Thomas Lodge - Broadview Press Publisher's Blog

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sins, in thought of his father, in consideration of
his country. And now came there to his mind how
for six years and more he had lived an abject life,
unworthy his estate, the thought whereof so much
abashed him that it is impossible to reckon up his
perplexities. Then called he to mind the kind
affections of Emine, and his soul bemoaned that
so perfect a person should have so palpable an
imperfection. Now applied he the cause thereof to
the Emperor’s sin, 1 accompting the virgin happy,
that by her want of speech escaped from many
occasions of offence. Then recorded he the effusion
of Christian blood, and of mere compassion
in middest of that thought he wept most bitterly,
when the poor kind beast licked up his tears. In
this sort spent he the night in consideration of
many things, and in conclusion of the adventure 2
of his life for the safety of Christendom.
[During the second day of the battle, Robert (in
his disguise as the white knight) is praised for his
valour by the Emperor. Fleeing from the thirty
knights the Emperor has appointed to uncover his
true identity, Robert is wounded in the thigh by
one of them who believes that the wounded man’s
agony will give him away later at court. Robert,
however, conceals his pain and successfully
resumes his role as the Emperor’s fool. He
deceives everyone except the faithful Emine.
Hearing that the Emperor has promised the hand
of Emine to the man who proves himself the
white knight, the Soldan, availing himself of
magical aid, arrives at court on an exact duplicate
of Robert’s horse, wearing an exact duplicate of
Robert’s armour. After being baptized by the
Pope, the Soldan’s marriage to Emine is planned
for the next day. Although Emine weeps and tries
to get her father to understand that Robert is the
kingdom’s true saviour, she finally agrees (out of
filial love and duty) to wed the Soldan. His oath
still binding him, Robert finds himself helpless to
1 to the Emperor’s sin In sixteenth-century England, a child’s physical
handicaps (such as deafness, blindness, lameness, etc.) were often
believed to be a punishment for the sins of its parent(s).
2 adventure adventuring; hazard, risk.
T HOMAS L ODGE
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intervene as the wedding party approaches the
altar.]
How the Soldan Entered the City of Rome
in His Disguise and Made His Claim to
Emine, Who Should Have Been Betrothed
unto Him, and What Miraculous Chance
Did thereupon Ensue. [Chapter 17].
Robert among the rest, in a new fool’s attire, was a
special attendant, and oftentimes his heart earned 3
and his soul sighed to see that another should
enjoy his title. Fain 4 would he have spoken, but
religious zeal closed his lips. In brief, when the
solemn service was accomplished, the Pope in all
solemnity presented himself in his pontificalibus 5 to
couple these two magnificent princes together.
Emine was brought forth, the Soldan addressed,
the ceremonies were begun, and the soothfastness
was to be plighted, 6 when (lo, the wondrous works
of almighty God!) Emine at such time as their
hands should have been joined violently drew hers
backward, and inspired by divine providence (after
she had been dumb from her infancy thitherto 7 )
she began thus:
“Unhallowed pagan, who to perform thy lust
counterfeitest religion and to attain my love hast
coined a lie! Know thou that thou canst dissemble
with the world, thou canst not be hidden from
God. With what face, false Soldan, canst thou
claim another’s right? Or entitle thyself to that
honour which thy betters have deserved? It lies
not in that weak hand to contain such hardiness, in
that faint breast to enact such forwardness,
neither, wert thou able in firmness, couldst thou
reach to that honour wanting 8 faith. It was not
man, ye princes; it was no human power, dread
3 earned yearned, longed for.
4 Fain willingly, with pleasure.
5 pontificalibus the dress and accoutrements appropriate to his position
as pope (Latin, “pontificalibus, -e,” adjective).
6 soothfastness was to be plighted the pledging of one’s truth and faith
in marriage; the marriage vows were about to be made.
7 thitherto i.e., up until this point.
8 wanting lacking