caufe me to forget her loue, to whom my faith I firfl did plight.
Nerones. Why are you fo Itraight lac't fir Knight, to caft a Lady off fo coy .'* Turne once againe and looke on me, perhaps my fight may bring you ioy.
Clyo. Bring ioy to me ? alas which way ? no Ladies looks ca make me glad:
Nero. Then were my recopence but fmall, to quit my paine for you I had. Wherefore fir knight do wey my words, fet not fo light the loue I (how. But when you haue bethought your felfe, you wil recant and turne I know.
Queene. My Clyomon refiife her not, (he is and mulfc thy Lady be :
Clyo. If otherwife my mind be bent, I truft your grace will pardon me.
Nero. Wei then I fee tis time to fpeake, fir knight let me one queftio craue, 1170
Say on your mind. Where is that Lady now become, to whom your plighted faith you gaue ?
Clyo. Nay if I could abfblue that doubt, then were my mind at eafe :
Nero. Were you not brought to health by her, whe you came fick once of
Cly. Yea fure I mufl cofefle a truth, fhe did reftore my health to me, (y feas? For which good deed I reft her owne, in hope one day her face to fee.
Nero. But did you not promife her to returne, to fee her at a certaine day, And ere you came that to performe, the Norway King flole her away } And fo your Lady there you loft :
Clyomon. All this I graunt, but to his coft. ii8o
For Healing her againit her will, this hand of mine bereft his life.
I Ne. Now
The Hijlorie of Clyo7no7i Nc. Now fure fir knight you ferud him wel, to teach him know an other m3s But yet once more fir Knight replie, the truth I craue to vnderftand, (wife: In Forrell once, who gaue you drink, whereas you Itood with fword in had. Fearing lealt lome had you purfiide for fleying of your enemie?
Cly. That did a fillie fliepheards boy, wliich there I tooke my Page to be.
New. And what is of that Page become, remains he with you, yea or no?
Clyo. I fent him hither ere I came, becaufe the King and Queene fliould That I in heakh returned was, but fince I neuer faw him. (know,
Ne. And fure he f lands not far from hence, though now you do not know 2 190
Cljfo. Not far from hence, where might he be ? (him.
Nero. Of troth Sir Knight, my felfe am he: I brought your melfage to the King, as here the Queene can teftifie: I gaue you drinke in Forreft fure, when you with drought were hke to die. I found you once vpon the fhore full ficke, when as you came from feas, I brought you home to fathers Court, I fought al means your mind to pleas, And I it was that all this while haue waighted like a Page on thee: Still hoping for to fpie a time wherein I might difcouer mee. And fo by hap at lait I did, I thanke your mothers noble grace: She entertaind me courteoufly, when I had told her all my cafe. zic
And now let this fuflice my deare, I am Neronis whom you fee, Who many a wearie Itep hath gone, before and fince I met with thee.
Clyo. O fudden ioyes, O heauenly fight, O words more worth then gold, Neronis., O my deare welcome, my armes I here vnfold. To clafp thy comely corps withall, twice welcome to thy knight.
Nero. And I as ioyflill am no doubt, my Clyomon of thy happie fight.
Clyo. Clamydes my affiired friend, lo how Dame Fortune fauoureth mee, This is Neronis my deare loue, whofe face fo long I wifht to fee.
Clamy. My Clyoimn., I am as glad as you your felfe to fee this day :
Ki. Well daughter though a flranger yet, welcome to Court as I may fay. zx
Queene. And Lady as welcome vnto me, as if thou wert mine onely child.
Nero. For this your gracious curtefie, I thanke you noble Princes mild.
/a. Thogh Itrange and vnacquainted yet, do make account you welcome Your nuptiall day as well as mine, I know my father will prepare. (are,
King. Yes we are preft your nuptiall day with daughter ours to fee. As well as Clyomons our fonne, with this his Lady faire: Come therefore to our Court, that we the fame may foone prepare. For we are preft throughout our land, for all our Peeres to fend:
Omnes. Thy pleafure moft renowned King, thy feruants fhall attend.
FINIS. ^^^
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