a present; hoping, because the king
was a great lecher, by such a gift to purchase all their pardons, and
therefore came to take her and her page away. Thus resolved, while
Aliena and Ganymede were in this sad talk, they came rushing in, and
laid violent hands upon Aliena and her page, which made them cry out
to Rosader; who having the valor of his father stamped in his heart,
thought rather to die in defence of his friends, than any way be
touched with the least blemish of dishonor, and therefore dealt such
blows amongst them with his weapon, as he did witness well upon their
carcases that he was no coward. But as _Ne Hercules quidem contra
duos_, so Rosader could not resist a multitude, having none to back
him; so that he was not only rebated, but sore wounded, and Aliena and
Ganymede had been quite carried away by these rascals, had not fortune
(that meant to turn her frown into a favor) brought Saladyne that way
by chance, who wandering to find out his brother's walk, encountered
this crew: and seeing not only a shepherdess and her boy forced, but
his brother wounded, he heaved up a forest bill he had on his neck,
and the first he stroke had never after more need of the physician,
redoubling his blows with such courage that the slaves were amazed at
his valor. Rosader, espying his brother so fortunately arrived, and
seeing how valiantly he behaved himself, though sore wounded rushed
amongst them, and laid on such load,[1] that some of the crew were
slain, and the rest fled, leaving Aliena and Ganymede in the
possession of Rosader and Saladyne.

[Footnote 1: beat.]

Aliena after she had breathed awhile and was come to herself from this
fear, looked about her, and saw where Ganymede was busy dressing up
the wounds of the forester: but she cast her eye upon this courteous
champion that had made so hot a rescue, and that with such affection,
that she began to measure every part of him with favor, and in herself
to commend his personage and his virtue, holding him for a resolute
man, that durst assail such a troop of unbridled villains. At last,
gathering her spirits together, she returned him these thanks:

"Gentle sir, whatsoever you be that have adventured your flesh to
relieve our fortunes, as we hold you valiant so we esteem you
courteous, and to have as many hidden virtues as you have manifest
resolutions. We poor shepherds have no wealth but our flocks, and
therefore can we not make requital with any great tre